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Learning to improve: using writing to increase critical thinking performance in general education biology
Ian J Quitadamo1, Martha J Kurtz
1Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7537, USA. iq@cwu.edu
CBE Life Sciences Education
|June 6, 2007
Summary
Writing in biology labs significantly boosts college students' critical thinking skills, enhancing problem-solving abilities. This approach improves analysis and inference, preparing graduates for future challenges.
Area of Science:
- Science Education
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- National concerns exist regarding U.S. college graduates' problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Critical thinking skills offer academic, personal, and professional advantages.
- Writing is a recognized instructional method for enhancing critical thinking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the critical thinking performance of students in a laboratory writing treatment versus a traditional quiz-based laboratory.
- To determine the effects of writing on critical thinking skills within a general education biology course.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed.
- Students in a general education biology course were divided into two groups: one experienced a laboratory writing treatment, the other a traditional quiz-based laboratory.
- Critical thinking performance was assessed, considering covariables like prior critical thinking skill, instructor, gender, ethnicity, and age.
Main Results:
- The writing group demonstrated a significant improvement in critical thinking skills, unlike the non-writing group.
- Specific gains in analysis and inference skills were significant in the writing group.
- While the writing group showed greater gains in evaluation skills, these were not statistically significant.
- Prior critical thinking skill and instructor were significant factors influencing performance; gender, ethnicity, and age were not.
Conclusions:
- Implementing writing treatments in general education biology courses can effectively enhance students' critical thinking abilities.
- Improved critical thinking skills better prepare students for problem-solving and active citizenship.
- Instructional strategies, such as laboratory writing, play a crucial role in cognitive skill development.
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