In this age of instant information, it is very easy for my students to reach conclusions that are not relevant to the question that is asked.
The process of research, analyzing data, asking questions that test the data, and reaching a sound conclusion is a core process that I incorporate in a class called the Business of Marketing and Design.
Finding a target market based on the product or service, determining the demographic information that pertains to the potential target market, and then reaching your desired audience by testing your findings is a technique that I have found to successfully help students develop critical thinking skills.
The real test comes when they make a final presentation to a "client" that is investing money in their recommendations. If the client is convinced and accepts their findings, they have applied a sound critical thinking process.
Ned
When my student ask me a question that reflect that they haven't read the material completely and they are looking for an answer. I tell them to complete reading the material and do some reseach and analyze what they are reading.
Keith,
Great first step. Do you have a formula with which you experienced success for the subsequent steps? Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think the first step is to listen to the masters such as Socrates.
Linh ,
This is another very good example. Practicing these very granular analyses and skills help 'fine tune' the required critical thinking on the part of the student. Very well done.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
As a dental hyeiene instructor, my students need to constantly develop their critical thinking skills. They are presented with a case study of a "patient" and have to come up with a differential diagnosis to why this patient has a certain condition or needs certain treatment modifications for their appointment. They have to be able to "read between the lines" to put things together, such as a certain medicaiton makes the patient's mouth dr; therefore, they need some sort of artificial saliva, or a dry mouth contributes higher incidence of decay so they would need extra fluoride applications, etc.
So students need to be able to apply what they know about each component separately and then form a diagnosis when they are able to put all those components together, which require critical thinking skills.
Judy,
Very good. Analyzing and comparing the information with other sources for objectivity is an excellent exercise before settling on it. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Reading is a wonderful way to develop critical thinking skills. After you have read a section, analyze what you have read, ask questions, and come up with responses. Also, it is important to question what you have read and not accept the information at face value; you need to research other ideas on issues prior to internalizing the information.
Denise,
Excellent. The more role play practice you provide, the better equipped they will be to respond appropriately in the real situation. Keep up the great work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I teach my students critical thinking skills throught the use of scenarios and role play. I try to get them to use their common sence when it comes to everyday scenarios they will encounter in the real O.R. That way, they build confidences with in themseleves when faced with real life situations.
Maria Luisa,
This is a very sound strategy for instruction. Guided practice with timely and accurate feedback to confirm correct responses and to correct deficient responses should be repeated until a specified level of competency is demonstrated. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I use different patient care scenarios/case studies and let students critically think what these scenarios ask for, so they can implement this in real situations.
Patricia,
I believe we all form 'first opinions' without trying. But I think you are absolutely right that we should not settle on that first opinion until we have substantial evidence to support it. Good thought. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Research a subject prior to having an opinion on it.
Marivic,
Immersion so the full impact of the circumstance then leading via questions. Excellent! Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Teaching critical thinking skills is a difficult task. You are essentially trying to instill a different thought process and a different way of handling and analyzing information. Initially, you might start with examples and scenarios, in order to "get their wheels turning." Ultimately though, I believe the best way to encourage and teach critical thinking is by immersion and exposure. Immerse the students in real-life situations and expose them to your own thought process. Hold discussions about relevant material and encourage questions. I like to answer their questions with another question that will hopefully help them come to the solution themselves.
Mazen,
Yes, these are all excellent approaches. Scenario-based simulations are being developed at an increasing rate for online classes. In the very near future, the online environment will have a great many more interactive, application activities.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Using case studies (or simulations)that illustrate concepts from a course and strive to apply these concepts to a "real world-type" situation. The understanding is that most times there are more than one appropriate answer. The difficult decision is selecting the best alternative, given the case parameters.
Also, playing the "devil's advocate" in class works very well in most situations.
Anthony,
Yes, open-ended questions provide an excellent door to the critical thinking process and deeper analysis of the topic. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Using open ended questions elicit critical thinking. students lean and understands that applying logic in expressing ideas help develop and establishes a better understanding of the subject being though/leaned.
