One thing I learned from this module was the need to give students conflict resolution skills or expectations when working on group projects. I assumed this would be self explanatory or intuitive. However, I realize not all students have had to complete group assignments and resolve conflicts between group members. When giving the first group assignments, I plan to give my students some tips and tricks for managing their group interactions and any conflicts that may arise.
Critical thinking often comes when a student understands the material .
Real life problem solving - current, active - read, write, discuss - more relatable for the student. Once the student researches on his own then he becomes the expert on the topic. Opinions may change once further research and discussion occirs.
Utilizing activities that require the students to think critically is in the best interest of the student and the instructor because it forces the student to practice problem solving skills. When utilizing active learning methods it is crucial that there is mutual respect between every member of the cooperative environment. Students must also understand that their peers might ask them questions about the project, which gives them an opportunity to take the role of instructor for a moment. Teaching a topic often leads to a strong understanding of the topic, so this is a positive outcome of methods like cooperative learning.
"Active learning strategies can assist [students] in developing higher level skills like critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation." I think it incredibly important for students to develop higher order thinking skills. The techniques discussed in this course will certainly help create an "intellectually competent" workforce.
My favorite quote from the course: "Being a good critical thinker is part of what it means to be a fully developed, well-rounded person. It can help them graduate and enter their career path with a better self-understanding or ability to progress and be engaged in their career choice."
Active learning can enhance team building skills and increase participation among students who normally aren't likely to contribute to the learning process. It also draws on problem-solving skills which naturally promote a group learning dynamic.
Students should come to class with questions that need to be answered, students can teach instructors-
Critical thinking means accepting knowledge from various sources including ones peers. Discussion Posts, blogs, and peer review are all important for online learning. Students become problem solvers and are able to evaluate information and study complex situations.
the importance of critical thinking - using group based learning, collaborative learning and problem based learning.
I have experience in small-group learning activities where some students dominate while others are passive. The trick for true collaboration is to have some structure with expectations. I like the problem-solving approach. It will be important to have thoughtful prompts that are engaging.
One of the advantages of the online environment is the real-time access to technology. Involving students in a fun and easy way is a great resource to incorporate active learning. Students can search for images, links, or articles and share with the class in real time. This allows students to engage with material as well as encourages peer-to-peer interaction.
Employers want to hire employees who can solve problems and think critically.
Critical thinking skills are difficult for students who are used to the "sit and get" method of teaching. Having students work together or by themselves on tasks and projects give students more opportunities to think critically and use their knowledge in new ways. I have give my students models to analysis in small groups and provided some guiding questions to help them better understand the concepts being learned, Students much discuss their findings and understandings before they move on to the next model or question. This gives them practice with analyzing and thinking about their results and ideas in a safe space with a handful of peers.
Critical thinking activities should include complicated topics with many perspectives and issues. Students can bring their own personal experiences with these topics, they can reflect upon various perspectives, and can relate these ideas to their peers. This is improtant for writing courses so that students can reflect and prepare their ideas before writing a formal paper.
How to encourage and promote critical thinking. Instructors can also model critical thinking, and provide opportunities for students to use this skill in their every day life.
I feel critical thinking is a skill that we must possess to be successful. Unfortunately, this is a skill that many students are deficient in!! We can help them build this skill through active learning!
Trying to solve a problem is important for critial thinking, which is incorporated into my class
In today's learning environment, the instructor has become the facilitator of the classroom. Through critical thinking, collaborative learning, and problem-based learning; students are becoming more dedicated learners. There are many more ways for students to gain an understanding of the information. All types of learners are now able to do well in the learning environment.
Kasey McCusker
Connecting course material to real life and encouraging students to use smartphones to research and bring examples to the classroom will engage students and make learning more active and fun. I also think it will make it more memorable.
