Abstract
The chapter analyses that it is crucial to incorporate mixed teaching methods that promote mobility, agility, creativity, and critical thinking to enhance student's learning experience. Critical thinking ability is indispensable in all fields, both within and beyond academia. It needs to be more than conventional classroom methods to impart theoretical and conceptual knowledge. Educational institutions should necessarily incorporate practical, real-world learning experiences into the curriculum by changing internal assignments into field studies. Further, the authors in this chapter discussed how the primary objectives of teaching need to create innovative pedagogical techniques to build collaborative relationships and research-oriented assignments that create sound reasoning skills essential to developing critical thinking. It involves analytical thinking, assessing evidence, determining assumptions, and examining arguments. These skills allow learners to make informed decisions, form opinions, and solve problems confidently.
TopIntroduction
Teachers have an immense role in transforming a student into a critical thinker who can engage with and, in turn, help build knowledge. Teachers provide students with a sense of purpose, equip them with the necessary skills to engage with the wisdom they receive and encourage them to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Since students are the future leaders, teachers are the essential bridge that prepares them for the challenges that lie ahead. We greatly respect and admire academics in the present era, which is marked by rapid progress and technological advancements in various fields. Only when we comprehend the pivotal role of teachers in society can we truly appreciate the significance of education (Hyslop-Margison & Naseem, 2007). The primary objective of teaching is to establish a result-oriented learning culture in our institutions through various pedagogical approaches for students. Educators should possess the necessary skills to build trusting and collaborative relationships for students and stakeholders to achieve personal and collective growth goals for society. They have an ethical responsibility to develop and implement practices that motivate and empower students to participate actively in their learning and personal development. Furthermore, they should utilize different classroom strategies to facilitate a plan for achieving these objectives.
The ability to think critically is indispensable in all fields, both within and beyond academia. It is not enough to rely solely on conventional classroom methods to impart theoretical and conceptual knowledge; it is vital to incorporate practical, real-world learning experiences into the curriculum. Although teaching critical thinking may seem daunting, there are numerous dynamic approaches to promote active learning and enhance these skills among students. A good education and effective teachers are essential for progress in all key areas necessary for societal development. The position of teachers is crucial as they have direct responsibility and influence on what their students will become. Teachers are responsible for nurturing their students' potential, encouraging them and providing the necessary knowledge and stimulation. The fate of our society depends greatly on teachers, which is why we need to emphasize the vital role they play in shaping the future of society (Heertum, 2007).
Learning is a lifelong activity, and teachers play an integral role in this process, especially in formal education. Educators must be flexible in adopting new dimensions of effective pedagogy to make learning easy for undergraduate students. The role of educators is not only to impart theoretical knowledge but also to instil critical thinking by nurturing and emphasizing societal concerns. Undoubtedly, teachers hold significant power and responsibility in grooming learners. They must be up to the task and responsible according to their position and influence. It can be achieved if teachers adopt appropriate methodologies that foster analytical skills among students (Lucian Ciolan, 2021). Qualified visionary educators can create a dedicated space for students to reflect on their ideas and discuss the importance of doing so.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Empirical Education: Empirical studies are those based on actual and objective observation or experimentation. They are primary research documents that contain either qualitative or quantitative research methods.
Field Study: Field study is a method of research that involves collecting data outside of a laboratory or experimental setting. A field study is a general method for collecting data about users, user needs, and product requirements that involves observation and interviewing. Data are collected about task flows, inefficiencies, and users' organizational and physical environments. Investigators in field studies observe users as they work, taking notes on particular activities and often asking user’s questions. Observation may be direct, where the investigator is present during the task, or indirect, where the task is viewed by some other means, like a video recorder set up in an office. The method is applicable early in product development to gather user requirements. It is also helpful for studying currently executed tasks and processes.