Volume 29, Issue 3
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.958
Promoting Critical Thinking in Online and Hybrid Classes
Abstract
The shift to fully online and hybrid instruction due to COVID-19 pandemic mandates that faculty examine means of enhancing critical thinking strategies into the online and hybrid setting.Research support the use of discussion and reflection in promoting students’ critical thinking skills. The purpose of the current study is to examine students’ application and perception of critical thinking strategies when learning in an online or hybrid environment. Results indicate that the use of online discussion threads and reflective forms promote active engagement with the course and enhance critical thinking. Findings suggest that the faculty members should incorporate discussion threads and reflective forms throughout the online and hybrid courses to enhance students’ engagement and critical thinking.
Keywords
online classes, hybrid instruction, asynchronous threaded discussions, reflective forms, online learning, critical thinking, engagement