Group Assessment of Logical Thinking ( Roadrangka et al., 1982) 12 question instrument that tests six logical operations: Conservation Proportional Reasoning Controlling Variables Combinatorial Reasoning Probabilistic Reasoning Correlation Reasoning See McConnell et al., 2005, Jour. Geoscience Ed. for detailed report on how we used this instrument and results

Why are these skills so important to success in science classes? The skills all deal with predictions based on available information Involve sequential thought Closely related to critical thinking Learned skills

GALT Scoring Categories Concrete (0-4) –Prefer fact-based or “cookbook” approach (what, how, when), rely on memorization Transitional (5-7) –Prefer to apply ideas in a practical way –“What does this have to do with me?” Formal (8-12) –Abstract thinkers, capable of studying relationships and previously unseen ideas ~24% ~32% ~44% ES Students n=743 (Wide spectrum in student logical thinking skills)

Impact of Attendance Course Grade, A/B GALT score F ’01 (n=83) Course Grade, D/F GALT score % 19% 38% (1.04) (0.6) (5.3)(7.8) (Average number of missed classes)

Link to Student Success Correlation between ability to reason logically and student success.

Methods Deconstructed concrete GALT scores –Pre- and Post-test –Used supplied instrument scoring rubric Combined operations for analyses Compared A/B to D/F students –T-test analyses (5% cutoff) AB Pre: AB Post DF Pre: DF Post AB Pre: DF Pre AB Pre: DF Post AB Post: DF Post

Results ItemOperation AB Pre: AB Post DF Pre: DF Post AB Pre: DF Pre AB Pre: DF Post AB Post: DF Post Difficulty Factor 1, 4 Conservation NYYNN 0.78, , 9 Proportional Reasoning YYNNN 0.15, , 13 Controlling Variables YNNNN 0.27, , 16 Probabilistic Reasoning YYYNY 0.19, , 18 Correlation Reasoning YNNYN 0.16, , 20 Combinatorial Reasoning YNNYN 0.65, 0.2 n = 53n = 56 Positive CorrelationNo CorrelationNegative Correlation

When are conservation skills less important (maybe) … Earth System Scientific Method & Science and Society Atmosphere and Weather Plate Tectonics Volcanoes and Mountains Rock Cycle Hydrologic Cycle Geologic Time Surface Processes Climate & Global Change

… and, when are probability skills less important (maybe)? Earth System Scientific Method & Science and Society Atmosphere and Weather Plate Tectonics Volcanoes and Mountains Rock Cycle Hydrologic Cycle Geologic Time Surface Processes Climate & Global Change

How can we help students improve their logical thinking skills? Engage the student with an activity that requires application of the skills. Scaffold the activities. Provide immediate feedback. Follow up with summative evaluation.

Conclusions Wide spectrum in student logical thinking skills. Correlation between ability to reason logically and student success. Conservation and probability skills essential Many Earth Science concepts require advanced logical thinking skills. Must scaffold student learning to maximize success.