Development Of Critical Thinking Research Articles

Fostering empathy through critical literacy in early childhood education in Colombia

ABSTRACT In Colombia, some educational settings, particularly territories with high levels of educational inequality, uphold conventional teaching strategies where emotional education and critical thinking receive little attention. This study is rooted in our intention to contribute to peace education in early childhood educational environments by fostering critical thinking and empathy, a predictor of prosocial behavior in children. The aim of this study is, first, that young children develop empathy by recognizing situations of oppression and injustice in children’s literature using critical literacy practices; and second, to contribute to young children’s development of critical thinking. Utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis, we suggest that critical literacy practices enhance empathy and critical thinking in young children through three strategies: reading selected children’s literature aloud, responding through multimodal texts, and having an open dialogue about critical issues that affect children in local communities. This article contributes to the literature about literacy, empathy development, and peace education with young children.

Exploring the characteristics of undergraduates’ Critical thinking development in peer interaction via epistemic network analysis

Although peer interaction has been considered a way to develop students’ critical thinking, there has been a lack of comprehensive exploration of the teaching strategy of analyzing undergraduates’ peer interaction regarding critical thinking skills and dispositions. In this study, 33 third-year undergraduates participated in a peer interactive learning activity. By means of Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA), the characteristics of developing critical thinking in peer interaction of high- and low-scoring groups were revealed. It was found that undergraduates’ critical thinking mainly involved the critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and inference, more than the critical thinking dispositions of curiosity, open-mindedness, persistence, and reflection. High-scoring group students’ critical thinking had more associations among persistence, analysis, evaluation, inference, and open-mindedness, while low-scoring group students’ critical thinking had more associations with curiosity, analysis, and inference. Moreover, the high- and low-scoring group students who engaged in peer interactive learning activities at each stage exhibited statistically significant differences in critical thinking characteristics including connectivity and interdependence. The low-scoring groups focused on critical thinking skills, whereas the high-scoring groups were driven by critical thinking dispositions. Finally, interventions for developing critical thinking are discussed, and suggestions are made to assist in designing and implementing future peer interactive learning activities.

SOCIAL POLICY: THEORY, METHODOLOGY AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF TEACHING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF SOCIAL WORKERS

The scientific article represented an analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study and teaching of social policy. The concept of "Social policy" is defined as a synthesis of theoretical and methodological approaches, as an educational discipline for students - future social workers, and as a practical activity aimed at reducing social tension in society and a tool of social justice. The author of the article analyzes the key problems of studying the problems of social policy and methods of teaching the discipline "Social Policy" in the period of a full-scale invasion. The main accents of the scientific publication are the principles, values, and effective tools of the state's social policy. Innovative teaching methods can help students - future social workers to understand the main problems of socio-economic inequality, gender aspects of social policy, methods, and directions of social protection of vulnerable categories of the population. Discussion of the results of sociological research, publications, and development of own projects made a great contribution to the development of critical thinking. The connection of the main directions and methods of social policy with the functioning and development of leading social institutions will help the practical implementation of knowledge in the everyday reality of social workers. Examples of discussions and realization of practical cases during the teaching of Social Policy as an educational discipline are offered for the analysis of social initiatives and programs in the context of various models of social policy. The active using of practical experience in the implementation of social programs and initiatives is proposed in the scientific article

Students’ Perspectives on the Use of Teacher Questions to Promote Critical Thinking in EFL Classrooms

Students’ Perspectives on the Use of Teacher Questions to Promote Critical Thinking in EFL Classrooms

The Perception of Teachers Regarding Entropy in University Institutional Management

University Entropy from the Teachers' Perspective Highlights Challenges in Terms of Structure, Communication, or Resource Management Efficiency. The study aims to determine teachers' perception of entropy in university institutional management. The methodology employed was quantitative, descriptive level, cross-sectional, and non-experimental in design. The population consisted of 300 teachers from various public universities in Lima who voluntarily participated. A key characteristic was that the universities had obtained institutional licensing. The entropy instrument has 2 dimensions: management and metamanagement, with 16 items using a dichotomous scale. It was validated by experts and subjected to a pilot test for reliability, obtaining a KR20 of 0.87. The study results revealed that entropy associated with the licensing process is perceived at high and medium levels, reflecting the persistence of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and controversy regarding potential loss of autonomy. This autonomy is considered crucial in the university setting as it contributes to the development of critical thinking and professional formation of students. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to adopt a more holistic and reflective approach to address the challenges facing the education system in its constant pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement. This implies avoiding the influence of political control and management in the academic sphere, thus allowing for a more conducive environment for the overall growth and development of higher education. Received: 12 January 2024 / Accepted: 23 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Modern Information Technologies in the Professional Education of Future Primary School Teachers

The article examines the problem of using information technologies in the educational and professional training of future primary school teachers. The authors found that the integration of digital resources into the educational process can effectively solve didactic tasks. It provides opportunities for virtual travel and improves the accessibility and efficiency of education. The application of information technologies contributes to enhancing the educational process. They prepare future teachers to function within the information society and promote the development of critical thinking and creativity among students. The new approach puts the teacher at the center of the educational process. This approach takes into account the professional competencies and personal interests of educators to promote the improvement of methodological, organizational, and technological support for personalized learning. The paper investigated the possibilities of using information technologies in the educational process to train future primary school teachers. The methodology included a systematic approach and general theoretical scientific methods. They include analysis, synthesis, and systematization of the research material on the role of digital technologies in the training of future primary school teachers. The research methodology employed two indicators to assess the psychological and emotional qualities of students, namely: assessment of communication skills; analysis of cultural and value orientations. The research results showed a high level of discomfort related to the current educational system. Nearly half of the respondents experience psychological and emotional stress due to the existing teaching format. In addition, as a result of the program implementation, it was found that the configuration model of student-centered learning applied to distance learning had a significant impact on students. The statistical analysis of the chi-square indices of overall conformity (χ2 = 0.36....1) indicates a high conformity of the data set. 

Assessment of students’ critical thinking maturity in the process of teaching philosophy

Introduction. Developing critical thinking is one of the primary objectives of modern education. From the authors’ perspective, both the method and the content of the discipline, especially philosophy, have historically evolved through dialogue within the intellectual tradition of the era, which is valuable for fostering critical thinking. Aim. The study aimed to develop and test a methodology for assessing the role of philosophy in shaping critical thinking, considering its expertise, knowledge, and skills. Methodology and research methods. The development of critical thinking was assessed during the analysis of the philosophical text. Prior to the test, it is worth noting that the authors conducted an expert assessment of the text, which later served as a reference assessment, and developed a grading scale. Gradually, examples of typical student errors were added to the scale, facilitating further assessment. Results. Nearly all students were able to summarise the provided text by the end of the course, although with varying degrees of distortion. At the beginning of the course, approximately one-tenth of the students were unable to do it, indicating that the understanding and interpretation of a text was beyond their ability. The absence of dynamics in all three skills indicates that a student has not developed a critical thinking mindset if their results are low. Among the students, the weak and average ones exhibit the most significant overall improvement (16–20% of the class enhance their performance across all criteria). The test revealed tender points in the student’s critical thinking development: a feeble argument assessment skill and a poor understanding of the voice behind the text. Scientific novelty. The proposed assessment methodology enables the connection of texts to assess the development of critical thinking with philosophical objectivity. Practical significance. This work provides a convenient tool for monitoring critical thinking skills in each student. Measuring critical thinking skills through students’ written works may help track individual accomplishments of the learners and indicate areas of growth in the course taught.

The Flipped Classroom Model in Teaching the Primary School Mathematics Teaching Methods Course for Primary Education Students at Tan Trao University

Teaching according to the “flipped classroom” model is one of the blended learning methods. In this article, we discuss some research results from authors both domestically and internationally on the flipped classroom model, thereby proposing a process and implementation of organizing teaching according to this model in teaching the primary school mathematics teaching methods course for Primary Education students at Tan Trao University. Applying the “flipped classroom” model in online teaching contributes to: 1/ fostering active engagement and interest in learning for students; 2/ innovating teaching methods, enhancing learning effectiveness, and fostering the development of critical thinking and other skills for students.

Interactive E-Modules for Enhancing Religious Education

Driven by the need for a suitable module to facilitate the teaching of Pendidikan Aswaja dan Ke-NU-an subject, we have developed an electronic module (e-module) based on Merdeka Belajar curriculum. This module aims to enhance comprehension, memory retention and empower students to take a more self-directed approach to learning. The aim of Pendidikan Aswaja dan Ke-NU-an as local content subject is to safeguard students from radicalism, extremism, fanaticism and religious intolerance. The research methodology employed in this study is Research and Development (RnD) utilizing the 4D development model comprising four stages: Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate. The e-module incorporates learning outcomes and objectives aligned with Merdeka Belajar curriculum, along with interactive video links connected to the online platform such as YouTube. The results from pilot testing of these interactive e-modules in two sample classes yielded a commendable score of 79%, categorizing it as “fit for use.” The module’s utilization by 67 students across both classes demonstrated significant competency development in knowledge acquisition, comprehension, critical thinking and prevention from radical and extremist viewpoints. This can be seen from affective and cognitive assessments at school. Furthermore, the module effectively addresses epistemological challenges within the field of Pendidikan Aswaja dan Ke-NU-an, aligning with the historical evolution of these disciplines and local educational needs.

Exploring the Performance of ChatGPT Versions 3.5, 4, and 4 With Vision in the Chilean Medical Licensing Examination: Observational Study.

The deployment of OpenAI's ChatGPT-3.5 and its subsequent versions, ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4 With Vision (4V; also known as "GPT-4 Turbo With Vision"), has notably influenced the medical field. Having demonstrated remarkable performance in medical examinations globally, these models show potential for educational applications. However, their effectiveness in non-English contexts, particularly in Chile's medical licensing examinations-a critical step for medical practitioners in Chile-is less explored. This gap highlights the need to evaluate ChatGPT's adaptability to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. This study aims to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT versions 3.5, 4, and 4V in the EUNACOM (Examen Único Nacional de Conocimientos de Medicina), a major medical examination in Chile. Three official practice drills (540 questions) from the University of Chile, mirroring the EUNACOM's structure and difficulty, were used to test ChatGPT versions 3.5, 4, and 4V. The 3 ChatGPT versions were provided 3 attempts for each drill. Responses to questions during each attempt were systematically categorized and analyzed to assess their accuracy rate. All versions of ChatGPT passed the EUNACOM drills. Specifically, versions 4 and 4V outperformed version 3.5, achieving average accuracy rates of 79.32% and 78.83%, respectively, compared to 57.53% for version 3.5 (P<.001). Version 4V, however, did not outperform version 4 (P=.73), despite the additional visual capabilities. We also evaluated ChatGPT's performance in different medical areas of the EUNACOM and found that versions 4 and 4V consistently outperformed version 3.5. Across the different medical areas, version 3.5 displayed the highest accuracy in psychiatry (69.84%), while versions 4 and 4V achieved the highest accuracy in surgery (90.00% and 86.11%, respectively). Versions 3.5 and 4 had the lowest performance in internal medicine (52.74% and 75.62%, respectively), while version 4V had the lowest performance in public health (74.07%). This study reveals ChatGPT's ability to pass the EUNACOM, with distinct proficiencies across versions 3.5, 4, and 4V. Notably, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have not significantly led to enhancements in performance on image-based questions. The variations in proficiency across medical fields suggest the need for more nuanced AI training. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of exploring innovative approaches to using AI to augment human cognition and enhance the learning process. Such advancements have the potential to significantly influence medical education, fostering not only knowledge acquisition but also the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among health care professionals.

Kritické myšlení v kontextu didaktiky filosofie a základů společenských věd

This theoretical study is based on the fact that critical thinking is part of the key competences and specifically civic competences, but it is not defined in detail in curriculum documents. Critical thinking is close to philosophical thinking. For the development of philosophical thinking, a competency-based approach is applied in foreign didactics of philosophy to define the objectives of the discipline. This study attempts to show that the competency-based approach is also suitable for the development of critical thinking in the context of teaching civics and social studies; it is thus necessary to know what critical thinking consists of. Therefore, the first aim of the study is to specify in more detail what critical thinking is, based on an analysis of two foreign conceptions of critical thinking, with an emphasis on its subcomponents. The second aim is to compare critical and philosophical thinking more closely and to show how a critical thinking perspective could enrich the existing elaboration of philosophical competencies. Given the similarity of these two ways of thinking, the author proposes that one of the goals of high school philosophy education should be the explicit development of critical thinking and that the skills, dispositions and knowledge needed for critical thinking should be taken into account in the specification of competency-based goals for philosophy education.

TOOLS FOR DEVELOPING STUDENTS` CRITICAL THINKING IN ART LESSONS IN GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION

The relevance of the development of critical thinking among modern students has been determined. The definition of “critical thinking” by well-known researchers is considered, the purpose and tasks, development tools, and conditions for creating an environment for the development of critical thinking are defined. The practical methods of developing critical thinking, which are used in the lessons of musical literacy and practical music making, are substantiated. The question of the formation of critical thinking of students of general secondary education institutions by interactive methods (game, intellectual, artistic association, theatricalization, practical-artistic, socially significant activity, information, activation of independent work, reflection) and with the participation of information technology was studied.

What would an existential approach bring to research supervision in postgraduate psychotherapy and counselling psychology education?

AbstractBackgroundQualitative/phenomenological research approaches are popular in counselling psychology and psychotherapy post‐graduate training. This article attends to the experience of research supervision in this setting, where there is a need for containment, compassion, clarity and empathy (Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 2021a, 22, 689).AimsThis article aims to bring the philosophical development of qualitative/phenomenological research back into focus. It asks what extra value would be brought to the supervision of trainees through existential awareness and phenomenological exploration. The authors offer ways in which existential awareness can be developed and utilised in research supervision.Materials and MethodsThe results of a small survey into the experiences of students are used to ground our observations in practice.ResultsA relational tension is implied, where trust and good communication are essential. An existential anxiety could be prompted, when a trainee's world shifts from being homely, to uncanny and strange. In these experiences of groundlessness, the world no longer provides a sense of certainty about one's possibilities, and one feels estranged and uncomfortably self‐aware. Fostering this awareness can mean that teaching and supervisory relationships are experienced in their intersubjective, free and creative dynamics.DiscussionAttending to Threshold Concepts can support the transformational nature of professional training, which is often an experience of uncertainty. Likewise, Socratic Questioning and irony contribute to the development of critical thinking, reflexivity and the harnessing of assumptions.ConclusionExistential awareness will enable the development of more authentic relationships across the therapeutic and educational encounters of training.

Transferable Best Practices and Mutual Learning Opportunities Between Instructional Design in Higher Education and the Corporate World

Instructional design facilitates effective learning in higher education and workplace training contexts. This paper examines the crossover between instructional design approaches in these settings. It identifies core transferable practices like defined objectives, assessment alignment, and active learning grounded in learning theories and research-based models. Differential practices suited to the unique contexts are also explored, including critical thinking in higher education and rapid iterative design in corporate learning. Finally, mutual learning opportunities are presented for how each domain can adapt select practices from the other to enhance their instructional design effectiveness, such as higher education integrating more experiential learning and corporate training focusing more on critical thinking development.

A Critical Examination of the Role of ChatGPT in Learning Research:A Thing Ethnographic Study

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence(AI) in natural language processing has sparked considerable interest in AI Large Language Models(LLM), such as ChatGPT, within the field of education. Despite this attention, there exists a noticeable gap in scholarly discourse regarding the potential impact of ChatGPT on learning research. This study adopts an ethnographic research approach, considering ChatGPT as an active research participant. Guided by four key questions derived from the SWOT analysis framework, the study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of ChatGPT's strengths (Availability and Accessibility, Natural Language Processing, Vast Knowledge Base) and weaknesses (Lack of Deep Understanding and Creative Thinking, Lack of Objectivity and Integrity) in the context of learning research. Special emphasis is placed on the substantial opportunities that ChatGPT introduces for learning research, notably its potential as an Intelligent Research Assistant and its capacity to provide Writing Assistance. Additionally, the study illuminates potential threats posed by ChatGPT to learning research, including Risks to the Development of Critical Thinking and Creativity, Risks to Information Security, and Risks of Deepening Educational Inequities. Through this rigorous critical analysis, the study endeavors to bridge the aforementioned gap in the literature. Furthermore, the research proposes that learning researchers prepare for the impact of ChatGPT on learning research by concentrating on Critical Scrutiny of ChatGPT, Integration of ChatGPT into Research Practices, and Reflective Practices Regarding ChatGPT. By elucidating these aspects, the study advocates for additional empirical research on the role of ChatGPT in learning research, aiming to effectively guide its valuable contributions in the future of learning research.

Research on the Innovation and Implementation Pathway of the Integrated Aesthetic Education Model in Research Universities within the Context of Digital Information and Intelligence Strategies

In the context of the digital revolution and the increasing integration of intelligence technologies, the innovation and implementation of an integrated aesthetic education model at research universities emerge as crucial. This study aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and aesthetic education, examining how AI can enhance traditional aesthetic teaching methods and promote the development of critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding. The research explores the potential of AI in areas such as data analytics, personalized learning, and virtual reality to transform aesthetic education and its implementation in research universities. By integrating AI into aesthetic education, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of educational practices in the digital age, focusing on the enhancement of learning experiences and outcomes.

Competências gerais, específicas e dificuldades para a atuação dos farmacêuticos como preceptores: revisão integrativa

The present study aimed aimed at describing and analyzing the general and specific skills and difficulties for pharmacists to act as preceptors. To this end, a literature review was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus, for articles published on general and specific competencies of pharmaceutical preceptors. The initial search identified 355 articles and 14 using articles published met the inclusion criteria. The main general competencies were found to be: communication skills, knowledge, problem solving, development of critical thinking and professionalism; as specific: feedback, interpersonal relationships, activities based on student needs, planning, shared expectations and leadership; and the main difficulties were seen as: need for greater qualification of preceptors and lack of time to carry out preceptorship activities. Knowledge of these skills and difficulties can contribute to a better workforce in academic and experiential pharmacy education.

Effectiveness of gamification in nursing degree education.

Previous research in nursing has found favorable results from the use of teaching methodologies alternative to lectures. One of the complementary methodologies used for university teaching is gamification, or the inclusion of game elements, creating a dynamic learning environment that allows the acquisition of knowledge and the development of other skills necessary for nursing students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gamification session on student satisfaction and knowledge scores in nursing students in simulated laboratory practice. A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted with 122 students from the nursing degree program who participated in the research. The evaluation consisted of four sessions of three hours each. In two sessions, participants were trained through a vertical methodology, by means of theoretical training provided by teaching staff, and two hours of clinical simulation, where the students were able to practice the techniques on professional simulators. At the other two sessions, participants received an explanation of the theoretical aspects of the session, one hour of clinical simulation, and one hour of gamification, in which they had to pass tests based on the performance of practical activities on the subject of the session. At the end of the gamification session, all the participants received a certificate as winners of the "nursing game". There was an improvement in the satisfaction and the knowledge level in the gamification sessions. Both were statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was an improvement in the items related to the development of critical thinking and the mobilizing concepts from theory to practice in the gamification sessions. The intervention was effective in improving the satisfaction of the sessions received and in knowledge development.

Реализация научно-образовательных подходов формирования критического мышления студентов-регионоведов

This article deals with the issues to develop critical thinking in teaching region studies. It gives the approach to study the region through a correct evaluation of the information about it. It shows the modern need to study the region through the work with information, to select it, check, analyze, evaluate, make a conclusion. It is an urgent vector of the modern education system to prepare region experts with a high level of critical thinking, who are able to operate with foreign-language media texts, alternative data sources, who know the ways how media work, who can deal with popular types of fakes. The author considers critical thinking as a necessary quality of personality and one of the main skills of a region expert. It requires developing systematically and purposefully in the pedagogical process. It uses methods of theoretical and practical analyses. The research of scientific and educational approaches to develop critical thinking reveals an optimal way to implement them in the preparation of region experts. It gives the experience of testing and its results confirming the hypothesis and clearly testifying to the effectiveness of the identified scientific and educational approaches. The author concludes that the identified scientific and educational approaches contribute to the targeted development of critical thinking in region studies, increase the effectiveness of a complex regional analysis, can be implemented in any compulsory discipline of region studies in various types of educational institutions.

DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN ENGLISH CLASSROOMS AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL: TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVE

This quantitative, descriptive research study investigated English teachers' perspective of critical thinking at secondary level. Sample of 100 participant (50 male, 50 female) was selected through random sampling. The data was collected using self-developed, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS-20 software, with frequencies calculated for each response option. The results indicated that majority of respondents (92.4%) had knowledge about critical thinking, viewed it as important for teaching English (92%), and considered it crucial for 21st-century learning (91%). Most of teachers (90%) reported using different techniques, particularly questioning (95%), to develop the students' critical thinking skills. However, only 14% believed students were good at the critical thinking, while 44.7% disagreed with this notion. This highlighted a perceived gap between their efforts &amp; students' abilities. It is concluded that English teachers have strong theoretical understanding of critical thinking and recognize its significance. Still, concerns exist about use of the current practices in fostering students' critical thinking skills. Addressing these areas could help bridge gap amid teachers' aspirations for critical thinking development &amp; observed outcomes in their students