Designing a model for critical thinking development in AJA University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: In the new concept of medical education, creativitydevelopment is an important goal. The aim of this research wastoidentify a model for developing critical thinking among studentswith the special focus on learning environment and learning style.Methods: This applied and cross-sectional study was conductedamong all students studying in undergraduate and professionaldoctorate programs in Fall Semester 2013-2014 in AJA Universityof Medical Sciences (N=777). The sample consisted of 257students selected based on the proportional stratified randomsampling method. To collect data, three questionnaires includingCritical Thinking, Perception of Learning Environment andLearning Style were employed. The data were analyzed usingPearson’s correlation statistical test, and one-sample t-test. TheStructural Equation Model (SEM) was used to test the researchmodel. SPSS software, version 14 and the LISREL software wereused for data analysis.Results: The results showed that students had significantlyassessed the teaching-learning environment and two componentsof “perception of teachers” and “perception of emotionalpsychologicalclimate” at the desirable level (p<0.05). Alsolearning style and two components of “the study method” and“motivation for studying” were considered significantly desirable(p<0.05). The level of critical thinking among students in termsof components of “commitment”, “creativity” and “cognitivematurity” was at the relatively desirable level (p<0.05). Inaddition, perception of the learning environment can impact thecritical thinking through learning style.Conclusion: One of the factors which can significantly impact thequality improvement of the teaching and learning process in AJAUniversity of Medical Sciences is to develop critical thinkingamong learners. This issue requires providing the proper situationfor teaching and learning critical thinking in the educationalenvironment.Keywords: Critical thinking; Learning; Teaching; Teaching environment; Learning environment