Teaching Critical Thinking with Electronic Discussion

Abstract One of the products of a liberal undergraduate education is the ability to think critically. In practice, critical thinking is a skill that economics students are supposed to master as they complete their studies. However, exactly what critical thinking means is generally not well defined. Building on the literature on critical thinking, the authors examine how electronic discussion can be used effectively to teach this skill. Because of the multiplicity of views expressed, the asynchronous nature of the technology, and the inherent positive spillovers that are created, electronic discussion appears to provide a natural framework for teaching critical thinking.