A Comparative Analysis of Economics Graduates' Learning Styles and Critical Thinking Skills
37 Pages Posted: 30 Mar 2007
Date Written: November 2006
Abstract
We report on the results of a two-phase survey aiming to explore the learning preferences and critical thinking skills of graduates in economics, compare the findings with graduates of other disciplines, and identify the determinant dimensions of their developed learning and thinking skills. Kolb' LSIv3, Honey and Mumford's LSQ-80-item, and CCTST Form B have been utilized and results show significant differences: in some dimensions of learning styles; in some scales of critical thinking skills; processing and transforming of information and experience to be the most common determinant dimension in student learning; the use of student active-learning modes to be the determinant of critical thinking skills development; the use of teaching methods to have an impact on learning but their impact on critical thinking is not documented, albeit a further exploration yields indications that need further research.
Keywords: Comparative analysis, learning styles, critical thinking, pedagogy
JEL Classification: A12, A22, A23
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