Call for papers

Against the backdrop of increased accessibility to generative AI tools, we are once again reminded of the need for higher education institutions to cultivate curious and reflective learners, and to guide them in communicating evidence of independent thinking. This interdisciplinary symposium thus aims to explore the cognitive processes and articulation of critical thinking (CT) in teaching and learning within the higher education context. What are the challenges and opportunities in developing CT skills? Why do we teach CT the way we do? What are the assessment methods and pedagogical decisions we apply in our teaching?  

We welcome all proposals related to the teaching and learning of CT skills in tertiary education, but are particularly interested in four main streams for their relevance and importance at this level:  

1) Measuring CT  

  • What is “critical thinking” and how can we measure it reliably? Is it a unidimensional or multi-dimensional construct? 

2) Reading, writing and CT 

  • What types of activities or assignments foster CT?   
  • What behaviours do critical readers and writers exhibit? 

3) Gen AI and CT 

  • How do educators understand the role of AI Literacy in CT? 
  • What are useful attitudes educators can have towards Gen AI that help them to improve in teaching CT skills? 

4) Facilitating domain or task transference of CT 

  • How can we facilitate the transfer of critical thinking skills across tasks within a domain, and across domains? 

Through keynote addresses, presentations and a newly added workshop component, this two-day symposium will provide a comprehensive platform for participants to share research findings, pedagogical insights, and practical tools for enhancing critical thinking and writing in higher education. We invite educators, researchers, and practitioners from all disciplines to share their experiences and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on improving the critical and reflective capacities of university students.  

Please submit your abstracts by 31 January 2025 (extended deadline, previously 31 December 2024). Abstract submission guide and link can be found under Information for Presenters.

If you have questions that have not been answered by the information on this website, please email the symposium organisers: aafrattarola@ntu.edu.sg

Nurturing Curious Minds is funded by the CoHASS Interdisciplinary Conference, Symposium and Workshop Scheme.