Implementing and Assessing a Critical Thinking Problem Solving Project

Abstract

Abstract Critical thinking and problem solving have been identified as desirable outcomes for students in today's classrooms. Educators recognize that students need a welldesigned critical thinking curriculum that promotes problem solving, creative learning, and critical analysis of information. This article presents a discussion of critical theory as it relates to the adult learner. A research assignment is introduced that can be used at the university level to promote critical thinking. The assignment promotes the paradigm shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning. Students apply scientific information and reasoning as they learn how to define problems, gather relevant information, analyze situations, generate creative potential solutions, and evaluate those solutions. An assessment rubric, used to evaluate the project, is included.