Hospitalite

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to explore the use of quantitative research education in developing the critical thinking skills of eighty-one (81) hospitality management students. The study tried to find out which among the research topics were able to develop students’ critical thinking as perceived by the first-year hospitality students. It also assessed the correlation between the students’ perceived quantitative research skills and their aptitude profile. To further validate the attainment of learning outcome, content analysis of the selected student essays was determined using the Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric by Facione and Facione (1994). The results of the study indicated varied ratings to perceived research skills. Research activities that involved "writing-andthinking" activities obtained a low mean average. Result also showed that there is a significant correlation between the perceived research skills in quantitative research and aptitude in Communication. The aptitude ratings in General Science, Numeracy, and in Essay do not significantly correlate with the perceived research skills. Content analysis of selected essays showed a fairly average rating of 2.5, with 4.0 as the highest score. In the analysis, majority of the students seldom justify or explain reasons. Despite inclusion of research education in curriculum and instruction to develop critical thinking skills of the students, results showed that some challenges are encountered by the students. It suggests clarifying the strategies or framework on how critical thinking can be effectively taught or developed through research education. This could also imply a need for a faculty development on critical thinking for those teachers teaching research subject.

Keywords: Critical thinking, research education, faculty development.