Upgrading critical thinking skills via an interactive, inquiry-based learning multimedia courseware : a conceptual background

Abstract

In Malaysia, limited amount of research has been done to investigate critical thinking abilities of students from the point of view of inquiry-based learning approach. In view of the objectives of the present educational system to develop the quality of manpower for it to enter the new knowledge era, a better understanding of the resourcefulness of Malaysian students and factors which could affect or enhance it becomes more crucial. The influence of personal variables such as critical thinking skills and styles, gender, academic achievements and the possibility of integrating interactive multimedia technology into the teaching of thinking skills would be of concern to the educator and the policy-makers. For the above reasons, the author decides to conduct a comprehensive research designed to measure the current status level of critical thinking capabilities of Malaysian students and develop a multimedia courseware package, written in the Malay language, incorporating apprenticeship learning design, with content focusing on verbal maps, graphic organiser and CoRT1 techniques that are capable of enhancing students’ capability in critical thinking via inquiry-based learning approach. The study also intends to explore the correlation with students’ thinking styles and gender as a result of exposure to the interactive multimedia courseware.