Learning Outcomes of Online Discussions: Looking into the Relationship Between Vicarious Interactions and Higher Order Thinking

초록

This study examined the effects of different levels of vicarious interactions on critical thinking. A posttest only experimental design with three groups was used for this study. The control group read a fact sheet (expository text) only. The two experimental groups read either a high or low level discussion transcript with the fact sheet. The dependent variable was critical thinking measured by the Washington State University Critical Thinking Rubric. Letters (posttests) from 58 participants were scored using this rubric. ANOVA results indicated that the higher interaction group scored significantly higher than the other two groups. Fisher’s exact test revealed that when each component of the rubric was analyzed, there were no significant differences on any single component. Qualitative analysis of post treatment surveys and interviews showed that discussions mostly helped the participants reinforce their ideas and strengthen their arguments. Findings of this study imply the need for instructor intervention to increase the quality of online discussions and stimulate critical thinking. The use of vicarious experiences is also recommended to model exemplary discussions for learners.

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