ERIC Number: EJ926777
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1551-2169
EISSN: N/A
Online Discussion, Student Engagement, and Critical Thinking
Williams, Leonard; Lahman, Mary
Journal of Political Science Education, v7 n2 p143-162 2011
Recent research into the merits of online discussion (computer-mediated communication) has shown that it promotes active learning behaviors and enhances learner outcomes. Scholars have also shown that, when instructors employ effective questioning and moderating skills, students can show higher levels of critical thinking in online discussion. In an investigation that merged and refined content analysis protocols in order to identify the effects of such factors as student GPA and type of course upon student engagement and student critical thinking, our findings substantiate a link between student interaction and critical thinking. When students engage one another in online discussions in a focused way, their capacity for reasoned discourse becomes more evident. (Contains 16 tables.)
Descriptors: Learner Engagement, Computer Mediated Communication, Grade Point Average, Active Learning, Interaction, Critical Thinking, Content Analysis, Learning Strategies, Thinking Skills, Student Participation, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Undergraduate Students, Teaching Methods, Educational Technology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A