Development of Criticality in Thought: A Conceptual Framework for Online Student Discussion Forums in Higher Education

Assessing student understanding and extending learning beyond the face-to-face or synchronous online lesson is commonly done with use of discussion forums. However, challenge reported by tutors higher education has always been lack active participation critical engagement students unless task graded formally. Researchers have investigating various approaches to facilitate effective experiences such that are motivated engage others when they tasked partake in asynchronous discussions. This paper explores how I sought my Engineering undergraduate students, reading a thinking writing module taught blended environment, forums adoption Paul-Elder framework. The aim was develop levels criticality thought students’ forum responses, while demonstrating application tools, were able collaboratively construct knowledge deepen their conceptual leadership. Results analysis found engaged spontaneous dialogic discussions form repeated extended posts published Furthermore, reflection essays also confirmed forums, deliberate tools framework, had contributed development skills understanding. concludes recommendation for make assessment visible proposed framework