OERu/Planning/OERu 2012 Prototype/Critical Reasoning/Design blueprint

Metadata summary

 * Level: NQF Level 6 (2nd year - Bachelors Degree)
 * Discipline: Philosophy
 * Notional learning hours: 120 hours
 * Credits: 15
 * Local credential at your institution: This module may form part of a Bachelor of Arts qualification.

Intended target audience
''The module Critical reasoning will be useful to for learners in a wide range of fields where basic critical reasoning skills are required, for example, psychology, education, social work, communication science, public administration, English studies, managerial professions, and Health Sciences Education. Learners credited  with  the  module  Critical  reasoning  are  orientated  towards  independent  thinking  through active participation in the development of their competence in critical reasoning skills. They are sensitive to fallacies in  reasoning  and  adopt  a  critical  attitude  towards  stereotypes  and  biases. They demonstrate  the basic competence to analyse and evaluate different kinds of arguments, and to construct their own arguments by applying their experience and competencies acquired through their studies in critical reasoning. ''


 * Entry Requirements: Entry to this programme is open
 * There are no prerequisites

Delivery model
Core learning materials will be designed for independent self study and hosted openly on WikiEducator. The course resources will be integrated into sequenced learning activities within an open learning management system. Course materials will include:


 * Synchronized slide shows with audio providing introductions and overviews of the concepts,
 * Reflective video activities based on open access videos hosted on the Internet
 * Open access website resources and e-tivities


 * Recommended reading resources
 * Reflective journal (including both public and personal reflections)
 * Discussion forums
 * Community based project

Assessment model
The assessment model should provide space for both formative and summative assessment.

For formative assessment purposes, it is proposed that a number of in-course activities are included with automated feedback/self-check lists/rubrics available.

For summative assessment purposes, it is proposed that two options need to be available:

Credentialing Successful students will receive a certificate of accomplishment for the course. Students will receive a copy of the assessment results including assessor comments. Successful students will receive 12 credits duly recorded on the student's academic transcript at the University of South Africa provided satisfactory evidence is provided of course completion (weighted at 50%) AND provided applicants successfully complete a proctored challenge assessment weighted at 50%.

Interaction strategies
The course will be offered in parallel mode, both as an OER and in a full-tuition mode with students registered at the University of South Africa. Full-tuition students will receive tutorial support services from the University of South Africa. OERu learners will register for free and utilise the interaction strategies below. On payment of the prescribed assessment fee, OERu learners who wish to receive formal credit can acquire assessment services

Student-content interactions
Course materials will include:


 * reflective conceptual activities and quizzes with online feedback
 * reflective learning journal activities

Student-student interactions

 * The course will incorporate reflective microblog posts or discussion forum posts.
 * The course will provide a live feed of the aggregated posts using the course keyword or hashtag.
 * An automated weekly html newsletter containing links to registered student blogs and discussion forum posts will be emailed to registered OERu learners.

Student-support interactions

 * Frequently asked questions web site hosted on the wiki where learners and academic volunteers can generate questions and answers.
 * OER learner support materials for technology support.
 * General student help from academic volunteers on the microblog and discussion forum.

Learning outcomes / Graduate profile

 * Outcome 1: Learners actively participate in the opportunities set out in the study material to explore what critical reasoning is and what it means to critically reflect on one’s own thinking.


 * Outcome 2: Recognize and understand various reasoning fallacies as obstacles to clear thinking.


 * Outcome 3: Demonstrate the competence to identify arguments and to analyse different kinds of arguments.


 * Outcome 4: Apply knowledge and skills in evaluating different types of arguments.


 * Outcome 5: Apply knowledge and skills in constructing own arguments.