Analyzing critical thinking skills using online discussion forums and CCTST

Search Swinburne Research Bank

Home

List of Titles

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/216401

Check Swinburne's subscriptions for full text availability

Title: Analyzing critical thinking skills using online discussion forums and CCTST
Author(s): Jacob, Seibu Mary
Abstract: This research study examined the progress of critical thinking (CT) skills in a first year mathematics unit for two batches of students. Problem solving sessions in engineering mathematics were activated through two online Discussion Forums (DFs) and the student postings analysed for CT skills. Changes in participants' general CT Skills were investigated using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) instrument, before and after participation in the DFs. The CT skills identified through the postings from the DFs showed slight improvement over the semester. The general CT skills, as measured by the CCTST showed a progress in the total and the component scores. The study proved that online technology could facilitate development of CT skills in a slow yet steady manner, under the efficient supervision of the instructor.
Publication type: Journal article
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Sarawak Campus
Source: Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences: selected, revised papers from the 2nd World Conference on Learning, Teaching and Educational Leadership (WCLTA-2011), Istanbul, Turkey, 28-30 October 2011, Vol. 31 (2012), pp. 805-809
Publication year: 2012
Keyword(s): California Critical Thinking Skills Test; CCTST scores; Critical thinking skills; Online discussion forums
Publisher: Elsevier
ISSN: 1877-0428
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.12.145
Peer reviewed