Teaching strategies to foster critical thinking

Area of Science:

• Radiologic Technology Education
• Higher Education Pedagogy
• Cognitive Science in Professional Training

Background:

• Critical thinking is a recent emphasis in higher education.
• Advancement of radiologic technology profession necessitates critical thinking integration.
• Existing curriculum may not adequately foster critical thinking skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the importance of critical thinking in radiologic technology.
• To identify attitudes that hinder critical thinking development.
• To propose teaching methods for enhancing critical thinking in radiologic technology students.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on critical thinking in professional education.
• Analysis of attitudes that impede critical thinking.
• Development of sample pedagogical strategies for critical thinking instruction.

Main Results:

• Identified specific attitudes that act as barriers to critical thinking.
• Presented diverse teaching methodologies applicable to radiologic technology curriculum.
• Highlighted the need for a structured approach to critical thinking education.

Conclusions:

• Integrating critical thinking is crucial for radiologic technology's professional growth.
• Specific pedagogical interventions can overcome critical thinking barriers.
• Curriculum development should prioritize the cultivation of critical thinking skills.