Prospects of problem-based learning in building critical thinking skills among technical college students in Nigeria

Abstract

Critical-thinking skills (CTS) are among the essential skills required in the contemporary world of work. However, building CTS among technical college students in Nigeria is making little impact on students as current teaching uses is “ traditional ” rote learning methods which do not foster the building of skills. Therefore, a new teaching method is required that emphasizes learning, understanding, and measuring skills rather than rote learning. Educators unanimously agree that, CTS can be taught using different teaching methods including concept mapping, critical questioning workshops, and systematic literature reviews and to problem based learning (PBL). PBL is a student-centered, task-based instructional method in which the teacher serves as a facilitator. The paper adapted a library based work; the data were collected using textbooks, journals articles and internet search. The literatures reveal that; PBL is the best approach to build CTS, integrating it into all areas of learnings and to the student ’ s entire life. In PBL, students demonstrate an enhanced ability to use CTS in their activities. Against this backdrop, the paper aim to outline the impact of PBL in building CTS among the technical colleges students. The paper recommends that, for the purpose of filling the CTS gap, technical colleges should equip their students with the required skills through the application of a superior teaching method such as PBL.