The University of Wyoming does a good job graduating students with developed critical thinking skills, according to a new report by the Wall Street Journal. Out of 100 public colleges and universities who participated in the study, UW ranks 14th.
Anne Alexander, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Undergraduate Education, said UW’s improved performance in this area is most likely the result of the new general studies program implemented in 2015, which requires all students to take courses that teach creative thinking and problem-solving.
Alexander said the curriculum is designed to prepare students to live engaged lives and to meet workforce demands.
“Employers need it. We’re seeing that. They are crying out for it. It’s problem-solving. It’s making your way through complex situations that may not have a single answer to them,” said Alexander.
“You’re seeing a lot more quick information flows, and employers are really saying we need people who know how to be critical thinkers.”
Data compiled by the Wall Street Journal indicates that 4 percent of UW seniors scored “below basic” on the exam, compared with 15 percent when they were freshmen. And the average score on the test improved by 96 points from when students were freshman to when they were seniors.
