Exploring First and Fourth Year University Students’ Level of Critical Thinking Skills at Arab Open University- Jordan

Abstract

This study aims to explore Arab Open University- Jordan (AOU) students’ critical thinking skills, and whether these skills varied according to variables like their university level (first and fourth year of study), gender, age, and major at university. 248 students have been randomly chosen to participate in the study. California Critical Thinking Skills Test was used to collect data. The study revealed that students’ general levels of critical thinking were below the acceptable educational level, and students in the fourth year had better critical thinking skills than students in the first year. Additionally, females showed a higher level of critical thinking than males whereas age and major did not play a major role in developing critical thinking skills. Based on the results, reforms in the education system should be initiated in terms of course content, instruction, and evaluation. Further research should also be conducted to determine which factors contribute to developing students’ critical thinking skills