Development of an instructional model based on deconstruction theory and argumentation approach to enhance critique abilities of undergraduate students
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to develop an instructional model based on deconstruction theory and an argumentation approach to develop the critique abilities of undergraduate students and evaluate the quality of the instructional model. The research procedure was divided into 4 phases: 1) a study of background data; 2) development of an instructional model; 3) the effectiveness evaluation of the instructional model through implementation with the subjects who were thirty undergraduate students, and 4) the presentation of the instructional model. The duration of the experiment was 8 weeks. The research instruments were the critique abilities test and critique abilities scoring criteria. The data were analyzed by using a dependent t-test and one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures, whereas the content analysis was used through the students learning logs and teachers reflections on their instructions. The findings of the study were as follows: 1. The objectives of the developed instructional model were to enhance critique abilities. This model consisted of 5 principles: 1) learning by studying issues or situations that are ambiguous; 2) learning by practicing deconstructing different things into dominant pairs, inconsistencies or opposites in situations, and expanding the conceptual base for decoding the substance of the situation; 3) learning by prioritizing through the quest for arguments, evidence, and supporting reasons from various sources; 4) learning from all and different perspectives through activities, and 5) learning by participating in presenting the results of the confirmation of the idea and giving another choice or a new reasonable perspective. The five main teaching steps of the instructional model were: 1) questioning for cognition and eliminating doubt; 2) deconstructing ideas and arranging hierarchies; 3) checking information and evidence all round; 4) arguing and reasoning, and 5) creating personal perspectives. 2. The effectiveness of the instructional model after implementation was found. The average score of critique abilities was higher than before the experiment at the .05 level of significance and the average score of critique abilities in organizing information, making decisions, reflecting thoughts and expressing opinions were also higher than before the experiment at the .05 level of significance. The average score of critique abilities in the experiment was 4 times higher at the .05 level of significance.