Questions for Critical Thinking Can Be Frustrating for Students
Some of my students in the pharm tech program, even the ones that study a lot for tests, find themselves stumped when asked a question requiring analysis or critical thinking. The problem is that tests are typically written to reflect knowledge and comprehension of the material, and only limited application or analysis. Students used to complain when I had test questions that weren't exactly phrased like the handout or study guide they received and required "extra" thinking, although some did quite well. I now try to ask speculative questions related to practice environment or possible strategies or solutions that may resolve issues, like medication errors, and find that patient cases generally evoke more enthusiasm for thought-provoking questions, than questions without associated scenarios. I guess it has to do with real-life applications.
Hi Mitessa, Since I actually teach Critical Thinking, I also have to help my students find that "middle ground".
Susan Polick
I often times tell my class... "Critical Thinking doesn't mean Over Think It!" ...It is, what it is...Critical Thinking can often times be substituted with Logic, Rationale, What if...Then after they give me the answer I was looking for...I reveal the fact that they all just used Critical Thinking Skills.
We spend so much time getting students to memorize the basics that they feel like they're just "repeaters." Then, when we take off points because they used the wrong word or phrase, they claim they're using "critical thinking"! I think it's important to distinguish the basics--which must be memorized--from questions soliciting higher-order thinking.
And I think students think that they have to come up with big, bulky, out of this world answers whereas critical thinking is thinking in details that we encounter on daily basis, routine and often times very simple.
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your post to the forum. You have shared some great examples of how to get students to use critical thinking! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I have also encountered the moans or lack of excitement in relation to critical thinking questioning. If answers aren't written word for word as they saw it previously, it may provoke anxiety. As you stated, asking a critical thinking question in relation to their everyday experiences does help. I use doing the laundry or asking when their child is ill, how do they determine if it's serious enough to take them to the doctor. The students go through a series of tasks that they provide and why. Then they tell me basically how they had prioritized and evaluated their information in order to make their choices. I then explain, which most do realize, how they applied their critical thinking. Just knowing that they had done it before, increased their participation in asking more questions. It was really a good thing to see.
H Terry, Thanks for your post to the forum. Employers tell us that they are always looking for employees with critical thinking skills. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I am a medical assisting instructor and when I phrase a question as critical thinking, I hear moans and groans.
I find most of the students do not realize critical thinking is something they do everyday. I then pose a question regarding an everyday occurrence in their lives. For example, if your child is sick in the morning of class, what do they do? This is a critical thinking scenario.
They begin to tell me they are unable to take their child to child-care due to illness and name different options available and the potential outcomes of each option. I tell them this is critical thinking! Sometimes, they only need to be reminded they are able to do the process of critical thinking and we continue with the topic on hand. Many people hear the term critical thinking but have no idea what it is. Some only need to be shown or reminded they already do the process.
I am also in the medical field- Sonography- and developing critical thinking skills in our students it's a must. Patient cases/ scenarios work great also for our students in trying to stimulate their higher thinking cognition.
Hi Helen, As an instructor of "Critical Thinking" classes, I know exactly what you mean! However, the employers who hire our graduates say they are really looking for those skills! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
