Factors Influencing the Teaching of Critical Thinking to Primary School Students by Primary School Teachers in the Mountainous Region of Northern Vietnam

Abstract

This article examines the factors influencing the teaching of critical thinking development for students by primary school teachers in northern mountainous areas of Vietnam. The 21 survey questions were designed via google form and sent to 128 primary school teachers in the mountainous northern region of Viet Nam. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method was used to analyze the study results. Research results show that there are six factors that influence primary school teachers' teaching to develop critical thinking for students: 1) Teaching skills develop critical thinking; 2) Teacher attitude; 3) The teacher's understanding of critical thinking; 4) The interest of the student's parents; 5) Influence from colleagues and managers; 6) Critical thinking assessment activities. The total variance extracted by these 6 factors explains 68.477% of the 21 observed variables. The results of this research can help primary school teachers in the mountainous north of Vietnam better understand what is needed to develop students' critical thinking and apply appropriate teaching methods to help students develop these skills.