ERIC Number: EJ863607
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Dec
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0305-764X
EISSN: N/A
Notions of Criticality: Singaporean Teachers' Perspectives of Critical Thinking in Social Studies
Baildon, Mark C.; Sim, Jasmine B.-Y.
Cambridge Journal of Education, v39 n4 p407-422 Dec 2009
In this article we explore the ways critical thinking is conceived by a group of Singaporean social studies teachers, what they see as its purposes as well as perceived constraints to critical thinking and teaching critical thinking in Singapore's schools. Using a case study research design and constant comparative method we analysed data from teachers' discussion board entries, observation notes and lesson artefacts from a Master's class. Findings revealed three key tensions involving teaching critical thinking in an exam culture, uncertainty about what constitutes the "out-of-bound", and the issue of professional identity. Each of these tensions intersected and interacted in dynamic ways for teachers and shaped the way they understand and practise critical thinking. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Grounded Theory, Foreign Countries, Critical Thinking, Social Studies, Teacher Attitudes, Case Studies, Educational Practices, Graduate Study, Citizenship Education, Teacher Education Programs, Transcripts (Written Records), Asynchronous Communication, Content Analysis, Discourse Modes
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Singapore
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A