Action Research: Critical Thinking

Problem Statement Students are completing assignments ONLY for

a grade, instead of learning the information and methods being introduced

How can we implement a plan where students are asked to THINK vs. FILL IN BLANKS?

Secondary students, leave the classroom lacking necessary knowledge to think critically or reason

Relevance… “Students often develop an objectivist orientation

towards science, viewing the process of science as seeking facts rather than as the construction of knowledge” (Tobin et al., 1995)

“Students need to understand mathematics, make sense of it, and be able to use it. Students need to know how to think and how to make decisions that to lead solutions. Students need to create, innovate, question, connect, relate, reason.” (Seeley, 2005)

“Students often do not understand that knowledge is the product of a never-ending process, continually re-examined and updated.” (Zion, 2-3)

Treatment #1 Online forum or blog site dedicated to the

class Students are required to post ONE item related

to class each WEEK Posts MUST be either a REFLECTION of class

happenings or an EXTENSION assignment Further GUIDELINES will be given once forum is

introduced.

Sample… 2 classes of General Physics students Non-equivalent Control Group Design

One class receives treatment One class receives none

End of class survey Pre- and Post- Tests for 3 units using the design

M (Post-Test)M (Pre-Test)

M (Pre-Test) M (Post-Test)

Treatment

No Treatment

X 3

X 3

Evaluation The final exam will have an open-ended

section 40% of exam points = 40% of time on test Thought-provoking, critical thinking problems

These questions will be quantitatively assessed for given words to show higher level of thought

Treatment #2 Problem solving and reasoning activities

imbedded in classroom lessons In-depth Journal writing Weekly entries to reflect on metacognitive

skills

Sample… Sample: Nonequivalent Control Group, Time-

series interruption 2 Algebra classes

M (Post-Test)Measure

Measure M (Post-Test)

Treatment

No Treatment

Evaluation Qualitative

Entrance/Exit surveys (pre/post-test) Weekly journal entries

Quantitative 10 question math skills check Is their reasoning skills leading to correct

answers?

Limitations and Threats There may be cross-communication between

classes Treatment Fidelity

Teacher enthusiasm towards treatment The control group may develop a “slacker”

mentality because they are asked to do less Not random will modify results External variables

Lack of computer, sickness, absences, etc. Definitions for evaluating student work

Will perfection ever be met? “Students often do not understand that knowledge is the

product of a never-ending process, continually re-examined and updated.” (Zion, 2-3)

“We advocate for teachers to have time to experiment with technologies, share best and worst practices, study exemplars of student work, and deal with conflicts, successes and disappointments in their attempts…” (Goldman, 1999)

“The fundamental purpose of the school is to see to it that all student learn at high levels, rather than merely be taught at high levels.” (DuFour, Eaker, & Dufour, 2005)

References

Tobin, K., Tippins, D.J., & Hook, K.S. (1995). Students’ beliefs about Epistemology, science, and classroom learning: A question of fit. In S.M. Glynn, & R. Duit (Eds.) Learning science in the schools: Research reforming practice. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Zion, M., Michalsky, T., Mevarech, Z. (2005). The Effects of Metacognitive Instruction Embedded within an Asynchronous Learning Network on Scientific Inquiry Skills. International Journal of Science Education v27 n8 p957-983.

Goldman, S. (1999). The Technology/Content Dilemma. The Secretary’s Conference on Educational Technology. P1-12.

Seeley, C. (2005, July). What do math students need? Paper presented at the meeting of the Urban Mathematics Leadership Network, Lakeway, TX

DuFour, R., Eaker, R., DuFour, R. (Eds.). (2005). On common ground: The power of professional learning communities. Bloomington, IN: National Education Service.