Training in critical thinking is essential for the professional development of journalism students. To achieve this goal, this study developed a gamified platform and a blended learning curriculum. During an 18-week experimental instruction period, a series of instructional activities, which included online discussions as well as classroom lectures and discussions, were conducted to enhance 32 journalism students' critical-thinking dispositions and skills. Repeated measure analysis of variance on test scores and analyses of open questions found that the participants significantly improved their critical thinking skills and dispositions through the gamified platform with the experimental instruction in a blended learning environment. The findings suggest that providing clear goals, challenges and quests, feedback, competition and cooperation, actual grading and visible status, access/ unlocking content, onboarding time restrictions, freedom of choice, and new identities and roles, as well as avoidance of over-justification, contributes to achieving a “meaningful gamification” experience, which may further lead to self-determined learning in critical thinking.

Training in critical thinking is essential for the professional development of journalism students. To achieve this goal, this study developed a gamified platform and a blended learning curriculum. During an 18-week experimental instruction period, a series of instructional activities, which included online discussions as well as classroom lectures and discussions, were conducted to enhance 32 journalism students' critical-thinking dispositions and skills. Repeated measure analysis of variance on test scores and analyses of open questions found that the participants significantly improved their critical thinking skills and dispositions through the gamified platform with the experimental instruction in a blended learning environment. The findings suggest that providing clear goals, challenges and quests, feedback, competition and cooperation, actual grading and visible status, access/ unlocking content, onboarding time restrictions, freedom of choice, and new identities and roles, as well as avoidance of over-justification, contributes to achieving a “meaningful gamification” experience, which may further lead to self-determined learning in critical thinking.

No abstract

Abstract. The English Press in Singapore has unique features in a country that functions under Authoritarian System. In the 1970s, the whole press (both English and Chinese) faced challenges and pressure from the control of the government. Tightening measures and laws were implemented, therefore the English press had to readjust the orientation and tried to cater to the need of nationbuilding and fostering of the spirit of being Singaporeans. The period in the 1970s was the time that both sides had the fiercest conflicts and the key stage the government began to lay down the complete and effective supervision system. A careful and thorough analysis into the English press at that time helps to reveal a more profound picture of that special phrase and paves the way to a deeper understanding between power and media.

No abstract