Developing Active Learning and Critical Thinking Skills
Success at university requires more than attending classes and memorizing information. Students also need to understand ideas, ask meaningful questions, and apply knowledge to different situations. For students at Van Hien University, active learning and critical thinking can make lessons more interesting and useful. These skills help students become independent learners and prepare them to solve problems in their future workplaces.
One way to develop active learning is to prepare before class. Students can read the relevant textbook pages, review previous lessons, and identify unfamiliar concepts. They do not need to understand everything immediately. The purpose of preparation is to build a basic understanding and recognize areas that require explanation. For example, an accounting student can read about a financial statement before the lesson and prepare questions about how its figures are calculated.
During class, students should participate actively instead of simply copying information from presentation slides. They can listen for the main ideas, take notes in their own words, and connect new knowledge with previous lessons. Asking questions is especially valuable when a concept is unclear. Students who feel nervous about speaking can begin by preparing one question before class. They can also contribute through small-group discussions before becoming more confident in larger discussions.
Critical thinking involves examining information carefully before accepting it. Students should ask questions such as “What evidence supports this statement?” and “Could there be another explanation?” When researching an assignment, they should compare sources and consider the author’s expertise, purpose, and supporting evidence. For instance, a business student evaluating a marketing strategy should consider both its possible benefits and its limitations. This approach produces stronger arguments than repeating information without analysis.
After class, students can strengthen their understanding through active recall and practical application. Rather than reading the same notes repeatedly, they can close their books and explain the main ideas from memory. They can then check what they missed. Creating practice questions, solving case studies, and teaching a concept to a classmate are also useful activities. These methods reveal gaps in understanding and encourage students to engage more deeply with the material.
In conclusion, active learning and critical thinking are essential parts of effective university study. Preparing before class, participating in discussions, evaluating evidence, and applying knowledge can help students understand subjects more deeply. By practising these habits regularly, students at Van Hien University can become more confident learners who are ready to make thoughtful decisions in both academic and professional situations.