Scaffolding: A Promising Approach to Fostering Critical Thinking

Abstract

Many undergraduate students struggle when asked to engage in critical thinking. One approach we have found useful in fostering critical thinking is scaffolding, a process that involves the use of prompts, supports, and modeling to build a removable structure from which students can learn complex thinking skills. Through the development of these critical thinking skills, students are better able to analyze and formulate recommendations for real world applications. This paper discusses how to incorporate a critical thinking scaffold to guide the design and facilitation of a case-based learning activity in a semester-long commercial recreation management course. Implications for the use of scaffolding in the classroom will also be discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Critical thinking
• scaffolding
• case studies