網絡環境下利用討論來促進批判性思維發展的研究

Using Discussions to Promote Critical Thinking in Online Environment

本文主要讨论马歇尔大学在网络环境中如何应用讨论工具来促进批判性思维的发展。在高等教育中发展批判性思维的重要作用已经得到了各国及其学校的重视。本研究以马歇尔大学研究生院教育与专业发展专业所开设的英语为第二语言的一些课程为对象，分析了讨论法在这些课程中培养批判性思维的状况。在开发本研究的那个学期末，研究者编制了一份问卷，调查这种讨论法实施的效果，以及对这种方法加以改善的可能性。问卷随后被分发给三个班的所有学生，他们都来自西弗吉尼亚州的中小学教师。在21个被调查的学生中，15人全部回答了问卷所提出三个问题。结果显示，几乎所有的被调查者都认为，讨论对促进学习和批判性思维有帮助。大部分学生赞成教师参与网上讨论，教师参与讨论的作用是在发展批判性思维中担当帮助者的角色。

This paper examines how the discussion tool is used to promote critical thinking in an online environment at Marshall University. the significance of critical thinking in higher education has been brought to attention at both national and local levels. The paper studies the use of discussions as an approach to promote critical thinking in a number of English as a Second Language（ESL）courses offered by Marshall University’s Graduate School of Education and Professional Development（GSEPD）program. At the end of the semester， a qualitative survey was developed to identify the effectiveness of such discussions， and the opportunities for improvement. The survey was sent to all students in these three classes. These students were all full time teachers in Elementary and Secondary schools in West Virginia. Out of 21 students， 15 of them have responded to the three questions asked in the survey. Almost all the respondents have found discussion helpful in enhancing learning and critical thinking. Most students support the involvement of an online instructor in the online discussion， and faculty members involved in these discussions function as helpers in the development of critical thinking skills.