10 Effective Methods:

Infusing Critical Thinking in

Online Education“Changing the Game”

Florida Distance

Education

Association

Dr. Frederick A. Ricci

Why Critical Thinking…

Cultivates and enhances

student’s

intellectual curiosity.

Expands and Encourages

engagement,

integrity,

empathy,

and responsibility.

What if?

How can?

Missing in many online courses:

What student say in the

U.S. about critical thinking Few professors have

helped me develop critical thinking skills.

However I was encouraged with critical thinking when instructors were passionate about their subject matter–the more they cared, the more my interest was sparked.

http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/library/articles-and-

essays/the-teaching-forum/from-the-students-

view-professors-who-cultivate-critical-

thinking-skills/

Why should an Instructor

Entice On-Line Critical

Thinking? The What and Why?

Encourages students to

examine evidence

consider implications

question assumptions

explore perspectives

and consider other questions..

Reference:http://www.blurtit.com/q526651.html

How does an online

instructor Cultivating

Critical Thinking? Begin by providing a course of study with Challenging

Experiences within the Assignments and Exercises

HOW? Effective Methods: Let’s identify 10

10 Effective methods:

Encouraging Critical Thinking

within Online Instruction.

1. Lead: Provide and

Encourage Thoughtful Online

Curriculum

Bai’s study: to promote critical thinking online, an instructor needs to convey to student about what is expected.

Develop Guidelines: Checklists, rubrics, guides, or models of critical thinking questions.

Promote Discussions: Create threaded discussions: i.e., encourage postings and comments to postings

2. Create and

Design Critical Thinking

Questions

Convey well-

designed

discussion

questions ---

It’s fundamental

in developing

critical thinking

skills

HOW?

CT and the Brain

Neurotransmitters? chemicals that transmit signals from one neuron to another target neuron to produce critical thinking.

Critical Thinking – a neurotransmitter brain flow: Analyzing, synthesizing, developing strategies, planning outcomes and solving problems,

Brain activity occurs as people think and experience emotions (Alridge, 2015)

Critical Thinking allows brain to accept, reject or suspend judgments in order to reach a final decision.

HOW? Try Bloom Taxonomy

of Learning DomainsRemember: Bloom's Taxonomy 1956

Educational psychologist Dr Benjamin

Bloom in order to promote higher forms of

thinking in education, such as analyzing and

evaluating concepts, processes, procedures,

and principles, rather than just remembering

facts (rote learning). It is most often used

when designing instruction or learning

processes (Instructional Design)- See more at:

http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/bloom.html#sth

ash.jgVRjnqG.dpuf

Prompt Blooms 6 Critical Thinking

stems within your course of study.

6. Creation / Synthesis: the ability to put facts together into a coherent whole, or, creatively achieve a new understanding by linking facts together

5. Evaluation: the ability to make judgements using criteria and standards

4. Analysis: ability to determine internal relationships

3. Application: the ability to apply what is learned to a new situation

2. Comprehension: the ability to interpret information in one’s own words

1. Knowledge: the ability to recall facts, opinions and concepts

From: Anderson et al (2001)

Bloom’s Taxonomy sample

questions: Stem Questions

1: Knowledge Exhibits previously learned material by recalling

facts, terms, basic concepts and answers.

What is . . . ?

When did ____ happen?

How would you explain . . . ?

Why did . .. ?

How would you describe . .. ?

2: Comprehension Demonstrating understanding of facts and

ideas by organising, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving

descriptions and stating main ideas.

How would you compare . .. ? contrast.. ?

Explain in your own words . . . ?

What facts or ideas show . .. ?

What evidence is there that…?

3: Application Solving problems by applying acquired

knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way.

What examples can you find to . . . ?

How would you show your understanding of. .. ?

What approach would you use to ... ?

What might have happened if. . . ?

4: Analysis Examining and breaking information

into parts by identifying motives or causes; making

inferences and finding evidence to support

generalisations.

What inference can you make from. . . ?

How would you classify . . . ?

How would you categorise . .. ?

Can you identify the difference parts... ?

5: Evaluation Presenting and defending opinions by

making judgments about information, validity of

ideas or quality of work based on a set of criteria.

How would you compare ……?

Which do you think is better….?

Evaluate contribution of ….. to …………….

What was the value or importance of …….. in

…………..?

What would you have recommended if you had been

……?

6: Creation / Synthesis: Compiling information

together in a different way by combining elements in

a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions.

What might have happened if… ?

Can you propose an alternative interpretation to that

of ……. . ?

Is there a marmite solution [1] here?http://www.ucdoer.ie/index.php/How_to_Ask_Questions_that_Prompt_Critical_Thinking

3. Use criteria to evaluate your

questions within the course

content: “RITPOT”

a. Relevance - related to the material in the unit of study.b. Importance - address a significant issue in the topic.c. Thought-provoking - require high-level thought, not a simple "look-up" online.d. Original– ask unique question not posed by another student.e. Timely – postings early in the module so that the other students have an opportunity to respond and provide time to facilitate a good discussion thread.

http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/SS770/Outline-GOOD_QUESTIONS.html

Also:

http://www.ucdoer.ie/index.php/How_to_Ask_Questions_that_Prompt_Critical_Thinking

4. Arouse Curiosity and

Excitement

Have students

share and interact

Create problems

in story format

Questions Arousing excitement:

What do we already know

How does …affect..

How does…tie in with.

What was learned

Why is the…important

What is a counterargument

for , to name a few

What would happen if….

Arouse Curiosity

(CREATE A CHECKLIST TO HELP STUDENT POSTINGS. DO YOU…

• HAVE ADEQUATE INFORMATION

CONVEY CLEARLY AND LOGICALLY

IDENTIFY SIGNIFICANCE OF WHAT I AM WRITING

PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION, FACTS, LOGIC, EVIDENCE AND CREDIBLE RESOURCES. PAUL (2006)

5. Stress Importance of

Critical Thinking in One’s Life.

Why important? To make dramatically

better decisions in life.

“Continuously discussing the thought processes within

government, business, education, cultures, and

societal systems with others …….is the key to

discovering new methods to eliminate

current problems and enhance future

society.”

FYI: Importance of CT by

International Associations The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Committee on Critical

Thinking "a process which stresses an attitude of suspended judgment,

incorporates logical inquiry and problem solving, and leads to an evaluative

decision or action." Critical thinking refers to a "way of reasoning that demands adequate support for one's beliefs and an unwillingness to

be persuaded unless the support is forthcoming."

Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) survey of business

and non-profit leaders found that 93% believe "a demonstrated capacity to

think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than [a job candidate’s] undergraduate major." More than 75% of

those surveyed say they want more emphasis on critical thinking, complex

problem solving, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in

real-world settings for all colleges and universities.

6. Provide In-depth Critical

Thinking Assignments

To develop thinking and

obtain information utilizing

the new and emerging

technologies which

enhance information

To apply theory to

practice with all

information technology

.

Assist with surfing the

net when obtaining

information.

Create strategic

group thinking,

planning, and

strategizing which are

identified with

organizational

success.

Assign Analytical Research

Papers

HAVE STUDENTS EVALUATE OTHER WRITINGS WITHIN THE COURSE CONTENT AREAS.

ANALYZE AND JUDGE WHICH ARE CREDIBLE SOURCES.

ENCOURAGE THEM TO FORMULATE LOGICAL THINKING PROCESS.

CONSIDER CULTURAL CONDITIONING AND ONE’S THOUGHT INFLUENCE

Lead and Guide your

students…..

Guide students by encouraging them with…….

searching for issues.

initiating a question process,

checking for ambiguity,

identifying value conflicts and assumptions,

seeking evidence and reasoning,

checking for significant information?

7. Teach Transfer Abilities

toward Decision Making and

Good Judgment Critical thinkers become good decision makers and

problem solvers……..

Excel at reviewing textbooks, periodicals and journals, or surfing the web

Provides practice toward gaining better judgment when reading and writing in today’s social media such as blogs, Facebook, twitter, etc.

Assists with thinking process,

Contributes to enrich discussion forums and group assignments valuable to organizations, societies, and governments.

8. Develop Effective Online

Group Teams: Locally and Globally

Enhances critical thinking skills within groups

Allows focused discussion within and among online clusters.

Builds cohesive communities.

Prepares for living in nations, which are becoming a knowledge-driven and knowledge-dependent society

Instructors lead discussion groups and create reflective thinkers among groups members.

Critical Thinkers: Analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and draw conclusions toward reaching a rational judgment within each step of the group dynamics.

Procedures Supporting Critical Thinking in

Distance Learning Groups

Online Discussions

Case Studies

Group Assignments

Debates

Live Discussions

Carefully

constructed

questions

Skilled Moderator

Clear Guidelines

Feedback

9. Expose Students to Cultural

Conditioning

Differences of opinion often

based on backgrounds or

“cultural conditioning”

Note: CC can block

individual’s ability to think

critically.

Thought process and

decision-making process

often is influenced by social

background or heritage.

Importance of Cultural

Conditioning

NEED: CREATING THE NEW ORGANIZATIONAL LEADER WORLDWIDE WHO UNDERSTANDS CULTURAL THINKING BY PURSUING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.

NEW WORLDWIDE EDUCATION

is changing our thoughts through the internet, tweets, MOOCS, etc. engaging diverse cultures worldwide

Cultural Conditioning and

Critical Thinking

Target: The understanding of Cultural Conditioning coupled with the command of critical thinking.

Significantly enhances leadership within any business, government, educational and/or social organization both locally and globally.

10. Implement and Evaluate the

Virtual World within online classes Infuse new

networks within

the course of

study.

Use the abundant

electronic

information

Encourage

students to

reason about all

online information

Needed: ability to determine

accuracy levels and credibility

Helpful web sites: USE the following

websites.

EasyBib – Website Evaluation Guide

Finding Dulcinea – Website

Credibility and Guidelines

Berkeley – Evaluating Webpages

Techniques

Your Role: Prepare Visionary

Leaders

Needed:— YOU

You have the capacity to inspire and energize others to perform at their highest level individually and collectively.

Focus: Vision and

Values

“Truly effective leaders in the years ahead…will

be visionary”

Summarize: REASONS FOR CRITICAL THINKING: Emerging nations

are demanding new and better education and leadership

Critical Thinking is the key to organizational survival in society, government, business, and education.

Your Role: Organizational

Leadership of the 21st

Century “There’s nothing

more important

than growing

people. That’s

your profession’s

no. 1 job.

Thank you.Dr. Fred Ricci

Additional References for review

Aldridge, J. M. (2005). Correlation as causation (fMRI) letter.

Brookings Institute. (2014). Problem solving through critical thinking.

Brown, T. (2008, June). Design thinking. Harvard Business Review: The Magazine. Retrieved from http://hbr.org/2008/06/design-thinking/

Budryk, Z. (2013). More than a major. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/04/10/survey-finds-business-executives-arent-focused-majors-those-they-hire

Burnette, C. (2005). What is design thinking? Retrieved from http://www.idesignthinking.com/01whyteach/01whyteach.html

Burnette, C. (2009). A theory of design thinking. FAIA Prepared in response to the Torquay Conference on Design Thinking, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia, Nov 1, 2009.

Changing Minds. (2012). Socratic questions. Retrieved from http://changingminds.org/ techniques/questioning/socratic_questions.htm

Chartrand, J., Ishikawa H., & Flanigan, S. (2009). Critical thinking means business: Learn to apply and develop the NEW #1 workplace skill. Pearson Education, Retrieved from http://www.talentlens.com/en/ downloads/whitepapers/ Pearson_TalentLens_Critical_Thinking_Means_Business.pdf

Dass, T. K. (1994, October). Educating tomorrow’s managers: The role of critical thinking. The International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 2, 333-360. Retrieved from http://aux.zicklin.baruch.cuny.edu/tkdas/publications/das_ijoa94_criticalthinking.pdf

Fast Company Staff. (2014). Design thinking: What is that? Retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com/919258/design-thinking-what

Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2007). To analyze critical thinking, we must analyze and question its elemental structures. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/ctmodel/logic-model1.htm

Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2013). Critical thinking: Where to begin. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/critical-thinking-where-to-begin/796

Humphreys, Debra, (2013) . Employers More Interested in Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Than College Major,aacu.org.

Jenkins, D. M., & Cutchens, A. B. (2011, Summer). Leading critically: A grounded theory of applied critical thinking in leadership studies, Journal of Leadership Education, 10, Retrieved from https://www.academ75ia.edu/1214625/

Jones, M. (2005). New paradigm for executive education. Executive White Paper. International Institute of Management 9IIM. Retrieved from http://www.iim-edu.org/executiveeducationbestpracticeskasac/

Karr, S. S. (2009, December). Critical thinking: A critical strategy for financial executives. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26, 2.

Lau, J., & Chan, J. (2014). Welcome to critical thinking web. Retrieved from http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/

Marbles, the Brain Store. (2012). About the Brain, Critical Thinking. Retrieved from, http://www.marblesthebrainstore.com/about-critical-thinking/

McGraw-Hill Companies. (2000). Reichenbach: An introduction to critical thinking. Retrieved from http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/philosophy/reichenbach/ m1_chap02studyguide.html

Natale, S., & Ricci, F. (2006). Critical thinking in organizations. Team Performance Management, 12(7), 272-278.

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). The brain, lesson 1: What’s going on there? Retrieved from http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/addiction/activities/lesson1_brainparts.htm)

Purdue University Center for Student Achievement. (n.d.). Critical thinking. Retrieved from http://webs.purduecal.edu/csa/files/2012/05/Critical-Thinking.pdf

Ratcliffe, J. (ed.). (2009, August 1). Steps in design thinking: Retrieved from https://dschool.stanford.edu/groups/k12/wiki/17cff/Design_Process_Steps.html

Stanford Graduate School of Business. (2014). Design Thinking Boot Camp: From insights to innovation. Retrieved from http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/exed/dtbc/

Stotz, D. (2012). The future of executive education. Executive Education in the News. Retrieved from http://uniconexed.org/en/89-unicon-articles-category/in-the-news/170-future-of-education.html

The Almanac. (2012, September 24). New Stanford courses stress critical thinking. Retrieved from http://www.almanacnews.com/news/2012/09/24/new-stanford-courses-stress-critical-thinking

Welsh, M. A., & Dehler, G. E. (2013). Combining critical reflection and design thinking to develop integrative learners, Journal of Management Education, 37, 771-802

Reference Websites:

http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/how-to-promote-critical-thinkin-with-online-discussion-forums/

http://www.saylor.org/courses/phil102/

http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/how-to-promote-critical-thinking-with-online-discussion-forums/

http://austhink.com/critical/

http://www.editlib.org/p/36242/ ]

http://www.editlib.org/noaccess/36242/