Critical thinking in a first year management unit: the relationship between disciplinary learning, academic literacy and learning progression

Article

Hammer, Sara Jeanne and Green, Wendy. 2011. "Critical thinking in a first year management unit: the relationship between disciplinary learning, academic literacy and learning progression." Higher Education Research and Development. 30 (3), pp. 303-315. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2010.501075
Article Title

Critical thinking in a first year management unit: the relationship between disciplinary learning, academic literacy and learning progression

ERA Journal ID20348
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsHammer, Sara Jeanne (Author) and Green, Wendy (Author)
EditorsDavies, Martin
Journal TitleHigher Education Research and Development
Journal Citation30 (3), pp. 303-315
Number of Pages13
Year2011
PublisherRoutledge
Place of PublicationAbingdon, OX. United Kingdom
ISSN0729-4360
1469-8366
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2010.501075
Abstract

While there appears to be broad acceptance that university graduates must have the capacity to think critically in an increasingly complex, information-rich world, there remains a gap between aspiration and teaching practice in many faculties. We examine this issue through our experience of designing assessment to develop critical thinking in a first year management unit. This case highlighted three important pedagogical considerations. First, there is the need to articulate a conceptualisation of critical thinking that is both discipline- and unit-specific. Second, there is a need to consider the crucial link between critical thinking and academic literacy. Third, there is a need to consider the relationship between the capacity for critical thinking, student learning progression and the development of disciplinary knowledge. These factors will all assist higher education teachers in meeting the challenge of designing developmentally appropriate assessment of critical thinking at each year level.

Keywordsacademic literacy; critical thinking; graduate attributes and skills; taxonomies; higher education research
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020500399. Philosophy not elsewhere classified
520402. Decision making
390102. Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development
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Byline AffiliationsLearning and Teaching Support Unit
University of Queensland
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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