Development of Project Based Learning Instructional Model for Enhancing Critical Thinking Ability of Undergraduate Students

Qin Lizhong

Project-based learning instructional model

critical thinking ability

Curriculum and Instruction

The objectives of this research are 1) To examine the factors to enhance critical thinking ability of undergraduate students. 2) To develop project-based learning instructional model for enhancing critical thinking ability of undergraduate students. 3) To study the results of implementing project-based learning instructional model for enhancing critical thinking ability of undergraduate students. Population in Phase 1, there are 200 former students at Yulin Normal University enrolled Web Design and Production Course in semester 1 academic year 2022 and 3 lecturers teach Web Design and Production Course at Yulin Normal University. There are 5 experts to confirm instructional model in Phase 2. The sample groups of this research were 63 students from Yulin Normal University in Phase 3. The research instruments were 1) a set of questionnaires for students and interview for lecturers, 2) a set of questionnaires for confirming instructional model, 3) lesson plan and 4) scoring rubric. Data were statistically analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation and content analysis, data analytics statistics for confirmation of instructional model and scoring rubric.
The results were found that:
1. The factors which enhancing critical thinking ability of undergraduate students
include 2 factors: Internal factors and external factors. Data analysis results from students’ data reveal that that learning interest, learning effort, and learning motivation are the most influential internal factors. The attitude of the instructor towards innovative teaching models, the emphasis placed on cultivating critical thinking abilities, the course objectives set by the instructor, and the teaching methods adopted by the instructor are external factors that have a significant impact. Lecturers’ opinion reflect also both internal and external factors In terms of internal factors, students' cognition, knowledge level, and experience can affect their critical thinking ability. Researcher summarize these internal factors into two aspects: students' knowledge and experience (participation in classroom activities and practices) and students' psychology (promoting self-directed learning, making learners interested in web design and production courses). Regarding external factors, including social environment (creating a classroom atmosphere to achieve teaching objectives), materials (preparing teaching aids, learning resources, and other necessary equipment to promote learning, interest, and broaden knowledge), teaching methods (integrating various teaching methods), and evaluation (analyzing the effectiveness of course teaching).
2. Project based learning instructional model for enhancing critical thinking ability of
undergraduate students include 5 components: 1) Principle and rationale, 2) Objectives, 3) Contents ,4) Method of teaching & materials and 5) Evaluation. The steps of Project based learning instructional model involve step 1: Introduction of scenarios and clarification of tasks; step 2: Collect data and formulate plans; step 3: Group discussion, specific implementation; step 4: Instruction and process inspection; step 5: Display the results, revise and improve; step 6: Evaluate and test, expand and sublimate. The model is 100% conformed to utility standards, feasibility standards, propriety standards, and accuracy standards as assessed by 5 specialists.
3. It was found that 14.29% of 63 students whose critical thinking ability is at
excellent level while another 79.36% of them are assessed to be at a good level. A total
of 93.65% are above the good level. The result is consistent with the research hypothesis that 80% upwards of the participants will have critical thinking ability at good level after learning through project-based learning instructional model.

Keywords: Project-based learning instructional model, critical thinking ability

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University. Office of Academic Resources and Information Technology

Tanaput Chancharoen

Areewan Iamsa-ard

Prapai Sridama

2023

2567-03-01

2567-03-01

2567-03-01

thesis

application/pdf

TH 371.36 Q999D 2023

eng

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral Degree

Curriculum and Instruction

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University