Critical Thinking As Influenced By Learning Style

Abstract

The development of critical thinking skills in students at all age levels has long been a national concern. As such, teaching faculty in all disciplines and at all levels of education shared a common goal: to develop in students in the complex mental operations that will allow them to be successful in the classroom as well as their future careers. A review of education literature reveals several factors that have been found to influence cognitive development. Learning style was one such factor. This study sought to investigate the influence learning style had on critical thinking abilities of students enrolled in a college of agriculture. A random sample of senior students was selected for the study. The Developing Cognitive Abilities Test and the Group Embedded Figures Test were used to gather data on students critical thinking abilities and learning style. Using multiple linear regression, 9 percent of the variance in students' critical thinking was uniquely accounted for by learning style after controlling personal characteristics. Recommendations are offered based on the results and for future research.