Listed below are selected learning outcomes in the area of critical
thinking that Western Washington University is actively integrating
into its curriculum. Each learning outcome is listed with its
definition, along with a description of how Arunas Oslapas'
teaching strategies meet each of these student learning outcome
goals.
Critical Thinking
Learning Outcomes |
Definition |
Course Outcomes |
| Identification |
Accurately identifies and interprets evidence. |
In any design project, students begin by identifying needs, wants, and expectations of the user, company, and/or client. Once these needs are identified, design criteria is established which becomes a written blueprint of the design solution. |
| Alternative Consideration |
Considers major alternative points of view. |
Students analyze a user's demographics, cultural influences, social habits, and other factors that affect the ultimate success of their design. Also, students need to consider whether their design meets a specific target market as well as feasibility of manufacture and economics. |
| Accurate Conclusions |
Draws warranted, judicious, non-fallacious conclusions. |
Students then reevaluate and reassess their designs, confirming once again with the client that all the needs are addressed before ultimately selecting a final solution to develop. |
| Justification |
Justifies key results and procedures, and explains assumptions and reasons. |
For industry-sponsored projects, students persuasively present and defend their product ideas, soliciting valuable feedback that either justifies or negates creation of the project.
In the "Trash to Cash" project, students face the ultimate entrepreneurial experience as they take a product from concept to store shelf, where the marketability of the product is proven. In a final debriefing, students then reflect on unforeseen factors which lead to failure or success. |
Source: Adapted from the California Academic Press's Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric available at: http://www.insightassessment.com/HCTSR.html
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