Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Assessing The Effectiveness Of Workbook Exercises

Abstract

To address the challenge of developing critical thinking skills in college students, this empirical study examines the effectiveness of cognitive exercises in developing those skills. The study uses Critical Thinking: Building the Basics by Walter, Knudsvig, and Smith (2003). This workbook is specifically designed to exercise and develop critical thinking skills. The authors use it as the intervention tool. Freshman students enrolled in a first-year experience course participated in the study; one group used the book, the other did not. Students spent a few weeks in class working through the problems, and at the end of the semester, both groups completed the iCritical Thinking Skills Test. Analysis of final test scores prove the effectiveness of exercises on improving the critical thinking skills of college freshmen.