An Experiment in Critical Thinking Instruction at Sixth Grade Level

Author

Dorothy Louise MacNevin

Publication Date

5-27-1968

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that critical thinking skills and attitudes could be improved through instruction, 61 subjects were given a series of tests before and after instruction in open-mindedness, distinguishing fact from opinion, and drawing accurate conclusions from given information. No control group was used. Instruction involved the use of charts, a flannel board, stories, pencil and paper activities, and films. The "t" test revealed differences between all pre and post-test means to be significant at the one percent level of confidence. Of the variables considered, I.Q., Reading Ability, Parental Occupation, and Sex, the first two were most influential although the reading factor was minimized by the instruction and testing procedures used. Subjective evaluation of the subjects, prepared independent of test results, differed little from the test results.

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Elementary Education

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Harold Dean Drummond

Second Committee Member

Tom Wiley

Third Committee Member

Frank Angel Jr

Recommended Citation

MacNevin, Dorothy Louise. "An Experiment in Critical Thinking Instruction at Sixth Grade Level." (1968). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/educ_teelp_etds/394