Encouraging critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in higher education is increasingly recognized as essential for preparing graduates to navigate their professional and personal lives. These abilities enable graduates to make intelligent decisions and adapt to change. The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education program from Arkansas State University (A-State) recognizes this need.
Courses like Institutional Strategies for Student support examine the latest research and successful approaches to academic affairs and student services. The course focuses on creating ideal environments that contribute to student achievement in colleges and universities and using evidence-based theories, research and practices for student success. Students in A-State’s program explore how institutions strategically organize, staff and fund a wide range of programs and services that address the diverse needs of higher education students including financial aid, social support, cultural awareness, personal development and academic success.
Empowering Students to Thrive
Higher education leaders who collaborate with educators can gain insights into theories of learning and best practices, allowing them to better support positive student outcomes. Faith Mundia’s LinkedIn article highlights several concepts that can cultivate critical thinking — a critical component of empowering others. One approach engages students with real-world problems and encourages them to analyze the situations, consider various perspectives and propose creative solutions. The author also mentions fostering open discussions, where students can debate opposing viewpoints and learn to support their arguments with evidence.
According to Inside Higher Ed, a misconception has held back efforts to fully integrate critical thinking across departments and throughout essential coursework. Some worry that teaching skills like critical thinking detract from teaching actual subject matter. However, critical thinking requires a foundation of knowledge in the subjects under analysis. Strong critical thinking relies on background information, including content specific to each academic discipline. Understanding content and critically evaluating it are not mutually exclusive: they are complementary aspects of a well-rounded education.
The Inside Higher Ed article addresses the ongoing debate about the role of creativity in critical thinking. However, there’s agreement on three core elements shared among creativity and critical thinking:
- Knowledge base: This includes familiarity with logic systems, which is essential for constructing and analyzing arguments.
- Skills: These are the practical abilities to apply logic, such as analyzing arguments and identifying flaws.
- Dispositions: This encourages a willingness to question assumptions, challenge existing beliefs and avoid blind acceptance of authority figures.
The Council for Aid to Education (CAE) emphasizes the importance of assessments in measuring and nurturing critical-thinking skills. They argue that skills like problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations are “increasingly becoming more important than academic knowledge or technical skills, and they can set students apart in a competitive, and changing, job market.”
A recent GlobeNewswire release summarized the findings of a study titled “Assessing and Developing Critical-Thinking Skills in Higher Education.” In effect, it underscores the effectiveness of collaborative learning environments and project-based learning in fostering critical thinking. Learning from one another’s perspectives can refine reasoning and strengthen communication skills. Project-based learning offers real-world challenges to analyze and solve, encouraging them to look deeper into the subject matter and develop creative solutions.
A-State’s online M.S. in Higher Education program fosters in-demand skills through its rigorous curriculum. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion course and the College Student Development course both prepare graduates to foster both critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities in their future roles as assistant dean, director of student housing, associate dean, director of enrollment management, director of financial aid and more.
How Arkansas State University’s Advanced Online Program Supports Innovation
Developing students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in higher education requires using leadership to understand the value of various tools and methods. These include pedagogy, curriculum design, student support services and assessment practices.
Shifting focus towards an institutional ethos of active learning, teamwork and self-reflection fosters the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills all students need to thrive. A-State’s online M.S. in Higher Education program provides graduates with leadership strategies for cultivating these skills within their schools and communities.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Master of Science in Higher Education program.