Evaluate and Critique a Model or Argument

Students need to be able to break down a model or argument. They must judge the quality of the sources presented as well as determine the validity of their interpretation in the larger course context. Developing these evaluation skills push student’s critical thinking and challenges their understanding of course concepts.

Examples in the ABLConnect Database

The Spectrum Game

Students compare and contrast different philosophers they have read in the course by locating them a spectrum based on various criteria. Introduction: In preparation for their second paper, which required comparing two philosophers, the instructor used...

Simulated Investment in Genome Editing Technology

In this simulation activity, students decide which of two companies, each using a different CRISPR genome-editing technology, to invest in. They engage with research on CRISPR genome editing to understand how unintended consequences of one technology used...

Learning through Case Construction

Students familiar with case study analysis construct their own cases to capture a specific ethical question. They then lead their classmates through the case. This case construction gives students the opportunity to try to stump one another with new...

Why?

Being able to analyze an argument pushes students knowledge base and critical thinking skills. Breaking down the good and bad of a model allows students to deeply consider the facts and their interpretation in the larger course content. Critical thinking is a fundamental part of this process. Students must read, infer, compare, and evaluate to jude the model or argument. They must then communicate their observations to provide constructive feedback and analysis. By understanding how to critique an argument and learning the potential benefits of such critique, students are also becoming better at receiving criticism.

Examples

Evaluate and Critique a Model or Argument can be worked into a variety of activity types! Here are just a few examples:

Research: A research project can be expanded to include a peer-review step. A peer-review allows students to evaluate their classmate’s model and provides the author feedback on how well they defended their point. Critically, establish a set of rules and class norms so that students’ reviews are constructive rather than mean. If you think this may be a problem, you may also have students submit reviews to you so that you can rephrase feedback before handing it back to the author.

Think-Pair-Share: After introducing a new model to the class in lecture, take a pause to allow students to evaluate the model on their own. Give a few minutes for each student to think critically on their own and jot down a few strengths/weaknesses of the new model. Then encourage students to speak to their neighbors to compare their evaluations. Finally, bring the class back together to have a larger class discussion.

There are also ways to focus on Evaluate and Critique a Model or Argument in unexpected activity types.

Statement Corrections: Have a series of statements proposing different models/arguments based on the same set of primary sources. Have students compare each different model, pick the one they feel is the most accurate, then correct the other statements to reflect their choice. If done in independent groups, bring the class back together to see if groups had differing opinions and discuss what aspects of the model convinced them. End by having the class settle on a single model that best represents the primary sources.

Research

Coming soon!