The purpose of this research was to examine possible outcomes of developmental
students’ critical thinking and motivation to read when the online
learning community, WebCT, was implemented. My role, in addition to instructor,
was that of participant-observer. I implemented WebCT tools, such
as discussion board and chat, over a four-month period into my instruction
to enhance critical thinking and motivation to read in my Developmental
Studies in Reading II classroom. A mixed-method approach for intervention
evaluation was employed, and improvements were noted in both reading
engagement and critical thinking skills by using these online tools. By incorporating
this technology into the developmental studies curriculum, we,
as developmental education instructors, will be encouraging and supporting
our students’ needs to become independent thinkers and learners. |