Journal Article Review Assignments Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Journal Review Assignments - Article Example One of the principal objectives of institutions of higher learning such as colleges and universities is to impart skills that enable its clients [the student] of whatever level to think critically while analysing problems in order to find implementable solutions that best fit the dynamic nature of the changing and challenging dimensions in the 21st century. As the title suggests, this article critiques the Teaching Practices used by instructors to achieve that very end. The authors’ argue that instructors teaching critical thinking at these same institutions do not explicitly understand the very nature of critical thinking, and as such lack the expertise to effectively transfer such knowledge [critical thinking skills] into their students’ immediate and later endeavors (Shim & Walczak, 2012, p. 16). The study, as the two co-authors explain, investigates the effects of different teaching practices used by instructors in different institutions of higher learning to sharpen the critical thinking ability of students. Shim and Walczak cite evidence from varied authors with prior interest in the same, effectively unearthing massive disagreements from how to define the concept at hand to its components. Accordingly, instructors apply varied instructional practices with no clear-cut boundaries on their suitability on course related tasks, the level of study, disciplines and/or institutions. To be sure, a standardized measure informing appropriate roadmap on the same is non-existent. Buoyed by the evidence gathered, the two dug deep into the transfer of critical thinking skills through a survey investigating the benefits derived from varied instructional methods commonly used by instructors. Like their predecessors, their findings seem to validate organized presentations, interpretation of abstract concepts, posing challenging questions and certain types of class assignment in bolstering critical thinking. The study, however, went against past studies disapproving class presentations and group projects towards the same course (Shim & Walczak, 2012, p. 24); a clear lead as to where the lack of problem solving skills needed in the workplace emanates from. Reference Shim, W., & Walczak, K. (2012). The Impact of faculty teaching practices on the development of students’ critical thinking skills. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 24(1), 16-30. 2. Arkoudis, S., & Tran, L. (2010). Writing blah, blah, blah: Lecturers’ approaches and challenges in supporting international students. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education , 22(2), 169 - 178. While the institutions of higher learning that do admit international students into their programs reap significantly in terms of revenue and sociocultural value exchanges, which includes but not limited to enhanced institutional reputation, the sustainability of such institutions with regards to the diverse needs of the students, particularly concerning an even out academic environment, remains much in doubt. Arkoudis and Tran (2010) point out that despite English language being a mandatory entry requirement for the international students in certain universities, such as those in Australia, the Language and Academic Support (LAS) programs established to assist such students in horning their English language skills are more often inaccessible, leaving a non-consultative flow of endeavors from both lecturers and their students; individual efforts that rarely converge towards the desired objective from ends. In this particular study, the authors, thus, set out to investigate the strategies used by lecturers with the view of offering