...Qualitative Findings Regarding Pedagogical Experiments In Business Classes Performed In Two Colleges To Improve Critical Thinking Skills Of The Participating Students Frank DeSimone, Department of Business Administration, Wagner College, Staten Island, NY John Buzza, Center for Entrepreneurship, Monmouth University, Long Branch, NJ ABSTRACT The motivation for this paper comes from need, need for our students to learn not only subject matter through traditional methods in a classroom, but foundational learning through experiences obtained directly in the workplace. The terminology used today for this student experience is referred to as experiential learning. This experiential learning comes in two forms, either (1) learning by yourself or (2) through experiential education (learning through programs established by others). You can kindly refer to learning by yourself as “nature’s way of learning” as it occurs as a direct participation in the life cycle. However experiential education can be defined more succinctly as a structured approach, using experiences and the direction of others to create the learning curve. The issue at hand is simple - does participatory (experiential) education create critical thinkers among our students and make them more aware of and able to more easily solve the problem(s) at hand? Our diligence has focused on two distinctly different courses in two different semesters (fall 2011 and spring 2012) in two different business disciplines (business...
Words: 5201 - Pages: 21
...How to Write an Analytical Response Paper An analytical response paper, also called a critical response or a reader response, depending on the teacher and the context, is a paper written to tell your opinion about some topic or idea based on a written work, question or study of some kind. It requires critical thinking to form your ideas and find support for the ideas based on the question. Step 1 Read the response directions from your instructor. The directions tell you what you are responding to and might even include a question to guide your answer. For example, it might ask you to respond to part of a text rather than a full text. Step 2 Write some short notes on your thoughts. An analytical response paper is not only your opinion about whether you agree with or like the material, but it also should include why you feel the way you do. For example, if a short story you are responding to makes you angry, write the reasons for that. Try to find at least two or three reasons to support your findings. Step 3 Analyze the material and your thoughts on it. If you feel the information in the text is false, find points that support the falsities in the text or that make it seem false to you as a reader. Write the quotes with appropriate citation to use in your essay. Step 4 Write an outline. Depending on the length requirements in the directions, you might need only two supporting paragraphs, or you might need more. The outline should point out your main ideas and provide at...
Words: 501 - Pages: 3
...Associate Program Material Characteristics of the Expository Essay What Is an Essay? An essay is an important part of your college experience because it requires critical thinking as well as organization and research. Essay is a broad term. Sometimes an essay is just a page long; sometimes, essays are five pages or longer. Essays, however, focus on a single subject and idea. They also have different purposes: to persuade, explain, or entertain. Consider the following essay titles: • “Why You Should Never Vote for a Democrat” • “My Friend Harry Reasoner” • “Cell Phones: Getting the Most for the Least” • “Gay Marriage Does Not Hurt Traditional Marriage” • “How to Write an Essay” How would you categorize the essays above based on the titles? Is “Why You Should Never Vote for a Democrat” a persuasive essay or an entertaining one? Does “How to Write an Essay” explain or persuade? Even within a classification, writers use different types of development and have multiple purposes for their essays. Essay Classifications Writers classify essays in different ways. The following table includes common types of essays as well as examples: Type of Essay Definition Example Expository Uses evidence, examples, or facts to explain a concept or to inform about a topic with a thesis as its base; the information must be presented fairly and in a nonbiased manner “How to Stop Smoking” Persuasive or Argumentative Uses evidence, examples, or facts to persuade your...
Words: 1230 - Pages: 5
...Axia College Material Characteristics of the Expository Essay What Is an Essay? An essay, or personal-opinion paper, is an important part of your college experience because it requires critical thinking as well as organization and research. Essay is a broad term. Sometimes an essay is just a page long; sometimes, essays are five pages or longer. Essays, however, focus on a single subject and idea. They also have different purposes: to persuade, explain, or entertain. Consider the following essay titles: • “Why You Should Never Vote for a Democrat” • “My Friend Harry Reasoner” • “Cells Phones: Getting the Most for the Least” • “Gay Marriage Does Not Hurt Traditional Marriage” • “How to Write an Essay” How would you categorize the essays above based on the titles? Is “Why You Should Never Vote for a Democrat” a persuasive essay or an entertaining one? Does “How to Write an Essay” explain or persuade? Even within a classification, writers use different types of development and have multiple purposes for their essays. Essay Classifications Writers classify essays in different ways. The following table includes common types of essays as well as examples: |Type of Essay |Definition |Example | | | | ...
Words: 1032 - Pages: 5
...1 Overview of How to Write an Essay Writing essays is a major element of your education at the university level. Effective writing gives you the ability to express your ideas, theories, arguments, and projects clearly. The skills you acquire at the university level through writing essays will be aimed at practical business applications that you will be able to use in the workplace. The following information provides a succinct overview of the elements you need to know to begin writing an essay. It will help you on your writing journey. Types of Essays Narrative A narrative essay is a story told by a narrator. Generally, a narrative discusses the personal experience of the author (the first person point of view), but it can also be written about things that happen to others (third person point of view). A narrative typically involves characters, a setting, specific and vivid details, and a series of events that can include current incidents, flashbacks, or dialogue. Cause and Effect A cause and effect essay explores why events, actions, or conditions occur (cause) and examines the results of those events, actions, or conditions (effect). For example, a cause could be purchasing a new expensive home. The effect might be fewer family vacations, more time spent on upkeep, or less time with family because of extra work hours to pay for the home. Comparison and Contrast A comparison and contrast essay shows the relationship between two or more elements. The items can be compared...
Words: 6215 - Pages: 25
...1 Overview of How to Write an Essay Writing essays is a major element of your education at the university level. Effective writing gives you the ability to express your ideas, theories, arguments, and projects clearly. The skills you acquire at the university level through writing essays will be aimed at practical business applications that you will be able to use in the workplace. The following information provides a succinct overview of the elements you need to know to begin writing an essay. It will help you on your writing journey. Types of Essays Narrative A narrative essay is a story told by a narrator. Generally, a narrative discusses the personal experience of the author (the first person point of view), but it can also be written about things that happen to others (third person point of view). A narrative typically involves characters, a setting, specific and vivid details, and a series of events that can include current incidents, flashbacks, or dialogue. Cause and Effect A cause and effect essay explores why events, actions, or conditions occur (cause) and examines the results of those events, actions, or conditions (effect). For example, a cause could be purchasing a new expensive home. The effect might be fewer family vacations, more time spent on upkeep, or less time with family because of extra work hours to pay for the home. Comparison and Contrast A comparison and contrast essay shows the relationship between two or more elements. The items can be compared...
Words: 6215 - Pages: 25
...Critical and Creative Thinking in Society Short Essays PHL/458 December 1, 201X XXX Introduction Critical and creative thinking are an important part of everyday life. First, this paper will describe a situation of public interest in which these could have been used for a better outcome. Next, it will define free will, truth, knowledge and opinion, how they are used to form thoughts and the role they play in critically assessing situations. It will also identify three hindrances to the critical thinking process with an experience. Lastly, it will identify a message in advertising, how it was perceived, and the reality of the advertisement and distinguish between perception and the reality of the message. Situation of Public Interest The current situation of public interest that will be discussed is the selling of swastika ridden wrapping paper by Walgreens. Walgreens was carrying the wrapping paper in celebration of Hanukkah when customers started to notice the swastikas. This is clearly offensive to the Jewish community who would be purchasing the wrapping paper. As a result the product has been pulled from the shelves (Huffington Post, 2014). This situation could have been avoided if a quality assurance individual or product reviewer was consulted. It is those individuals job to review the product and gage how consumers will perceive the product. The review process should include a checklist with critical thinking questions one it. One example would be...
Words: 1042 - Pages: 5
...Cognitive Distortions Worksheet Name: Chasity Flowers | 1) Read Chapter 3 in the course textbook. 2) Complete the table below using the information from the textbook. 3) You must use a total of 5 cognitive distortions. 4) GCU style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected. | Cognitive Distortion and Description | Please respond to the prompts below (a,b,c,d) for each cognitive distortion you choose. Each response should be 150-200 words. a) Provide an example of a cognitive distortion from your personal life.b) How did the cognitive distortion affect your critical thinking?c) How could you manage the emotions associated with this cognitive distortion in the future?d) How will you avoid using this cognitive distortion in the persuasive essay you are writing for this class? | 1 | Jumping to Conclusions | A) I always jump to conclusions especially when my husband is trying to tell me something, but I really don’t want to hear it and this sometimes causes us to argue. If I would just listen to what he was trying to say and not trying to answer it myself I could avoid this problem. B) Jumping to conclusions affected my critical thinking because instead of waiting for my husband to finish his statement and then come up with a great and plausible solution or response to what he had just told me, I jumped in and through in a irrational conclusion.C) I could handle this distortion in the future by simply letting my husband finish what he...
Words: 972 - Pages: 4
...* ------------------------------------------------- Course Information: Course Description: Exposition and argument, emphasizing critical thinking in response to electronic and print texts. Focus on exploring, developing, and communicating ideas in a voice appropriate to the audience. Students strengthen skills through pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. In-class and out-of-class essays required. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in ENGL 098 taken at 5 credits or recommending score on the writing skills placement test for ENGL 101. | Credits: 5Item #: 2806Class Hours/Locations: 9:00-9:50JSH 248 | ------------------------------------------------- Instructor Information: 0 1 Instructor: Sharla Yates, MA in Writing 2 Office Hours: by appointment only 3 Phone: 503-750-9552 (Last Resort) | 4 E-mail address: syates@clark.edu (Best) 5 Mailstop: FHL 222 6 Office Location: FHL 112 | * ------------------------------------------------- Text & Materials Needed: Required Text: * Hacker, Diana, Ed. Rules for Writers. Boston: Bedford, 2008. * Everything’s an Argument 5th edition. Boston: Bedford 2010. Required Supplies/Materials: You will need daily access to a computer and a printer, both must function properly. You will need access to the Internet. You will receive all assignments, announcements, grades, additional reading materials, videos, handouts and due dates on...
Words: 2036 - Pages: 9
...WRITING A CRITICAL ACADEMIC ESSAY Contributions by Drs Yvonne Brunetto and Ashlea Troth and University of Tasmania [Homepage of University of Tasmania], [Online]. (2001, September 11 - last update). Available: www.utas.edu.au [2002, February 4]. Introduction It is important to note that an academic essay is structured as an argument. This means you cannot just list facts or points, rather you must use them as essential parts of an overall argument. An academic essay also requires you to produce reasons/evidence for any arguments you make. Therefore, essay assessment allows you to come to grips with complex ideas and concepts and to display your knowledge of them. A critical essay both displays and extends your analytical skills. Most students find it difficult to write an assignment. If you feel confident in your ability, you still need to use this guide to check you have the techniques required for a university level assignment. If you do not know how to write an assignment, read through this guide carefully. Keep it by you as you prepare for and write each assignment. However, remember this is just one recipe for 'How to Write'. Many students will still need personal help in writing. Your tutors will be ready to discuss ideas, plans or other matters with you. LAS (the Learning Assistance Service) is also available to give students free assistance. LAS is situated on the second floor of the library. What is critical thinking? "Little evidence of critical thinking"...
Words: 2777 - Pages: 12
...Elements The basic elements of academic essay writing are two: a thesis and evidence, divided into three parts: an introduction, the systematic development of an argument, and a conclusion. All scholarly writing, from the most concise paper to the longest book, follows these basic guidlines. Thesis Historical essay writing is based upon the thesis. A thesis is a statement, an argument which will be presented by the writer. The thesis is in effect, your position, your particular interpretation, your way of seeing a problem. Resist the temptation, which many students have, to think of a thesis as simply "restating" an instructor's question. The writer should demonstrate originality and critical thinking by showing what the question is asking, and why it is important rather than merely repeating it. Your own informed perspective is what matters. Many first-year students ask whether the "thesis" is not just their "opinion" of a historical question. A thesis is indeed a "point of view," or "perspective," but of a particular sort: it is based not only on belief, but on a logical and systematic argument supported by evidence. The truism that we each have "our own" opinions misses the point. A good critical essay acknowledges that many perspectives are possible on any question, yet demonstrates the validity or correctness of the writer's own view. Thesis and Evidence To make a good argument you must have both a strong central thesis and plausible evidence; the two are interdependent...
Words: 2351 - Pages: 10
...Week 7: Using Evidence: Thinking Like an Advocate Reading Assignment Read Chapter 6, "Using Evidence: Thinking Like an Advocate," on pages 136-151 in your textbook. Introduction As you have seen in your studies through the first six weeks of class, evidence plays a critical role in any argument essay. It’s the evidence, of course, that helps to convince your reader that what you’re saying is true. "Read my lips" just doesn’t cut it. In this lesson, you’ll have the opportunity to learn to examine your use of evidence so that you present your "case" in the best light. In the end, your reader will evaluate your claim based not only on the quality of the evidence you present, but also on your interpretation of it. You will examine your evidence to determine its relevance, validity, and level of detail. Evaluating if you have enough – or too much – evidence and whether the evidence you’re presenting helps or hurts your case will conclude this week’s lesson. Key Questions Textbook Pages What is evidence? Identify the importance of evidence in a winning argument essay. Pages 136-138 How would you identify and utilize various types of evidence to support an argument? Pages 138-143 How would you evaluate supporting evidence? Pages 143-146 How would you analyze a sample argument? Pages 147-150 How would you use debate, dialogue, and deliberation to find evidence for all sides of an issue? NA Week 7 Assignments Major Writing Assignment 6: Who’s to Blame? Reread the...
Words: 455 - Pages: 2
...one position. You may also support your argument with evidence drawn from your own experience.’ This paper critically examines the varied approaches to teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP). In particular, it examines Critical Pedagogy, Pragmatic Pedagogy and Critical-Pragmatic Pedagogy in the context of teaching academic writing to university students. This is an important issue as there is widespread debate as to what constitutes effective EAP instruction within the academic sphere. The conflicting perspectives are that a critical approach to pedagogy, with its challenge of current ‘implicit and explicit standards’ (Cherryholmes: 1988) is most effective. Other academics argue the case of a vulgar pragmatic approach that relies on structure and ‘the notions of theory and practice’ (Williams: 1983). There is also support for a hybrid approach to EAP learning, known as critical pragmatism. This method encourages the characteristic critical pedagogical challenge of the status quo, while still requiring ideas to be translated and conveyed by means of structured ‘discourse practices’ (Cherryholmes: 1988). Finally, upon examining the aforementioned approaches to EAP by review of scholarly literature, I intend to argue affirmatively that vulgar-pragmatic based pedagogy is the best and most effective method of teaching EAP to university students. The concept of critical pedagogical learning relies on the principle that ‘the classroom needs to be continually interrogated for...
Words: 2060 - Pages: 9
...Chapter Six you will find two different opinions, Justice Margaret Marshall’s majority opinion on Goodridge v. Department of Public Health and Matthew Spalding’s “A Defining Moment for Marriage and Self-Government. While many of you may have strong opinions on one side or the other of this debate, this week we're asking you to set your own opinions aside, and see if we can begin to identify the different parts of the argument. Directions: Specifically, read through these two articles and choose ONE of them. Then, for your chosen article, identify the various parts of the argument as they are described in chapter six of your text. Explain how the various parts work together to prove an overall claim. Again, you are NOT asked in this assignment to give your opinion on same-sex marriage or your stance on the issue, but to describe the argument being made and explain how those different parts work together. PLEASE NOTE: This assignment is not asking for a summary of the articles nor your perspective on this issue. Instead, in this assignment and many others, you will be doing an analysis of a particular article using the ideas and criteria specified by the assignment, demonstrating what you learned from the chapter about the components of an argument. Additional Guidelines: The more key terms you define and incorporate into your essay, the more points you'll earn for the assignment. Please bold those key terms for emphasis within the paper. Consider...
Words: 966 - Pages: 4
...that a good essay will affect the reader in some way shape or form. I believe combining effective uses of logos, pathos, and egos along with structure are very important. My persuasive writing reflects the way I think about argumentation in general. I can see how easy it can be to write a paper arguing a point, but not doing it in the correct manner. For example, if a writer just argues his point without giving any strong evidence and offers no counter-argument the paper will not be effective in persuading the reader. While my writing demonstrates strengths in organization and thesis development, I will continue to work to improve proofreading skills and sentence structure. What’s helped my writing this semester is that I feel confident about work. My writing demonstrates my strength in organization. A lot of this strength originates from class activities and notes. The class that had the biggest effect on me was when we learned about rhetorical analysis structure on page one of my handwritten evidence. In my notes I specifically write down the structure along with extra notes under some categories so I fully understand how to attack the assignment. This led to me getting a perfect ten score under the argumentative structure part on the grading rubric on my rhetorical analysis essay, which is titled “Exposing Education.” Since that learning moment from class I knew that having a well-designed structure was a key to my persuasive writing success. In all my papers after the rhetorical...
Words: 1643 - Pages: 7
