The Role of Teachers in Fostering Critical Thinking Skills at the University Level

Authors

  • Ayesha Afzal Assistant Professor, Department of Education, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Farrukh Kamran Lecturer, Department of Education, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
  • Afshan Naseem Assistant Professor, Department of Education, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.409505257

Keywords:

Critical Thinking, Pedagogical Approaches, Cultural Diversity, Faculty Training

Abstract

This study delves into the pivotal role of educators in nurturing critical thinking skills within Lahore's higher education landscape. By examining pedagogical approaches, cultural influences, assessment practices, and faculty readiness, it offers insights that hold significance for educational practitioners and administrators. Employing a quantitative research design with a sample of 370 teachers selected through stratified random sampling, data collected through structured survey questionnaires is analyzed using statistical techniques, including regression analysis, ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Faculty training emerges as a central finding, emphasizing the critical importance of equipping educators with effective pedagogical strategies to stimulate critical thinking. Cultural diversity, though beneficial, presents nuanced challenges in communication and understanding. Thus, universities must balance leveraging diverse perspectives with proactive mitigation of potential hurdles. This research provides actionable insights for educational institutions aiming to cultivate critical thinking among their students in an era where these skills are highly valued in academia and the workforce.

References

Abrami, P. C., Bernard, R. M., Borokhovski, E., Waddington, D. I., Wade, C. A., & Persson, T. (2008). Strategies for teaching students to think critically: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 78(4), 1102-1134. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654314551063

Afzal, A., & Rafiq, S. (2022). Impact of teachers' instructional techniques on student involvement in Class: A case study. UMT Education Review, 5(2), 184-204. https://doi.org/10.32350/uer.52.10

Afzal, A., Rafiq, S., & Kanwal, A. (2023). The influence of teacher-student relationships on students’ academic achievement at university level. Gomal University Journal of Research, 39(01), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.51380/gujr-39-01-06

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code

Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of Social Research. Cengage Learning. https://www.cengage.co.in/

Bailin, S., & Siegel, H. (2016). Critical thinking. In N. M. Seel (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning (pp. 793-797). Springer.

Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice Hall.

Birnbaum, R. (1988). How Colleges Work: The Cybernetics of Academic Organization and Leadership. Jossey-Bass.

Bligh, D. (2000). What's the Use of Lectures? Jossey-Bass.

Bloom, B. S., Engelhart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, W. H., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals. Handbook I: Cognitive Domain. David McKay Co Inc.

Brookfield, S. D. (2012). Teaching for critical thinking: Tools and techniques to help students question their assumptions. John Wiley & Sons.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.

Denson, N., Austin, J., & Park, H. (2015). The impact of diversity-related course work on student attitudes: An analysis of the national study of diversity in general education. Journal of College Student Development, 56(8), 751-767.

Ennis, R. H. (1993). Critical thinking assessment. Theory Into Practice, 32(3), 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405849309543594

Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight Assessment.

Garrison, D. R. (2018). Thinking collaboratively: Learning in a community of inquiry. Routledge.

Garrison, D., & Kanuka, H. (2004). Blended learning: Uncovering its transformative potential in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 7(2), 95-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2004.02.001

Halpern, D. F. (2014). Thought and knowledge: An introduction to critical thinking. Psychology Press.

Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. Sage Publications.

Huba, M. E., & Freed, J. E. (2000). Learner-Centered Assessment on College Campuses: Shifting the Focus from Teaching to Learning. Allyn & Bacon.

Ingersoll, R. M., & Strong, M. (2011). The impact of induction and mentoring programs for beginning teachers. Review of Educational Research, 81(2), 201-233. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654311403323

Jones, R., & Clark, S. (2021). Teaching Critical Thinking: Strategies and Approaches. Journal of Higher Education, 45(2), 176-193.

Kamran, F., Afzal, A., & Rafiq, S. (2022). Teachers’ Behavior Influencing the Classroom

Participation of University Students. Journal of Social Research Development, 3(2), 173-

https://doi.org/10.53664/JSRD/03-02-2022-05-173-192

Kamran, F., Kanwal, A., Afzal, A., & Rafiq, S. (2023). Impact of Interactive Teaching Methods on Students Learning Outcomes at University level. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 7(7), 89-105. https://spe-jpsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-1-8.pdf

Kanwal, A., Zahid, A., & Afzal, A. (2023). Investigating the benefits and challenges of blended learning approaches at the University level. Summer 2023, 4(3), 76-89. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.546834164

Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607-610. https://doi.org/10.1177/001316447003000308

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). Critical Thinking: The Nature of Critical and Creative Thought. Journal of Developmental Education, 30(2), 34-35. https://www.proquest.com/docview/228409035

Prince, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223-231. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2004.tb00809.x

Rafiq, S., Afzal, A., & Kamran, F. (2022). Impact of School Environment on Students’ Academic

Achievements at the University Level. VFAST Transactions on Education and Social Sciences 10(4), 19-30. https://doi.org/10.21015/vtess.v10i4.1216

Svinicki, M. D., & McKeachie, W. J. (2011). McKeachie's Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theory for College and University Teachers. Cengage Learning.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.

Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (1998). Understanding by Design. ASCD.

Published

2023-09-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Afzal, A., Kamran, F., & Naseem, A. (2023). The Role of Teachers in Fostering Critical Thinking Skills at the University Level. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(3), 202-214. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.409505257

Similar Articles

1-10 of 58

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.