Teaching Approaches: The logical analytical focus
- Roy Edwards
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
In the blog last week, we evaluated the importance of introducing new concepts, theories, and models in various forms of visual images such as charts and mind maps. This week we shall explore the logical analytical approach to student learning.
Introduction to the logical analytical style
In this style students are guided to logically engage with new information, ideas, arguments and models systematically. The primary focus is an evaluation of the significance, validity, and implications of the reading materials. Therefore, this approach also depends heavily on educators providing a sequence of accessible reading texts while further student development is reliant on exploring the issues in seminar or tutorial sessions.
What is meant by critical thinking
The aim of teaching critical thinking is to guide students in the process of logically interpreting the meaning of information also while evaluating the significance and validity of the material. Then, at a more general level, the aim is to enhance students’ problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
It must also be emphasised here that critical thinking cannot be taught or learnt as an independent skill but can only be applied to very specific faculty subjects. A model of the process of critical thinking is illustrated below.
Applying Critical Thinking during the Early Stage of Academic Writing
To conclude, this approach can be experienced as being rather dull by some students, so engagement does depend on the enthusiasm and personality of educators more than in other styles.
Questions
Is this approach more appropriate to some faculty subjects than others?
Does this approach depend on students engaging in guided critical reading on the topic?
What is meant by an active auditory focus?
We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.
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