Learning style and critical thinking in an online course that uses concept maps

Abstract. As online courses become more prevalent in higher education programs, instructors begin to explore which teaching strategies are more effective to facilitate student learning based on different learning styles. One teaching strategy that is commonly employed in online courses is the use of discussion forums for the purpose of fostering learners ’ critical thinking skills. Using online discussion forums in courses, often some students lack effective strategies for participating in this activity. Therefore, this study proposed to explore the relationship between learning style and critical thinking in an online course that used discussion forums and concept maps as teaching strategies. The learning strategies used by students in the course were assessed using a Kolb-based learning style inventory. Students ’ critical thinking skills were assessed by having them create concept maps of the reading materials and discussions in the course. Results of this study indicate that there is no relationship between learning style and critical thinking; however, study findings suggest that individual and group factors influenced the ability for students to demonstrate successful critical thinking skills in the course.