Stephen Downes

Terry Anderson summarizes some recent articles from the journal Review of Educational Research. The first looks at sources of self-efficacy in distance learning while the second looks at social comparison. In both, notes Anderson, without transparency, students cannot compare themselves with each other, which may result in anxiety and less opportunity for self-improvement. Third, Anderson summarizes a meta-analysis that looks at the development of critical thinking skills. "The mixed method where CT skills are taught as an independent track within a specific subject matter course proved most effective."