Exploring online spaces to support multi-ethnic Asian undergraduates’ critical thinking

Abstract

Engaging students to think critically especially in a large tutorial group setting is problematic. Many literatures have cited the problem of Asian students being critical thinkers. Observation from several researchers noted that deeply rooted Asian cultural traditions such as maintaining social harmony, filial and obedience to people of authority, inability to voice ones opinion, undivided loyalty as well as avoiding conflicts in public were some of the obstacles that discourages critical thinking. This study seeks to investigate the use of online tutorial (online forum/discussion) in supporting critical thinking among Asian undergraduates. The methodology used for this study is a mixed-method case study approach, utilizing techniques such as interaction pattern mapping and content analysis.

Data will be culled from students’ postings and comments in the online forum at the end of study. Coding of data is reflected and based on the Newman, Webb and Cochrane’s paired indicators of critical and uncritical thinking. Results show that there is strong evidence of critical thinking among the students participating in the online forum. Content analyses revealed general positive ratios of the critical thinking indicators with (O+- Bringing outside knowledge/experience to bear on problem) being the strongest.