* Significant in surface 0.05
** Significant in surface 0.01
Based on the t-test and ANOVA, p-value of t and F, the mean of total score of critical thinking skills had only significant relationship with students’ major (p=0.020). Also a significant relationship was found between the major of students and gender with inference skill; semester of study with deductive reasoning skill, and ethnicity with 2 skills of inference and deductive reasoning (p<0.05).
Also regarding the relationship between age and the student academic performance with each of the critical thinking skills, the Pearson correlation coefficient results indicated a significant positive relationship but a negative relationship between age and analysis skill, i.e. with the increase of age, the score of analysis skill was reduced (p<0.05). Academic performance of the students had a direct significant relationship with critical thinking total score and inference skill; the more the score, the better the academic performance of students (p<0.05).
Table 3 shows the mean and standard deviation of learning styles score in the 4 groups of learning style. Using ANOVA one way ANOVA, the relationship between learning style and critical thinking skills and the comparison of the mean score for each skill in four styles are reported in the last column of the Table 3 .
The Relationship between critical thinking styles with learning styles
3.40±1.29 | 3.66±1.57 | 3.29±1.59 | 2.70±1.61 | 0.045 | |
1.91±1.24 | 1.88±1.07 | 1.69±1.11 | 1.43±0.96 | 0.185 | |
1.91±1.24 | 2.33±0.90 | 2.29±1.25 | 2.25±1.31 | 0.594 | |
3.59±1.59 | 3.83±1.50 | 3.53±1.61 | 2.81±1.59 | 0.028 | |
2.83±1.52 | 3.44±1.75 | 3.03±1.53 | 3.13±1.49 | 0.625 | |
7.33±2.10 | 7.88±2.56 | 7.30±2.44 | 6.41±2.52 | 0.032 |
Based on the p-value of ANOVA, the mean of evaluation skill and inductive reasoning skill had a significant difference and the relationship between these two skills with learning style was significant (p<0.05). Also the mean of critical thinking’s total score was significantly different in the four groups and the relationship between total score with learning style was significant, too (p<0.05).
The mean and confidence interval of university students’ performance in four learning styles
The mean and confidene interval of critical thinking skills
The study findings showed that the popular learning style among the students was the convergent style followed by the assimilating style which is consistent with Kolb's theory stating that medical science students usually have this learning style ( 8 ). This result was consistent with the results of other studies ( 9 , 10 ). In Yenice's study in which the student of training teacher were the target of the project, the most frequent learning styles were divergent and assimilating styles and these differences originate from the different target group of study in 2012 ( 11 ).
This study showed a significant relationship between learning style and gender, age, semester and employment. Meyari et al. did not find any significant relationship between learning style, age and gender of the freshman but for the fifth semester students, a significant relationship with age and gender was found ( 10 ). Also in Yenice's study, no relationship with learning style, gender, semester and age was found.
Furthermore, in the first semester divergent style, in the second semester assimilating style and in the third and fourth semester divergent style were accounted for the highest percentage. Also in the group age of 17-20 years the assimilating style and the age of 21-24 years the divergent style were dominant styles ( 11 ).
In the present study, it was found a significant positive relationship between convergent learning style and academic performance. Also in the study of Pooladi et al. the majority of the students had convergent style and they also found a significant relationship between learning style, total mean score and the mean of practical courses ( 12 ). Nasrabadi et al. found that students with the highest achievement were those with convergent style with a significant difference with those with divergent style ( 4 ). But the results are inconsistent to Meyari et al.’s ( 10 ).
In this study, the obtained mean score from the critical thinking questionnaire was (7.15±2.41) that was compared with that in the study of Khalili and Hoseinzadeh which was to validate and make reliable the critical thinking skills questionnaire of California (form B) in the Iranian nursing students; the mean of total score was about the 11th percentile of this study ( 13 ).
In other words, the computed score for critical thinking of the students participating was lower than 11 score that is in the 50th percentile and of course is lower than normal range.
Hariri and Bagherinezhad had shown that the computed score for Bachelor and Master students of Health faculty was also lower than the norm in Iran ( 14 ). Also Mayer and Dayer came to a similar conclusion in critical thinking skill in the Agricultural university of Florida’s students in 2006 ( 15 ).
But in Gharib et al.’s study, the total score of critical thinking test among the freshman and senior of Health-care management was in normal range ( 16 ). Wangensteen et al., found that the critical thinking skills of the newest graduate nursing students were relatively high in Sweden in 2010 ( 17 ).
In this study, students of all levels (Associate, Bachelor and PhD) with various fields of study participated but other studies have been limited to certain graduate courses that may explain the differences in levels of special critical thinking skills score in this study. In this study we found a significant relationship between total score of critical thinking and major of the students. This result is consistent with Serin et al. ( 18 ).
It was found a significant relationship between major of participants, gender and inference skill, semester and deductive reasoning skill, ethnicity and both inference and deductive reasoning skills.
In the Yenice's study significant relationship between critical thinking, group of age, gender and semester was seen ( 11 ). In Wangensteen et al.’s ( 17 ) study in the older age group, the level of critical thinking score increased. In Serin et al.’s ( 18 ) study the level of communication skills in girls was better than that in boys. And also a significant relationship was found between critical thinking and academic semester, but in Mayer and Dayer’s study no significant relationship between critical thinking levels and gender was found ( 4 , 15 ).
The results also showed that the total score of critical thinking and analytical skills of students and their performance had a significant relationship. Nasrabady et al.’s study also showed that there was a positive relationship between critical thinking reflection attitude and academic achievement ( 4 ). This is contradictory with what Demirhan, Bosluk and Ander found ( 6 , 15 ).
The results of the relationship between learning style and critical thinking indicated that the relationship between evaluation and inductive reasoning was significant to learning style (p<0.05). The relationship of critical thinking total score with learning style was also significant (p<0.05). Thus the total score for those with the conforming style of critical skills was more than that with other styles. But in the subgroup of inference skills, those with the convergent style had a higher mean than those with other styles.
Yenice found a negative relationship between critical thinking score and divergent learning style and a positive relation between critical thinking score and accommodating style ( 11 ).
Siriopoulos and Pomonis in their study compared the learning style and critical thinking skills of students in two phases: at the beginning and end of education and came to this conclusion that the learning style of students changed in the second phase.
For example, the divergent, convergent and accommodating styles languished and the assimilating style (combination of abstract thinking and reflective observation) was noticeably strengthened. However, those with converging learning style had higher levels of critical thinking.
The level of students’ critical thinking was lower in all international standards styles. Perhaps it was because of widely used teacher-centered teaching methods (lectures) in that university ( 19 ).
The results in the study of Nasrabady et al. showed that there was a significant difference between the level of learners’ critical thinking and divergent and assimilating styles ( 4 ).
Those with converging, diverging, assimilating and accommodating styles had the highest level of critical thinking, respectively.
Also there was a positive significant relationship between the reflective observation method and critical thinking and also a negative significant relationship between the abstract conceptualization method and critical thinking ( 4 ). But in another study that Mahmud has done in 2012, he did not find any significant relationship between learning style, critical thinking and students’ performance ( 6 ).
The results of this study showed that the students’ critical thinking skills of this university aren't acceptable. Also learning styles, critical thinking and academic performance have significant relationship with each other. Due to the important role of critical thinking in enhancing professional competence, it is recommend using teaching methods which are consistent with the learning styles.
This study is based on a research project that was approved in Research Deputy of Alborz University of Medical sciences. We sincerely appreciate all in Research Deputy of Alborz University of Medical sciences who supported us financially and morally and all students and colleagues who participated in this study.
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Home > ETD > Doctoral > 5866
Exploring student perceptions of problem-based learning and clinical field experiences: a phenomenological study.
Ashley Michelle Boles , Liberty University Follow
School of Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Mary Strickland
problem-based learning, medical education, higher-order thinking and processing, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, problem-solving, clinical field experiences
Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
Boles, Ashley Michelle, "Exploring Student Perceptions of Problem-Based Learning and Clinical Field Experiences: A Phenomenological Study" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects . 5866. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5866
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the experiences of participating in a physical therapy course primarily taught using problem-based learning teaching methods for Doctor of Physical Therapy students at a university in the mid-western United States. This study aimed to understand student perception of PBL and its effects on clinical field experiences (CFEs), specifically related to higher-order processing skills. The theory guiding this study was the social constructivism theory as it explains how knowledge acquisition and learning occurs through social interactions during problem-based learning activities. The central research question this study attempted to answer was: What were the experiences of DPT students who participate in a PBL education? This study design was a qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study. Convenience sampling was done from a pool of DPT students at a university in the midwestern United States. Data collection methods included journal prompts, individual interviews, and focus groups. Data analysis was based on van Manen’s data analysis methods. Findings reveal DPT students preferred PBL over traditional teaching methods and felt the use of PBL improved their higher-order thinking and processing skills. Participants felt that PBL teaching methods were conducive to their learning as the method allowed for real-time feedback and a perception of better content retention. DPT students also felt that using PBL teaching methods improved their ability to prioritize and funnel information to organize information in a way conducive to developing a solution to the problem. Participants felt that the problem-solving, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning they developed during the therapeutic exercise course did carry over into their ability to apply these higher-order thinking and processing skills during CFEs.
Since August 09, 2024
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Home > Graduate Research and Creative Practice > Culminating Experience Projects > 456
The importance of critical thinking skills in secondary classrooms.
Clinton T. Sterkenburg , Grand Valley State University Follow
Graduate degree type, degree name.
Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Secondary Education (M.Ed.)
College of Education
Sherie Klee
According to research, many students lack effective critical thinking skills. The ability to think critically is crucial for individuals to be successful and responsible. Many students have difficulties understanding this important skill and especially lack the ability to initiate and apply the process. Although a difficult task, educators have the responsibility to teach critical skills to students and to discern when certain instructional methods or activities are not helping students. Each student is different, and their needs must be considered, this correlates with how they learn and process information. Research has shown that traditional teaching methods that require students to regurgitate information do not prove helpful in teaching students to apply and understand the critical thinking process. Therefore, effective teachers expand upon traditional teaching methods and differentiate instructional and activity design for imparting critical thinking skills to students. This project presents some of the possible reasons students have difficulties thinking critically and provides examples of instructional and lesson design methods that are proven to help students understand critical thinking. The goal of this project is to provide a guide for secondary teachers to address the lack of critical thinking skills in many students. The ability to think critically will greatly benefit students and help them become productive members of society.
Sterkenburg, Clinton T., "The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in Secondary Classrooms" (2024). Culminating Experience Projects . 456. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/456
Since August 05, 2024
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Critical thinking, as described by Oxford Languages, is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.
Active and skillful approach, evaluation, assessment, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information obtained from, or made by, observation, knowledge, reflection, acumen or conversation, as a guide to belief and action, requires the critical thinking process, which is why it's often used in education and academics.
Some even may view it as a backbone of modern thought.
However, it's a skill, and skills must be trained and encouraged to be used at its full potential.
People turn up to various approaches in improving their critical thinking, like:
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Instead, there is a commitment to try to understand someone else's perception of the issue. Through this expansive exercise of understanding the other, one's prior beliefs may come into conflict with this new understanding, resulting in a state of doubt. ... By contrast, using critical thinking skills in a way that results in transformative ...
Building perception and critical thinking skills is a lifelong endeavor, but one that is essential for success and well-being. With regular practice, these cognitive abilities can become habits of an intelligent and thoughtful mind. Read more. March 16, 2023.
4. Critical Thinking as an Applied Model for Intelligence. One definition of intelligence that directly addresses the question about intelligence and real-world problem solving comes from Nickerson (2020, p. 205): "the ability to learn, to reason well, to solve novel problems, and to deal effectively with novel problems—often unpredictable—that confront one in daily life."
Critical thinking is a widely accepted educational goal. Its definition is contested, but the competing definitions can be understood as differing conceptions of the same basic concept: careful thinking directed to a goal. Conceptions differ with respect to the scope of such thinking, the type of goal, the criteria and norms for thinking ...
Perception shapes how we interpret information, while critical thinking guides our analysis and decision-making based on that interpretation. Perception biases. These are mental blindspots that distort our judgment and decision-making. Here are some common examples. Confirmation bias - We favor information that confirms our existing beliefs ...
Our critical thinking skills framework. The focus on critical thinking skills has its roots in two approaches: the cognitive psychological approach and the educational approach (see for reviews, e.g. Sternberg Citation 1986; Ten Dam and Volman Citation 2004).From a cognitive psychological approach, critical thinking is defined by the types of behaviours and skills that a critical thinker can show.
The exact definition of critical thinking is still debated among scholars. It has been defined in many different ways including the following: . "purposeful, self-regulatory judgment which results in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference, as well as explanation of the evidential, conceptual, methodological, criteriological, or ...
Critical thinking is the discipline of rigorously and skillfully using information, experience, observation, and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions, and beliefs. You'll need to actively question every step of your thinking process to do it well. Collecting, analyzing and evaluating information is an important skill in life, and a highly ...
The tradition of research into critical thinking reflects the common perception that human thinking left to itself often gravitates toward prejudice, over-generalization, common fallacies, self-deception, rigidity, and narrowness. ... It is focused on an ancient Greek ideal of "living an examined life". It is based on the skills, the insights ...
Perception of critical thinking and problem solving skill The following analysis was to report students’ perception regarding critical thinking and problem solving skill by computing mean score for each statement (refer Table 2). ... & Good, D. W. (2011). Critical Thinking Skills as Related to University Students’ Gender and ...
Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment. To think critically, you must be aware of your own biases and assumptions when encountering information, and apply consistent standards when evaluating sources. Critical thinking skills help you to: Identify credible sources. Evaluate and respond to arguments.
Critical thinking really is critical. The ability to think critically is important, but it doesn't come naturally to most of us. It's just easier to stick with biases, assumptions, and surface-level information. But that route often leads you to rash judgments, shaky conclusions, and disappointing decisions.
Facione defines critical thinking as skills (interpretation, analysis, etc.), but also as character traits (inquisitive, ... The study focused on participants' perceptions around critical thinking using a qualitative approach based on an interpretivist epistemology, rather than attempting an objective measurement of critical skills or ...
New thinking about the nature of perception helps explain why. ... such higher-level skills as reasoning and judgment and critical thinking—in other words, our expectations and knowledge ...
This research endeavors to delve into the nuanced perceptions of critical thinking skills held by undergraduate students in Malaysia and Vietnam. The study employs a robust research methodology, involving in-depth interviews with a cohort of 16 participants, drawn from both first-year and final-year undergraduates.
Developing critical thinking skills is a lifelong journey that requires practice, patience, and perseverance. With the right guidance and support, individuals can harness the power of critical thinking to transform their perception, enhance their mental health, and lead a more fulfilled and balanced life.
A woman pointing to a sign. There is also a list with the title "Critical thinking skills" and these skills are listed: • Analysis• Communication• Inference• Observation• Problem-solving. Critical thinking allows a person to analyze information and make an objective judgment. By impartially evaluating the facts related to a matter ...
Critical thinking skills can be enhanced through the use of visualisation tools, such as AMs, mind maps, ... This study explored the depth and processing patterns of students' critical thinking skills, and their perception of AM-supported online group debate activities integrated into an undergraduate course. Six debates were organised based ...
There are many resources to help you determine if information sources are factual or not. 7. Socratic Questioning. This way of thinking is called the Socrates Method, named after an old-time thinker from Greece. It's about asking lots of questions to understand a topic.
Introduction: The Current world needs people who have a lot of different abilities such as cognition and application of different ways of thinking, research, problem solving, critical thinking skills and creativity. In addition to critical thinking, learning styles is another key factor which has an essential role in the process of problem solving.
This study aimed to understand student perception of PBL and its effects on clinical field experiences (CFEs), specifically related to higher-order processing skills. ... critical thinking, and clinical reasoning they developed during the therapeutic exercise course did carry over into their ability to apply these higher-order thinking and ...
According to research, many students lack effective critical thinking skills. The ability to think critically is crucial for individuals to be successful and responsible. Many students have difficulties understanding this important skill and especially lack the ability to initiate and apply the process. Although a difficult task, educators have the responsibility to teach critical skills to ...
Critical thinking, as described by Oxford Languages, is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement. Active and skillful approach, evaluation, assessment, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information obtained from, or made by, observation, knowledge, reflection, acumen or conversation, as a guide to belief and action, requires the critical thinking process ...
Willingness to try new things: When problem-solving skills and critical thinking are encouraged by teachers, they set a robust foundation for young learners to experiment, think out of the box ...