Improving Critical Thinking Skills: Augmented Feedback and Post-Exam Debate

Abstract

Studies have confirmed critical thinking skills are necessary for a comprehensive education and successful business career, but methods for developing these skills are often missing in the classroom. The “Student Self-Initiated Challenge of Examination Questions” method is a pedagogical technique that encourages and increases critical thinking skills by allowing students to challenge objective examination questions through written feedback and classroom debate. The method was found to facilitate class discussion and participation while simultaneously reinforcing course content and was well liked by the students surveyed. Discussion and areas for future research follow presentation of data.

Keywords: Critical Thinking, Classroom Techniques, Objective Examinations, Class Discussion, Participation, Business Law Course

JEL Classification: A22, K40, K41