ERIC Number: EJ904064
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Jan
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-500X
EISSN: N/A
Encouraging Critical Thinking in Online Threaded Discussions
Arend, Bridget
Journal of Educators Online, v6 n1 Jan 2009
Critical thinking is a highly desirable goal of online higher education courses. This article presents qualitative data from a mixed-method study that explores how asynchronous discussions within online courses influence critical thinking among students. In this study, online discussions were related to higher levels of critical thinking, but qualitative data indicate that the way discussions are used and facilitated is vital for encouraging critical thinking. Online discussions typically have the purpose of creating a space and time for informal, open-ended thinking to occur. Critical thinking appears to be best encouraged among students when a more consistent emphasis is placed on the discussions, and when instructor facilitation is less frequent but more purposeful. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Online Courses, Critical Thinking, Teacher Role, Community Colleges, Electronic Learning, Distance Education, Web Based Instruction, Technical Support, Educational Technology, Video Technology, Internet, Computer Mediated Communication, Teacher Attitudes, College Faculty, College Students, Student Attitudes, College Instruction, Instructional Effectiveness, Student Evaluation, Content Analysis, Student Surveys, Teacher Surveys, Grounded Theory, Interviews, Discussion Groups
Journal of Educators Online. 500 University Drive, Dothan, AL 36303. Web site: http://www.thejeo.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A