I have watched four presentations on critical thinking in this forum with virtually no comments with a respectible number of views. . We probably need to ask why because critical thinking promotes commentary. Some of the reasons could include disinterest, lack of knowledge on the subject and an absence of critical thinking abilities. The lack of participation is as important as the presentations.
Since this is about critical thinking allow me to be critical. The absence of the antecedents of critical thinking and an assumption that critical thinking skills can be taught, developed or encouraged through online forums is problematic. For this argument, let's assume critical thinking is a function of cognitive development. Given the fact that cognitive development reaches its peak around age 30, could we be trying to develop something that is difficult or impossible? If adult learners have not acquired (as opposed to learned) critical thinking skills when they show up for a doctoral program, can we reasonably expect it will be aquired through our online programs with limited course editor and student interaction? I'm only 50% of the way through my program but I haven't seen any significant success in creating critical thinking, in the technical sense of the term, with those who came in without it. I think we need more of a discussion regarding this aspect of critical thinking from a research perspective.
I really enjoyed your presentation. It is important to understand how critical thinking can assist in making good decisions. I find that adult learners have a different level of critical thinking as opposed to younger learners. Adults have more of life's responsibilities, yet they also have more of life's experiences. I find that these aspects can be either a positive or a negative depending on the accountability level of the student. Thank you for sharing this insight!
4 Comments
I have watched four presentations on critical thinking in this forum with virtually no comments with a respectible number of views. . We probably need to ask why because critical thinking promotes commentary. Some of the reasons could include disinterest, lack of knowledge on the subject and an absence of critical thinking abilities. The lack of participation is as important as the presentations.
Since this is about critical thinking allow me to be critical. The absence of the antecedents of critical thinking and an assumption that critical thinking skills can be taught, developed or encouraged through online forums is problematic. For this argument, let's assume critical thinking is a function of cognitive development. Given the fact that cognitive development reaches its peak around age 30, could we be trying to develop something that is difficult or impossible? If adult learners have not acquired (as opposed to learned) critical thinking skills when they show up for a doctoral program, can we reasonably expect it will be aquired through our online programs with limited course editor and student interaction? I'm only 50% of the way through my program but I haven't seen any significant success in creating critical thinking, in the technical sense of the term, with those who came in without it. I think we need more of a discussion regarding this aspect of critical thinking from a research perspective.
I really enjoyed your presentation. It is important to understand how critical thinking can assist in making good decisions. I find that adult learners have a different level of critical thinking as opposed to younger learners. Adults have more of life's responsibilities, yet they also have more of life's experiences. I find that these aspects can be either a positive or a negative depending on the accountability level of the student. Thank you for sharing this insight!