Analytical Thinking in a Time of COVID (and Trump)

Abstract

Drawing on the wealth of literature regarding scaffolding, the author explores the use of data analysis under conditions of remote learning to help students think and talk about a divisive election, whilst building the skills necessary to not only undertake independent research, but to become creators of knowledge. The chapter explores the structures that can support students as they move from passive recipients of knowledge to producers of knowledge, as well as ways that the educational institution can support faculty members in the transition from exclusively face-to-face instruction to online learning. The combination of remote learning and data analysis, as a major learning goal, may contribute to a more analytical, hence less controversial or confrontational, learning environment.