Improving students’ critical thinking, creativity, （提高学生的批判性思维,创造力,）.pdf

Journal of Instructional Pedagogies Improving students’ critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills Gary L. Geissler University of Arkansas at Little Rock Steve W. Edison University of Arkansas at Little Rock Jane P. Wayland University of Arkansas at Little Rock ABSTRACT Business professors continue to face the challenge of truly preparing their students for the workplace. College students often lack skills that are valued by employers, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills. Traditional classroom methods, such as lectures, may fail to produce adequate student participation and skill development. More innovative methods, like client-based, classroom projects, are yielding more favorable results in these areas. To better prepare students for the business world, the authors have successfully adapted the Six Thinking Hats® system in several marketing courses. In essence, the authors have developed and utilize an interactive thinking and discussion game based on this system. Students learn to view ideas, problems, and case situations from many different perspectives. Not only does this technique help to develop the abovementioned skills, but also it aids in ensuring more balanced discussions, greater empathy, and increased cooperation. An online survey was conducted among students who used this adaptation of the Six Thinking Hats® system in various courses. Key results indicate that respondents found the technique to be easy to use and interesting, as well as helpful in facilitating creative discussions, understanding