Abstract
Can a project based learning (PBL) pedagogy improve critical thinking skills in first-year university students? This was the research question that drove this action research investigation. The purpose of this study was to find the best practice pedagogy to improve critical thinking skills for college students. A literature review examined the themes of PBL best practices, millennial student learning styles, and critical thinking pedagogy. Methodology included a student survey to better understand the needs for university level, critical thinking skills. The potential effectiveness of a PBL approach to improve the critical thinking needs and challenges of these students was analyzed. The results indicate that a PBL method can provide students with effective techniques for improving self-reliant, critical thinking skills. The paper concludes with recommendations for best PBL practices and strategies for developing independent, critical thinking abilities which are essential for students to be successful in their academic endeavors.
Highlights
First-year university students need critical thinking skills more than ever in the current college environment
This paper investigates student needs for developing critical thinking skills in first-year students at the Petroleum Institute; a university and research center in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and suggests pedagogical approaches to support student needs in this area
I would like to describe how the action research applications suggested in this study have informed practice with my students
Summary
First-year university students need critical thinking skills more than ever in the current college environment. This is true for freshmen engineering students in the United Arab Emirates. This paper investigates student needs for developing critical thinking skills in first-year students at the Petroleum Institute; a university and research center in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and suggests pedagogical approaches to support student needs in this area. Examining how constructivist learning approaches and understanding preferred learning styles of millennial learners can support students to be more successful in their university studies and future careers. The Petroleum Institute’s intention is to be a world-class university providing outstanding educational opportunities in engineering and applied sciences to prepare students for engineering careers and to support research in the energy industry. The Institute’s mission is to develop students as professionals in their fields of expertise in the UAE and worldwide
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
