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Cognitive and Pedagogical Benefits of Argument Mapping: L.A.M.P. Guides the Way to Better Thinking
Yanna Rider and Neil Thomason
Austhink Consulting and University of Melbourne, School of Philosophy
University of Melbourne, School of PhilosophyAbstract: Experimental evidence shows that in dedicated Critical Thinking courses “Lots of Argument Mapping Practice” (LAMP) using a software tool like Rationale considerably improves students’ critical thinking skills. We believe that teaching with LAMP has additional cognitive and pedagogical benefits, even outside dedicated Critical Thinking subjects. Students learn to better understand and critique arguments, improve in their reading and writing, become clearer in their thinking and, perhaps, even gain meta-cognitive skills that ultimately make them better learners. We discuss some of the evidence for these claims, explain how, as we believe, LAMP confers these benefits, and call for proper experimental and educational research.
Biography: Yanna Rider is Consultant and Trainer at Austhink. She holds a PhD in Philoso-phy from The University of Melbourne. She is interested in the conceptual un-derpinnings of Argument Mapping and its relationship to critical thinking, as well as in applying Argument Mapping in professional contexts.
Biography: Neil Thomason is Senior Lecturer in the Department of History & Philosophy of Science at The University of Melbourne and holds a doctorate in the Philosophy of Science from the University of California at Berkeley. He has taught Critical Thinking at Reed, Vassar and The University of Melbourne. He is interested in everything except professional sport.
