Developing "Critical Thinking" as a formal class.
My fellow instructors and myself have found that our students are lacking the critical thinking skills to be able to answer questions on a certifying exam correctly. We are currently attempting to come up with a review class that incorporates critical thinking skills. We know that they know the information it's just a matter of getting them to be able to find the correct answer during a test.
Any suggestions or input would be helpful.
Norman,
Good point. The challenge that we are working on is how to get our platform to support us as we seek alternative ways of evaluating participants.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find it ironic that you want critical thinkers to provide THE correct answer and submit that your evaluation may be too objective. I recommend that, if you want to demonstrate critical thinking, you could develop an evaluation that is at a higher taxonomy with multiple possible answers.
Susan,
This is one of the many 'adjuctments' a good teacher will make in order to facilitate an optimum learning experience. Very good. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I find that when teaching Theory when lecturing for the state exams is very different than the actual practical teaching and can be confusing if the materials, text books, and resources are outdated or not accurate. It helps to review and explain this to students.
Dianne,
These are excellent, in-depth ways to facilitate the students' critical thinking and focus it on the professional requirements. Well done.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Critical thinking skills are extrememly important for the board examinations my students need to take as well. I incorporate case studies from the very beginning to help them with their critical thinking skills. I introduce them in discussions in class, I then use them for exercises in role playing/presentations, and I also use them in exams. I think if they are exposed to the format of the certifying exam from the beginning, it helps develop the skills needed and increases their comfort level when taking the actual certifying exam.
Ashley ,
Different (medical/computer/law enforcement) certifying bodies often have different styles of higher level thinking questions. Studying the appropriate style of questioning with content material in a review class is usually very effective.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
