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Measuring Critical Thinking Through Concept Maps

A Semester-long Experiment in Lifespan Course

Authors

  • Sadguna D Anasuri

    Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, USA

    Author

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol3.iss7.405
Keywords:
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Abstract

Critical thinking forms the core of our knowledge base. Students in higher education need practice and refinement of this skill crucial to help in their personal and social lives. The purposes of this study was to create an opportunity for the students in Lifespan Human Development course (n=20) to learn, practice and enhance critical thinking and conceptualization skills. This was studied using the assignment of Concept Maps, assessing the criteria Basic content, In-depth information, Connections/Comparisons, Theoretical/Holistic Views, Creativity/Novelty. Results showed that students improved in their critical thinking skills over the semester showing three performance patterns–Steady-progress, Inconsistent-progress, and Diffused. Researcher proposes that critical thinking ability to be introduced, practiced, supported, and promoted through deliberate instructional strategies and assessed regularly.

Author Biography
  1. Sadguna D Anasuri, Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, USA

    Human Development and Family Studies, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

References

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Published
2015-07-01
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 7 (2015): International Journal for Innovation Education and Research
Section
Journal Articles
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Copyright (c) 2015 Sadguna D Anasuri

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How to Cite

Anasuri, S. D. (2015). Measuring Critical Thinking Through Concept Maps: A Semester-long Experiment in Lifespan Course. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 3(7), 150-164. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol3.iss7.405