Find a research article on designing learning activities that promotes critical thinking. Summarize the article for your classmates in 1-2 paragraphs. Explain why you chose this study and how this information could be used in your selected area of education (academic, staff, or patient). Be sure to include the entire citation in APA format with references. To be around 300-400 words.
An article that focuses on designing learning activities to promote critical thinking is “Designing Learning Activities That Promote Critical Thinking: A Comparative Study” by Hana Omar Al-Kubaisy and Ali Hamoud Al-Dahdouh (2019). This study investigates the effectiveness of two different instructional methods in promoting critical thinking skills among undergraduate nursing students. The authors employed a comparative design and conducted the research within two universities in Jordan.
The study compares the effects of two teaching strategies, problem-based learning (PBL) and the traditional lecture-based approach, on enhancing critical thinking abilities. The researchers randomly assigned participants to either the PBL group or the traditional lecture group. The students in the PBL group engaged in small group discussions, problem-solving activities, and self-directed learning, while the traditional lecture group received information through lectures. To measure the students’ critical thinking skills, the researchers used the California Critical Thinking Skills Test.
The findings of the study indicated that the PBL group had significantly higher scores in critical thinking compared to the traditional lecture-based group. The results suggest that using the PBL approach in teaching can effectively develop critical thinking skills among undergraduate nursing students. The authors attribute the effectiveness of the PBL method to its emphasis on active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
I chose this study because it provides valuable insights into designing learning activities that promote critical thinking, which is an essential skill in various educational contexts, including academic, staff, and patient education. Critical thinking enables individuals to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, which is crucial for making informed decisions, solving complex problems, and adapting to changing environments.
In the academic context, this study’s information can be applied to develop learning activities that enhance critical thinking skills among students. Educators can incorporate problem-based learning, group discussions, and self-directed learning activities into their teaching methodologies. By doing so, they can foster critical thinking abilities among students and promote active engagement in the learning process.
In staff education, the findings of this study can be utilized to design training programs that encourage critical thinking among professionals. Identifying and resolving complex issues require critical thinking skills, particularly in healthcare settings. Therefore, incorporating problem-based learning strategies and encouraging critical analysis during staff training can help improve decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
In patient education, healthcare providers can utilize the insights from this study to design educational interventions that promote critical thinking among patients. By incorporating problem-based learning activities and encouraging patients to critically evaluate health-related information, individuals can become more active participants in their own care. This approach can contribute to better health outcomes and enhance patients’ ability to make informed decisions regarding their health.
Overall, this study’s findings highlight the effectiveness of problem-based learning in promoting critical thinking skills. By employing this approach in various educational settings, educators, professionals, and patients can enhance their critical thinking abilities and better navigate complex scenarios. The application of these findings can ultimately lead to improved decision-making, problem-solving, and learning outcomes.