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Effect of teaching analytical and critical thinking skills on students' achievement in combined humanities
Author
Tan, Kok Wah
Supervisor
Hu, Chun
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the impacts of learning analytical and critical thinking skills. Three instruments were used for data collection, questionnaire, achievement test, and teachers' and students' interviews and classroom observations. The study was administered on secondary 1 and 3 students in 2001 and subsequently in 2002. The total size was 130. A 15-week training was conducted during which the students learned analytical and critical thinking skills by using question analysis and questioning, cooperative and problem-based learning techniques. A pre- and post-questionnaire and a pre- and post-test were administered before and after the treatment. The aim was to investigate: 1) whether students' self-perceived ability in handling examination questions would change and 2) whether students' results would improve.
The data analysis in the first instrument (pre-and post-questionnaire) recorded changes in students' self-perceived ability in handling examination questions indicating that the 15-week training had been effective in changing their perception and attitude. The second instrument - the pre-and post-tests helped to answer the second research question. An analysis of the findings from the second instrument (pre- and post-test scores) revealed that there was improvement in students' performance. After the 15-week period, there was apparent treatment effect registered by the post-test scores. The higher scores point to an indication that when students learned analytical and critical thinking skills, their results improved. In addition, the findings from the teachers' and students' interviews, and classroom observations suggested that the students had learnt analytical and critical thinking skills.
The data analysis in the first instrument (pre-and post-questionnaire) recorded changes in students' self-perceived ability in handling examination questions indicating that the 15-week training had been effective in changing their perception and attitude. The second instrument - the pre-and post-tests helped to answer the second research question. An analysis of the findings from the second instrument (pre- and post-test scores) revealed that there was improvement in students' performance. After the 15-week period, there was apparent treatment effect registered by the post-test scores. The higher scores point to an indication that when students learned analytical and critical thinking skills, their results improved. In addition, the findings from the teachers' and students' interviews, and classroom observations suggested that the students had learnt analytical and critical thinking skills.
Date Issued
2003
Call Number
LB1590.3 Tan
Date Submitted
2003