This study investigated whether writing affected the development of critical thinking skills among college students. In fact, critical thinking gains were higher in students who wrote than in students who did not. Furthermore, critical thinking scores were more predictive of writing performance than inferences and analysis. Nevertheless, this research has several limitations. Firstly, the results suggest that critical thinking improves writing, but the study only examined the effect of writing on critical thinking.
Balanced arguments and absorb information
Critical thinking skills develop one’s ability to create balanced arguments and absorb important information efficiently. It also teaches students how to identify questionable data and formulate conclusions. Nursing students can improve their critical thinking skills through essay writing, reading essays examples, finding dissertation topics and etc. Essay writing develops their ability to analyze patient care, solve problems, and make the best decisions when they are confronted with new situations. Regardless of age, gender, or profession, critical thinking skills can benefit students in a wide range of settings.
Research based analysis
- To measure the impact of critical thinking skills on writing, the researchers looked at the average scores of students’ initial and final essays. The average scores for each section were compared to the results from revised final essays. The average difference between the initial essay and final essays was then computed to assess the effectiveness of the revision process. The results of the study also show that writing improves the critical thinking skills of students.
- This study evaluated students’ critical thinking skills in an inquiry-based classroom. The students were able to determine the credibility of their sources by collecting data on various topics. The students also self-monitored their judgments in their argumentative essays. They double-checked their reasons by recalculating evidence and revised their responses accordingly. Critical thinking also requires students to evaluate sources for relevance and applicability.
- The results of this study also demonstrate that the inquiry-based approach fosters critical thinking skills in EFL students. Specifically, students improved their ability to explain, evaluate, and evaluate information. The students also showed improved self-regulation and improved writing skills after using inquiry-based learning in the EFL classroom. So, if you’re teaching your students how to improve their writing skills, critical thinking will play a major role in your students’ learning experience.
Importance of thinking dynamics
Students’ critical thinking abilities are greatly influenced by their prior knowledge. If students have not been explicitly taught to think critically, they lack the necessary tools to build knowledge. Critical thinking skills also depend on the writing genre. The same is true for writing. In addition, the quality of critical thinking differs across disciplines. The study used an online version of the CCTST to collect student demographic data.
Do self-analysis about your writing
To use critical thinking in your writing, you should ask yourself the right questions about what other people are saying and why. Ask yourself whether you’re making the right decisions based on the evidence that you’ve gathered. Also, consider whether it is worth criticizing something if it does not make your reader feel good about them. There are no right or wrong answers, just different perspectives.
Improve conceptual learning
Writing improves critical thinking and contributes to conceptual learning. In addition, it allows students to articulate ideas and provide arguments for their views. Writing also enables people to express themselves and improves analytical thinking. So, it’s a win-win situation for both students and faculty. Just make sure to follow the guidelines and the steps of the writing process. These steps are essential for producing coherent, accurate, and credible written work.
Research demonstrates that writing influences critical thinking performance in general education biology courses. For instance, students who have prior critical thinking skills may have a competitive advantage over students with fewer skills. Therefore, it’s vital to teach students critical thinking skills early and often during the K-20 academic process. Further, certain instructors may be more effective at developing student critical thinking than others. So, the best way to improve critical thinking is to give students explicit instruction in writing, and then practice it frequently throughout the course.
Conclusion
The study also examined the impact of inquiry-based learning on students’ critical thinking. The study found that students who participated in the inquiry-based learning model exhibited better critical thinking skills than students who did not. Inquiry-based learning fosters critical thinking in students and requires them to explore and follow new ideas. Students should learn with interest and curiosity, and think through the implications. This approach is beneficial for both writing and critical thinking.
Also Read: How To Getting Started With Dissertation Writing.
