1. Phyllis R. Anderson, PhD Joanne R. Reid, EdD
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Critical Thinking: The Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Phyllis R. Anderson, PhD
Joanne R. Reid, EdD
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

2. Business Education Problem
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Business Education Problem
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

3. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Case Studies
Students have problem isolating key factors in business decisions
Students have problem differentiating cause and effect
Students used intuitive opinion, not rational thinking
Students repeating the same error, seeking different results.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

4. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
CapSim® Computerized Business Simulation
Poor understanding of business variables
Poor understanding of interdependency of business variables.
Poor recognition of dependent vs independent variables
Poor ability to calculate time effects of business changes
Poor inference of relationships among variables
Poor evaluating of effects of changes
Poor evaluation of consequences of miscalculations.
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5. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
My Students Needed
Thinking skills
Reasoning skills
Analytical skills
Evaluative skills
Inferential skills
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

6. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Research Goals
Work within the extant course of study in Business Administration
Provide thinking skills that would be applicable to business students
Provide thinking skills that would improve student outcomes
Determine applicability of thinking skills for improvement of business college curricula.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

7. Educational Research Problem
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Educational Research Problem
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8. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
1980 – US Department of Labor
Foundational Skills to be Taught for Competency of Labor Force
Thinking Skills
Thinks creatively
Makes decisions
Solves problems
Visualizes
Knows how to learn
Reasons
Brock, W., & Packer, A. (2000b). What Work Requires of Schools. Retrieved September 28, from from
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9. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Foundational Skills to be Taught for Competency of Labor Force
Creative Thinking — generates new ideas
Decision Making — specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses best alternative
Problem Solving — recognizes problems and devises and implements plan of action
Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye — organizes, and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information
Knowing How to Learn — uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills
Reasoning — discovers a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and applies it when solving a problem
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

10. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Nation’s Report Card,
US Department of Education
Reading: (1992 through 2005)
‘Literary experience’ declined
‘For information’ declined
‘To perform a task’ declined.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

11. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Nation’s Report Card,
US Department of Education
High School Graduates Reading Proficiency: (2005)
Below Basic: 48%
At or below Basic: 81%
Proficient: 13%
Advanced: 5%
Grigg, W., Donahue, P., & Dion, G. (2007). The nation's report card: 12th-Grade reading and mathematics Retrieved October 1, from
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12. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Nation’s Report Card,
US Department of Education
Mathematics:
37% of graduating HS seniors were unable to perform even the most basic mathematical procedures
40% of graduating seniors were able to perform only basic mathematics.
22% rated as Proficient
1% rated as Advanced.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

13. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
DeVore
Critical thinking is one of the most underutilized tools for creating effective business strategies.
A staggering 93% of the workforce have not had their critical thinking skills assessed
87% have not been trained in the critical thinking skills necessary to perform at higher levels.
DeVore, N. (2008). Critical thinking and better decisions (White Paper): Verge Consulting.
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14. Solution? Develop and validate a course of study in Critical Thinking.
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Solution?
Develop and validate a course of study in Critical Thinking.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

15. Definition of Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Definition of Critical Thinking
The conjunction of knowledge, skills and strategies that promotes improved problem solving, rational decision making and enhanced creativity.
Reid, J. (2009a). Can critical thinking be learned? Paper presented at the Mid-West Regional Educational Research Association.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

16. Critical Thinking Course
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Critical Thinking Course
The Three Pillars
Teaching for Critical Thinking, (Halpern, 1998)
Cognitive Training Model, (Foshay, Silber and Stelnicki, 2003)
California Critical Thinking Skills Test, (Facione, Facione, Blohm & Gittens, 2008.)
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

17. Teaching for Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Teaching for Critical Thinking
Motivation
Attention
Relevance
Confidence
Satisfaction
Instruction in CT Skills
Self-Awareness
Logical processes
Methods of proof
Pseudo proofs
Problem Solving / Decision Making
Metacognitive Training
Knowledge and training to develop recognition of the need and activation of Critical Thinking processes
Structure Training
In-depth practice to recognize and use Critical Thinking skills in multiple contexts.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

18. Cognitive Training Module
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Cognitive Training Module
Learners Must Do This to Learn
Developers Put These Elements in Lessons to Help Learners
1. Select the Information to Attend to
WIIFM: What’s In It For Me?
YCDI: You can do it.
2. Link the New Information to the Existing Knowledge
Recall existing knowledge
Relate the new knowledge and the old knowledge
3. Organize the Information
Structure of Content. Objectives. Chunking.
Text Layout. Illustrations.
4. Assimilate the New Knowledge into Existing Knowledge
Present New Knowledge.
Present Examples.
5. Strengthen the New Knowledge in Memory.
Practice. Feedback. Summary. Test. On-the-job application.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

19. California Critical Thinking Skills Test
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
California Critical Thinking Skills Test
Parameter
Description
Total Score
Correct Answers out of 34
Percentile Ranking
Relative ranking compared with other college seniors
Analysis
Analytical skills differentiating premise and conclusion
Inference
Using inductive reasoning, deductive reason and analysis to draw conclusions based on evidence.
Evaluation
Determining the strength and believability of an inference or argument
Inductive Reasoning
Capacity to draw a general conclusion based on evidence
Deductive Reasoning
Capacity to draw a specific conclusion based on general arguments.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

20. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Method
Dr. Phyllis Anderson
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21. Experimental Venue Senior capstone course in a college of business
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Experimental Venue
Senior capstone course in a college of business
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22. Business Class Structure
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Business Class Structure
Critical Thinking Treatment
Module Case Study
Semester Case Study
CapSim® Computerized Business Simulation
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

23. Critical Thinking Treatment
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Critical Thinking Treatment
Semester Schedule
CCTST Pre-Test
Module/Halpern Chapter 1 – 9: Treatment
CCTST Post Test
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

24. Critical Thinking Treatment
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Critical Thinking Treatment
Textbook
Critical Thinking across the Curriculum: A Brief Edition of Thought and Knowledge (Halpern, 1997)
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

25. Critical Thinking Treatment
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Critical Thinking Treatment
Class-by-Class Schedule
Nine Module/Chapters at one Module per class period.
Each Module consisted of six elements:
Module Pre-Test
Discussion of previous Module & examination
Multi-media assisted lecture on present Module
Module reading assignment
Module chapter examination
Module Post-Test
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

26. Critical Thinking Results
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Critical Thinking Results
Dr. Joanne Reid
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

27. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
What Is the Result?
In every Module, the students’ Post-Test scores were significantly higher than the Pre-Test scores.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

28. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
What Is Our Conclusion?
Using this treatment, student learning occurred in every Module of the CT Treatment.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

29. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
California Critical Thinking Skills Test: The Test of Overall Learning
What were the scores of the CCTST?
Did they confirm the Chapter Pre-Test/Post-Test scores?
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

30. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
What Is the Result?
In 6 of the 7 parameters the students’ Post-Test scores of the CCTST were significantly greater than the Pre-Test scores.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

31. What Are Our Conclusions?
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
What Are Our Conclusions?
1. That is, the learning observed in the Modules was transferred to the CCTST.
2. Critical Thinking skills were learned and applied in a different environment.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

32. Critical Thinking Conclusion
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Critical Thinking Conclusion
Critical Thinking was taught
Critical Thinking was learned.
Critical Thinking skills were transferred from one domain to another.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

33. Business Course Results
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Business Course Results
Dr. Phyllis Anderson
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

34. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Module Case Studies
Only 5% of overall grade
Rubric developed
Emphasis on Business understanding
Most students did try to use CT analyses
Students needed more practice in CT analyses of business problems.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

35. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Semester Case Studies
Major grade component
Primarily based on business parameters, i.e. SWOT, Financials, History, etc.
Students required to discuss the company’s decisions, how they would have done things differently and why.
Students used CT to critique decisions and justify their own.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

36. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
CapSim® Simulation
All teams appeared to learn more quickly
Teams considered more variables than previous classes.
Teams developed more rational business plans rather than “gut” performance
No team went bankrupt!
No emergency loans!
Novel solutions to business problems (Induced strike!)
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

37. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Summary
Module Exams: Could be improved with greater emphasis.
Module Case Studies: Could be improved with greater emphasis.
Semester Case Study: Improved student outcomes, but greater emphasis should help.
CapSim®: Improved student outcomes!
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

38. Business Class Conclusion
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Business Class Conclusion
Critical Thinking improved business case studies.
Critical Thinking improved CapSim®.
Critical Thinking improved student outcomes.
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

39. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Courses of Study
Academic
Business
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

40. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Common Core
12 Module/Lesson
Each Module consisted of six elements:
Module T/F Pre-Test
Discussion of previous Module & examination
Multi-media assisted lecture on present Module
Module reading assignment
Module chapter examination
Module T/F Post-Test
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

41. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Academic Courses
Instructor Led
Computer-Aided
Web-Based (In Development)
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

42. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Instructor-Led Course Materials
1 Teacher’s Manual
15 PowerPoint-Assisted Lectures with Scripts
12 Lesson T/F Pre-Tests and Post-Tests
12 T/F Test Masters (Answers)
12 T/F Grading Spreadsheets
12 Lesson Assignments
12 Assignment Masters (Answers/Grading Rubric)
1 Assignment Grading Spreadsheet
Note: Textbooks not included
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

43. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Computer-Aided Course Materials
3 DVDs containing:
15 Video Lectures
1 CD ROM containing:
All the material contained in the Instructor-Led course of study
Note: Textbook not included
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

44. Business Manager’s Courses
Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Business Manager’s Courses
Instructor Led
Computer-Aided
Web-Based (In Development)
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

45. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Instructor-Led Course Materials
1 Teacher’s Manual
15 PowerPoint-Assisted Lectures with Scripts
12 Lesson T/F Pre-Tests and Post-Tests
12 T/F Test Masters
12 T/F Grading Spreadsheets
12 Lesson Assignments
12 Assignment Masters
1 Assignment Grading Spreadsheet
12 Business Case Studies
12 Business Case Study Grading Rubrics
Note: Textbooks not included
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

46. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Computer-Aided Course Materials
3 DVDs containing:
15 Video Lectures
1 CD ROM containing:
All the material contained in the Instructor-Led course of study
Note: Textbook not included
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

47. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Options
California Critical Thinking Skills Test
Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

48. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
CT Teacher Training
Cost: $6,000 per course
Class: Maximum of 6 attendees
Schedule: 1 or 2 Sessions per week
Tangibles: Certificate in Teaching Critical Thinking*
Additional Expenses:
Travel
Lodging
Textbooks
Meeting Rooms
A/V Equipment/Facilities
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

49. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Business Manager’s Course
Cost: $10,000 per course
Class: Maximum of 10 attendees
Schedule: 1 or 2 Sessions per week
Tangible: Certificate of Performance
Additional Expenses:
Travel
Lodging
Textbooks
Meeting Rooms
A/V Equipment/Facilities
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

50. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
Contact
Dr. Joanne R. Reid
Corporate Development Associates, Inc.
PO Box 1206
Lombard, IL
(630)
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011

51. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
References
Reid, J., & Anderson, P. (in press). Critical thinking in the business classroom. Journal of Education for Business,
Reid, J., & Anderson, P. (2011). Critical Thinking: The Foundation of Education in a Technological World. In A. Méndez-Vilas (Ed.), Education in a technological world: Communicating current and emerging research and technological efforts (Vol. 1). Badajoz, Spain: Formatex Research Center.
Reid, J., & Anderson, P. (2011). Critical thinking instruction in interesting times. In M. Abdelsama (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2011 International Business Conference of the Society for the Advancement of Management. Orlando, FL: Society fot the Advancement of Management.
Anderson, P., & Reid, J. (2010). An application of Halpern's Teaching for Critical Thinking in the business school classroom. In J. Teahan (Ed.), Proceedings of the North American Management Society 2010 Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL: North American Management Society.
Reid, J. (2009a). Can critical thinking be learned? Paper presented at the Mid-West Regional Educational Research Association, St. Louis, MO.
Reid, J. (2009b). A quantitative assessment of an application of Halpern's Teaching for Critical Thinking in a business class. Doctoral Dissertation, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Proquest Publication No:
DeVore, N. (2008). Critical thinking and better decisions (White Paper): Verge Consulting.
Kane, M., Berryman, S., Goslin, D., & Meltzer, A. (1990). Identifying and Describing The Skills Required by Work: The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills.
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52. Critical Thinking: Foundation of Excellence in Business Education
The End
Copyright © J. R. Reid, 2011