Research Design
The research will use mixed methods; quantitative and qualitative, a multi strategy so that the findings can be cross checked for credibility and validity of data, (Bryman, 2008; Dornyei, 2007; Irwin, 2006:4).
The research will involve two phases:
Phase I
The first phase will be looking into the current theory on Critical Thinking skills and Engineering education based on established literature and design a functional checklist – categories of Critical Thinking skills for ESAP Engineering.
Phase II (data collection)
Measured observations, (i) to investigate students perceptions and understanding of Critical thinking skills at the beginning of Semester 2, comparing the experience of students from different L1 and cultural backgrounds, and following their development through the year progressing to undergraduate engineering degree programme, (ii) to investigate how the current curriculum addresses the expectations and learning needs of the students, and (iii) to find out how well-prepared foundation year students are, in term of their critical skills, for their destination undergraduate engineering degree programmes.
Data will be collected through:
(i) Document analysis (e.g. Foundation Year Engineering Programme Profile)
(ii) On-line self-completion questionnaires (pre-coded and single short text responses)
(iii) Semi-structured interviews (module instructors)
(iv) Semi-structured interviews and Focus group (students)
(v) Class room observation/audio-recording
(vi) Zappers
What research procedures will be used?
(i) On-line self-completion questionnaires (pre-coded and single short text responses) for student participants
Duration: 10 minutes X 3 times
(ii) Semi-structured interviews
Language Pathways Module Instructors
Duration: 30 minutes
Foundation Year Engineering Module Instructors
Duration: 30 minutes
(iii) Semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (students)
Duration: 30 minutes x 3
(iv) Class room observations
Duration: whole of Semester 2
(v) Zappers
Duration: end of Semester 2 (10 minutes)