Developing college students' critical thinking through reflective writing. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yeh, Hui-Chin; Yang, Shih-hsien; Fu, Jo Shan; Shih, Yen-Chen
• Is Part Of: Higher education research & development. Volume 42:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Critical thinking -- reflective writing -- conceptual change -- behavioral change -- professional development -- assessment; Education, Higher -- Australia -- Periodicals; 378.94
• DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2022.2043247
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0729-4360

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Critical-thinking skills are a desired higher education outcome and a primary goal in education. This research focuses on fostering college students' critical thinking through reflective writing. During an 18-week study, a total of 60 English majors were recruited. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected, including 1) the pre- and post-tests of the 5-point Likert scale Reflection Questionnaire, and 2) nine students' reflective essays. The results showed that students significantly improved their critical thinking and revealed four prevalent changes. More specifically, self-worth and volunteerism (two major conceptual changes), as well as patience and gratefulness (two key behavioral changes) stood out among these changes. The implications of using reflective writing to promote students' critical thinking are discussed.