Transforming Thinking through Problem-based Learning in the News Media Literacy Class: Critical thinking as a threshold concept towards threshold capabilities

Rattray, J.; Chen, D.

Abstract

This paper considers the extent to which critical thinking might be conceived of as a threshold concept which unlocks threshold capabilities in learners. Utilising a problem-based learning approach to pedagogy the paper reports a small scale study which was designed to explore whether students in a Media Literacy class could be supported to develop their critical thinking capabilities. The paper argues that such capabilities represent a threshold transformation in learners, unlocking as they do a new way of engaging with media literacy. Using Baxter Magolda’s model of the development of critical thinking the study examines the extent to which students shift from a very egocentric view of the world to a more integrative and reflexive view of the world as their critical thinking capabilities become more sophisticated. The paper further argues that whilst critical thinking can be seen as a threshold concept it might also be viewed of as a threshold capability which is transferable across a number of domains - it transcends the discipline and might be considered to be a more complex threshold.

Citation

Rattray, J., & Chen, D. (2017). Transforming Thinking through Problem-based Learning in the News Media Literacy Class: Critical thinking as a threshold concept towards threshold capabilities. Practice and evidence of scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education, 12(2), 272-293

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 16, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 5, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 8, 2017
• Journal: Practice and evidence of the scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education
• Publisher: Practice and Evidence of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 272-293
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1358865
• Publisher URL: http://community.dur.ac.uk/pestlhe.learning/index.php/pestlhe/article/view/172