ERIC Number: EJ1316790
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Dec
Pages: 31
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-4277
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Available Date: N/A
Enhancing Students' Critical Thinking Skills: Is Comparing Correct and Erroneous Examples Beneficial?
van Peppen, Lara M.; Verkoeijen, Peter P. J. L.; Heijltjes, Anita E. G.; Janssen, Eva M.; van Gog, Tamara
Instructional Science: An International Journal of the Learning Sciences, v49 n6 p747-777 Dec 2021
There is a need for effective methods to teach critical thinking (CT). One instructional method that seems promising is comparing correct and erroneous worked examples (i.e., contrasting examples). The aim of the present study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of contrasting examples on learning and transfer of CT-skills, focusing on avoiding biased reasoning. Students (N = 170) received instructions on CT and avoiding biases in reasoning tasks, followed by: (1) contrasting examples, (2) correct examples, (3) erroneous examples, or (4) practice problems. Performance was measured on a pretest, immediate posttest, 3-week delayed posttest, and 9-month delayed posttest. Our results revealed that participants' reasoning task performance improved from pretest to immediate posttest, and even further after a delay (i.e., they learned to avoid biased reasoning). Surprisingly, there were no differences in learning gains or transfer performance between the four conditions. Our findings raise questions about the preconditions of contrasting examples effects. Moreover, how transfer of CT-skills can be fostered remains an important issue for future research.
Descriptors: Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Skill Development, Instructional Effectiveness, Transfer of Training, Demonstrations (Educational), Bias
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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