Abstract
Reciprocal Peer tutoring (RPT) can support students in enhancing their critical thinking during learning process. The evolution of internet technology has shifted face-to-face peer tutoring to an online environment such as use of a social networking site, Facebook. In addition, Facebook Group provides a space for students and instructor to discuss academic related matters. However, depending solely on the Facebook medium without proper design learning activities do not guarantee active learning among students. In addition, educators might face multiple challenges by using social networking site such as Facebook for teaching and learning purpose. Thus, this study integrated online reciprocal peer tutoring arrangements in Facebook to stimulate students’ critical thinking. A total of 29 students involved in the online discussions through Facebook with 14 Facebook Group pages were created. During discussion, tutor will used guided peer questioning strategy initiate tutee to think to the higher levels. This study employed lag sequential analysis to empirically explore patterns of critical thinking processing in Facebook discussions among High and Low critical thinking groups. The results showed that, apparently, High critical thinking group emerged thinking pattern which progressing from lower to higher order thinking processes which are very crucial in shaping their thinking to the higher levels. Additionally, by asking students’ prior knowledge and understanding frequently can help students to gain greater understanding of the topic and further initiate their higher level of critical thinking.
Highlights
The evolvement of technology has made tremendous contribution in the field of education
The findings shows that the development of students’ critical thinking in learning through Facebook discussion is initiated by the reciprocal peer tutoring (RPT) strategy which falls under the low-level of critical thinking, Clarification was the most used process by students when discussing in each task given
H critical thinking group engaged in rich and critical discussions compared to L critical thinking group
Summary
The evolvement of technology has made tremendous contribution in the field of education. Appropriate tools or technique by integrating technology has a great potential to harness the teaching and learning purposes [1]. One of the example is by using web technology as online learning platform. Online learning has been expanding through the years within higher education, and its success in the education world has led to better learning and teaching experiences for both students and educators. Online learning enables active interaction between students and educators through computer-mediated communication such as communications. Educators need to catch up with students who are currently more proficient in these technologies, especially in using Social Networking Sites (SNSs). Boyd and Ellison [3] claimed that these SNSs such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Snapchat and Instagram have attracted millions of users around the world by enabling users to build and access their social networks
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call