A Study of Analytical Reasoning Skills: What are the Cognitive Dimensions? What BYU Courses Successfully Promote Them?

Authors

Jennifer Nelson, Brigham Young University
Dr. William Bradshaw, Brigham Young University

Keywords

reasoning skills, cognitive dimensions, epistemology, student performance

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

It is crucial that science education place more emphasis on helping students learn to think rather than requiring them to memorize endless lists of facts. A vital tool in ascertaining student learning is assessment. Teachers typically assess either student performance (by measuring understanding of facts, concepts, theories, etc.) or affect (student attitudes, self-efficacy, interests, etc.). In my work with Drs. Bradshaw and Bell over the last year, I have helped to develop and test a novel assessment, the Student Mobility Profile (SMP), that addresses the question of epistemology. It allows a teacher to tell if participation in the course enabled a significant number of students to improve in their ability to learn.

Recommended Citation

Nelson, Jennifer and Bradshaw, Dr. William (2013) "A Study of Analytical Reasoning Skills: What are the Cognitive Dimensions? What BYU Courses Successfully Promote Them?," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1242.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1242