Teaching Through Investigative Case Studies: Lessons from Invertebrate Paleontology

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 169-180
Author(s):  
Tamra A. Schiappa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Metacognitive Skills ◽  
Dynamic Learning ◽  
Invertebrate Paleontology ◽  
Problem Solve

Students in traditional invertebrate paleontology courses typically are required to identify, sketch morphologic features, and memorize chronostratigraphic ranges of major fossil taxa. This traditional approach is viewed as mundane and unnecessary by many students. Integrating new learning strategies involving specific case studies into an invertebrate paleontology course creates a dynamic learning environment. This improves students' observational and critical-thinking skills as well as their understanding of the utility of the fossil record and key geologic concepts. New teaching strategies, such as investigative case studies, provide students with opportunities to develop good deductive reasoning and metacognitive skills. Strengthening these types of skills, which include comprehension, the ability to problem-solve, and the analysis and interpretation of data, will prepare students to be more successful as scientists.

scholarly journals Enhancing Learning Through Reflection– A Case Study of SEEU

SEEU Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brikena Xhaferi ◽  
Gezim Xhaferi
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Good Tool ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Learning through reflection is one of the most interesting experiences that students might have. It is considered a very good tool for self-assessing learning. It is believed that “teachers who promote reflective classrooms ensure that students are fully engaged in the process of making meaning” (Costa and Kallick, 2008, para.5). Dewey (1991) was among the first researchers who based his work and research on the positive roles that reflection plays in fostering self-reflection and critical thinking. He has defined it as an active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief. Reflections give students opportunities to think and reflect about their learning and note down the obstacles they might face during this process. The present study aims to investigate the impact of journal writing in promoting critical-thinking skills, and its impact on enhancing learning. The study uses two instruments, a student refection journal and an interview. Also, Marzano’s New Taxonomy of Educational Objectives developed in 2000 was used in the third phase of the study. This Taxonomy contains Three Systems: the Self-system, the Metacognitive system and the Cognitive system. The overall study results show that reflection journals help students to become more independent learners, reflect on their learning experiences and identify the most useful learning strategies. Most importantly, all study participants hold positive attitudes towards reflection and they consider it as a valuable tool which can increase learning.

Clinically oriented physiology teaching: strategy for developing critical-thinking skills in undergraduate medical students

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 102-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Rachel Abraham ◽  
Subramanya Upadhya ◽  
Sharmila Torke ◽  
K. Ramnarayan
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Teaching Strategy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Life Problems ◽  
Motivation For Learning

Medicine is an applied science, interpreting evidence and applying it to real life by using clinical reasoning skills and experience. COPT (clinically oriented physiology teaching) was incorporated in physiology instruction aiming to relate the study of physiology to real-life problems, to generate enthusiasm and motivation for learning, and to demonstrate the vocational relevance of physiology among students by integrating clinical experience with teaching. COPT consisted of two elements: 1) critical-thinking questions (CTQ) and 2) clinical case studies. After a few topics were taught, CTQ and case studies were given as an assignment. Answers were discussed in the next class. Two exams, each of which contained CTQ and recall questions, were conducted, one before ( exam 1) and one after ( exam 2) the implementation of COPT. Analysis of student performance in the examinations revealed that the students did better in exam 2 ( P < 0.0001). Feedback from students indicated that this method was useful and challenging.

scholarly journals Self-Assessment of Critical Thinking Skills in EFL Writing Courses at the University Level: Reconsideration of the Critical Thinking Construct

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Youssef Nadri ◽  
Adil Azhar
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Metacognitive Skills ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Efl Writing

The Critical Thinking (CT) component has by now secured a key place within EFL curriculum aims and objectives. The integration of a CT dimension into the teaching of the writing skill in particular has received considerable attention in research. However, research has also pointed to the failure of assessment practices to evaluate CT development. It is within this context that the present work advocates a standard based approach to the assessment of CT in EFL writing that aligns assessment criteria to the critical abilities articulated in the learning outcomes (i.e., standards). This fosters a conception of CT measures that associates components of CT with higher order writing skills. Accordingly, the first objective of the study is to empirically test the relationship between CT dispositions and metacognitive strategy use in an attempt to establish a model of writing (self-)assessment that combines these two dimensions. As assessment is viewed as a formative evaluation process subservient of learning, the study also targets the students’ self-assessment strategies during the writing process. To this purpose, a questionnaire has been designed, and administered to 100 students at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in Rabat to tap their perceptions and use of CT skills. The data analysis revealed that critical thinking development and assessment are metacognitive in nature; it follows that metacognitive skills such as planning, self-evaluating and reflecting are to be used as an essential vehicle in the development of Critical Thinking skills. This points to the paramount role of CT-informed formative (self-)assessment practices in benefiting ELT writing learners.

scholarly journals DEVELOPING METACOGNITIVE SKILL INSTRUMENT ON FUNGUS CONCEPT

EDUSAINS ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-253
Author(s):  
Zulfiani Zulfiani ◽  
Yanti Herlanti ◽  
Eny S. Rosydatun ◽  
Silak Hasiani ◽  
Ghina Rohmatulloh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Process Analysis ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Expert Judgment ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Development Research ◽  
Metacognitive Skills ◽  
Metacognitive Skill ◽  
Learning Success ◽  
Trial Test

PENGEMBANGAN INSTRUMEN KETERAMPILAN METAKOGNITIF PADA KONSEP JAMURAbstractMetacognition involves critical thinking skills, reflective of the cognitive processes of learners who simultaneously monitor their learning success. This research is aimed to develop metacognitive skill instrument on the mushroom concept of class X students of SMA Negeri in South Tangerang. Development research method / Formative Research from van den Akker (2006) with cycle/spiral process: analysis, design, evaluation and revision, systematic reflection and documentation. The metacognitive skills instrument consists of 12 questions, with the construction of 3 high order thinking skill, open-ended, cognitive thinking questions with 9 questions of metacognitive skills (planning, monitoring, and evaluation). Instruments validated through expert judgment and trial test were limited to 38 students and obtained Cronbach Alpha value of 0.832 (high criterion). The instrument was then revised and  re-tested on 96 learners and obtained by Alpha Cronbach 0.746 (high category). The results of this study acquired an alternative method of metacognitive skills measurement of learners are integrated into the biology of learning in the classroom.AbstrakMetakogisi melibatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis, reflektif terhadap proses kognitif peserta didik yang secara simultan memantau keberhasilan belajarnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan instrumen keterampilan metakognitif pada konsep Jamur peserta didik kelas X SMA Negeri di Tangerang Selatan. Metode penelitian pengembangann atau development research dari van den Akker (2006) dengan proses siklus/spiral: analisis, desain, evaluasi dan revisi, refleki sistematik dan dokumentasi. Instrumen keterampilan metakognitif berjumlah 12 pertanyaan, dengan konstruksi  3 pertanyaan kognitif berpikir tingkat tinggi, open ended disertai 9 pertanyaan keterampilan metakognitif (perencanaan, monitoring, dan evaluasi). Instrumen divalidasi melalui expert judgment dan uji coba terbatas pada 38 peserta didik dan diperoleh nilai reliabilitas Alpha Cronbach 0.832 (kategori tinggi). Instrumen kemudian direvisi dan diuji coba kembali  pada 96 peserta didik dan  diperoleh nilai Alpha Cronbach 0.746 (kategori tinggi). Hasil penelitian ini diperoleh alternatif metode pengukuran keterampilan metakognitif peserta didik yang terintegrasi dalam pembelajaran biologi di kelas. 

scholarly journals Pengembangan Ketrampilan Berpikir Tingkat Tinggi dengan Menggunakan Strategi Metakognitif Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Sucipto Sucipto
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Higher Order Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Metacognitive Skills ◽  
Higher Order Thinking Skills ◽  
Evaluation Problem

AbstrakSecara umum capaian ketrampilan berpikir tingkat tinggi peserta didik masih rendah dibanding negara lain. Untuk mengembangkan keterampilan berpikir  tingkat  tinggi, pendidik dituntut untuk menciptakan suasana belajar yang  mendukung  dan  menggunakan   strategi pembelajaran. Upaya meningkatkan ketrampilan berpikir peserta didik dapat dilakukan dengan meningkatkan ketrampilan metakognisinya. Ada berbagai jenis strategi metakognitif yang dapat dipilih pendidik, satu diantaranya menggunakan strategi pemecahan masalah (problem solving). Dalam proses pemecahan masalah, individu menggunakan kedua kemampuan kognitif dan keterampilan praktis, yang meliputi kegiatan metakognitif seperti analisis, sintesis dan evaluasi. Pembelajaran  berbasis masalah merupakan pendekatan pembelajaran yang digunakan untuk merangsang berpikir tingkat tinggi siswa dalam situasi yang berorientasi pada masalah yang nyata, termasuk di dalamnya belajar bagaimana belajar. AbstractIn general, higher order thinking skills achievements of learners is still low compared to other countries. To develop higher order thinking skills, educators are required to create a learning atmosphere that supports and use learning strategies. Efforts to improve thinking skills that learners can do to improve metacognitive skills. There are different types of metacognitive strategies that can be selected educators, one of which uses problem solving strategies. In the process of solving problems, individuals using both cognitive abilities and practical skills, which include metacognitive activities such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Problem-based learning is an instructional approach used to stimulate students' higher order thinking in situations oriented real problems, including learning how to learn.

The Role of Supplemental Instruction in the First Accounting Course

2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 531-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson P. Jones ◽  
Kent T. Fields
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Supplemental Instruction ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Accounting Education ◽  
Learning To Learn ◽  
Learning Techniques

This study investigates empirically the role of supplemental instruction (SI) as a means of enhancing student performance in the first accounting course. SI is a proactive educational intervention program that targets traditionally “high-risk” courses and employs collaborative learning techniques emphasizing learning strategies and critical-thinking skills. This emphasis on “learning to learn” has been advocated by the Accounting Education Change Commission (AECC) as a goal of the first accounting course. ANCOVA-based results from 1,359 students in nine sessions of Principles of Accounting indicate that SI was effective at increasing academic performance; after controlling for self-selection bias, participation in both voluntary and mandatory SI sessions was found to be positively associated with the total points earned in the course. Additionally, a step pattern is observed in the increased performance for both the voluntary and mandatory attendance phases of the study, indicating that the level of SI attendance may play a role in the benefits obtained. The implications of this analysis for the accounting curriculum are addressed.

Fostering Critical Thinking Using Instructional Strategies in English Classes

2019 ◽  
pp. 299-316
Author(s):  
Şenol Orakcı ◽  
Mehmet Durnali ◽  
Osman Aktan
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Critical Literacy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
English Classes

The aim of the chapter is to provide both theoretical and practical ideas about critical thinking development within English language teaching contexts. Encouraging language learners to be critical thinkers is important in teaching English as a foreign language. However, achieving the goal remains a challenge. Using various strategies together seem to be effective when properly implemented. Therefore this chapter outlines these strategies which include communicative language tasks, using authentic meaningful texts, using critical literacy, being aware of whole-brain learning, adopting a reflective teaching, enabling students to become autonomous, using explicit instruction, teacher questioning, using active and cooperative learning strategies, using literature in English classes, using creative drama, and adopting self-assessment. Teachers can enable learners to have critical thinking skills and more efficient English lessons by combining these strategies in a new way or by designing critical thinking activities in the classroom.

scholarly journals The trilayer approach of teaching physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology concepts in a first-year pharmacy course: the TLAT model

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed A. Islam ◽  
Gauri Sabnis ◽  
Fred Farris
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Concept Maps ◽  
Class Group ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Pharmacy Education ◽  
First Year ◽  
Group Activities ◽  
Traditional Lectures ◽  
Active Learning Strategies

This paper describes the development, implementation, and students’ perceptions of a new trilayer approach of teaching (TLAT). The TLAT model involved blending lecture, in-class group activities, and out-of-class assignments on selected content areas and was implemented initially in a first-year integrated pharmacy course. Course contents were either delivered by traditional lectures or by the TLAT. A survey instrument was distributed by SurveyMonkey to determine students’ perceptions of the TLAT model. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Students’ performance in a total of 225 examination and quiz questions was analyzed to evaluate whether the TLAT model improved students’ learning. Students’ ( n = 98) performance scores for TLAT-based and lecture-based questions were 83.3 ± 10.2 and 79.5 ± 14.0, respectively ( P < 0.05). Ninety-three percent of students believed that in-class group activities enhanced conceptual understanding of course materials, helped them take responsibility of their own learning, and enhanced their overall learning experiences. More than 80% of respondents felt that solving cases and developing concept maps helped them sharpen creative and critical thinking skills. In addition, 90% of the respondents indicated that the homework throughout the semester helped them stay up to date and focused with the progress of the course. The use of the TLAT model led to an improvement in student learning of complex concepts. Moreover, the results suggest that this model improves students’ self-reliance and attitudes toward learning. Our findings should serve as an impetus for inclusion of diverse active learning strategies in pharmacy education.

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