Jurnal Review: Promoting Students’ Critical Thinking Through Online Learning in Higher Education: Challenges and strategies

Sahnaz Yuniar Fadmanagara

2223210026 - 4B

Living in the millennial era has prompted learners to maximize existing and updated technology for learning. Critical thinking is an essential skill for learners in higher education. This paper explores the challenges and strategies for implementing learners' critical thinking through online learning. The findings indicate that online learning can support students in improving their critical thinking ability. However, challenges arise from sociocultural factors, students' previous learning habits, and familiarity with using updated technology. Strategies such as well-designed online discussions, critical-thinking learning content, and clear instructions can help instructors improve students' critical thinking.

In the modern education landscape, critical thinking in an online environment is integral. Critical thinking skills are highly sought-after in the globalized era, and they play a significant role in higher education. Technology, particularly online learning, is an undeniable factor impacting teaching-learning systems. This paper explores the challenges and strategies involved in promoting students' critical thinking through online learning.

The implementation of critical thinking in an online environment faces several challenges. Socio-cultural factors present a hurdle in defining the critical concept, especially in Asian countries like Indonesia. Additionally, technical and practical issues related to teachers' familiarity with the new online environment can make it difficult to design and choose suitable topics and methods.

To overcome the challenges, teachers can employ several strategies. Introducing appropriate content and engaging activities related to the essence of critical concepts can enhance students' critical thinking. Well-designed online discussions and group assignments promote collaboration and critical analysis.

Integrating critical thinking into online learning reflects the demands of modern education. The values, concepts, and behaviors of critical thinking are highly encouraged in today's higher education environment. Online learning serves as a valuable tool to promote students' critical thinking. However, challenges persist, including socio-cultural factors and technical issues faced by teachers in the online environment. To address these challenges, strategies such as introducing relevant content and engaging activities, as well as facilitating well-designed online discussions and group assignments, can be implemented.

This research highlights the importance of promoting critical thinking skills in online learning and emphasizes the need for instructors to adapt to the technology-driven educational landscape. By implementing effective strategies, educators can navigate the challenges and create a conducive online learning environment that fosters students' critical thinking abilities.

Tathahira, T. (2020). Promoting students‟ critical thinking through online learning in higher education: Challenges and strategies. Englisia: Journal of Language, Education, and Humanities, 8(1), 79-92. https://doi.org/10.22373/ej.v8i1.6636