The Importance of Evaluative Thinking and the Excess of Scientific Effectiveness - Inspirations from Henryk Elzenberg’s Thought

The dynamics of changes in science inevitably, but also increasingly urgently begins to include ethical reflection. These issues include such problems as: the gap between the prestige of scientific and didactic activity, building scientific achievements solely through the prism of their carrying capacity, or the lack of influence of science on social and cultural life. The dominant role in shaping teaching standards is played by such phenomena as parameterization, indexing, coefficients or accreditation, while the normative space of scientific activity is no longer subject to such obvious standardization. The educational and cultural role of the people of science devalues towards entrepreneurship and effectiveness. Based on Henryk Elzenberg’s views on the excess of the importance of science to the detriment of evaluative thinking, it can be noted that contemporary academic expertise does not seem to pursue any axiological connotations, which in the long run is a highly disturbing advantage for culture.

The Influence of the SWOT Analysis Strategy on the Achievement of the Fifth Preparatory Literary Class Students’ Evaluative Thinking at History

The present study aims to identify the influence of the SWOT analysis strategy on the achievement of the fifth preparatory literary class students’ evaluative thinking at history. The researcher adopted the experimental design with partial control of the experimental and control groups and the post-test to achieve the objectives of the present study. The researcher randomly chose Section (B) to represent the experimental group that It is taught according to the SWOT analysis strategy, and Section (A) to represent the control group that is taught according to the traditional method. The number of the two research groups reached (62) students, of which (31) students were in the experimental group and (31) students were in the control group. The two groups were equalized in the variables, including the chronological age, the achievement of the fourth class at history, and the evaluative thinking. The two research tools; the achievement test and its validity and reliability were verified. The evaluative thinking test and its psychometric properties were verified. The researcher used the t-test) For two independent samples for data processing. The results show the superiority of the experimental group over the control group in terms of achievement and evaluative thinking.

Problem Finding, Divergent Thinking, and Evaluative Thinking Among Gifted and Nongifted Students

Investigations of differences between gifted and nongifted students have examined cognitive abilities, including intelligence quotient (IQ) differences, higher order thinking skills, and divergent thinking (DT). However, little is known about differences in problem finding (PF). Moreover, previous works on gifted students have never explored associations between PF and evaluative thinking (ET). Both PF and ET play a role in the creative process. The present study tested relationships between PF, DT, and ET and examined differences between gifted ( N = 175) and nongifted students ( N = 188). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between gifted and nongifted students’ PF, DT, and ET, with effect sizes (η2) ranging from 0.048 to 0.192. Gender differences were also analyzed; gifted girls scored significantly higher than gifted boys in PF fluency and originality, DT originality, and in ET in PF. Originality scores in DT and PF significantly predicted the accuracy of students’ ET ( R2 = 34%–42%). Finally, canonical correlation analyses showed moderate-to-strong correlations between DT, PF, and ET scores. Limitations of this study are discussed.

Active Learning and Interpersonal Skills Development among First-Generation College Students

Scholars have detailed the benefits of active learning, particularly the impact that simulations can have on promoting engagement and evaluative thinking. Scholars have discussed the positive effects of active learning on first-generation college students, but there is minimal research on how simulations contribute to developing interpersonal skills, especially among first-generation college students. Interpersonal skills, often referred to as soft skills, are challenging to quantify since they focus on how individuals relate and interact with others. These skills include oral and written communication, teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills. This article examines whether stimulations taught within an active learning environment contributed to developing interpersonal skills among first-generation college students. In a retrospective survey administered at a single campus, our findings suggest that active learning contributes to the building of cultural capital for first-generation college students and also contributes developing interpersonal skills for both first-generation and second-generation college students.

Contribution tracing for organisational-wide planning, improved collaboration and evaluative thinking

In 2015, The Wellcome Trust launched a new strategic approach to its work and created a framework to measure success. This article focuses on a particular dimension of this framework: research impact linked to the Trust’s pool of research award holders. This article describes why contribution tracing was chosen as an evaluation approach. It also describes how it was used in innovative ways to handle a large number of cases with potential for impact and develop an organisation-wide evaluation plan that makes the most out of data science techniques while increasing understanding of evaluation and facilitating collaboration and joint planning with colleagues across the organisation.

The Role of Evaluative Thinking in the Teaching of Evaluation

In this practice note, I share some reflections on the role of evaluative thinking in the teaching of evaluation. I teach an introductory graduate-level evaluation course to Master’s and Doctoral students and also provide ECB workshops to various community-based education organizations, non-governmental organizations, non-profits, foundations, and groups of emerging evaluators. In this practice note I use a reflective case study augmented with analysis against salient theoretical frameworks to reflect on evaluative thinking as a way: (1) to balance teaching theory and practice; (2) to infuse adult education principles and practices, which can also help learners hone in on the potential for evaluation for social justice; and (3) to equip students for continuing professional development—to help them become life-long learners in evaluation.