One intervention, several benefits: Deliberate computer‐assisted argument mapping practices in an online teacher education course

Abstract Background Ambiguity prevails concerning the fundamental methodological characteristics of computer‐assisted argument mapping (CAAM) learning environments, particularly in their capacity to facilitate critical thinking within tertiary education. Previous scholarly investigations have failed to furnish an exhaustive elucidation of the configuration of instructional interventions grounded in CAAM. Furthermore, prior research provides limited evidence to show how a course can be designed and implemented with CAAM practices. Objectives This study aimed to explore the influence of CAAM practices on the pre‐service teachers' critical thinking skills and the lived experiences of pre‐service teachers during CAAM practices based on their perspectives to guide more successful curriculum or instructional designs integrated with CAAM practices. Methods The intervention was conducted in an online course called ‘Instructional Methods and Techniques’, which included various instructional methods and techniques to be utilized while implementing a curriculum. This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed method research design conducted with 24 s grade pre‐service teachers enrolled in the elementary school department. The quantitative data gathered through a critical thinking scoring rubric were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA to analyse the change in participants' critical thinking scores over time, while a semi‐structured interview form developed by the researcher was used to collect data regarding pre‐service teachers' experiences, which were analysed with content analysis. Results The quantitative findings provided empirical support for the integration of CAAM practices into teacher education programs as a means to enhance the CT skills of pre‐service teachers, while content analysis resulted in five themes named as ‘challenges, opportunities, views about Mindmup, feedback and suggestions’. The challenges encountered and subsequently overcome, the opportunities harnessed for critical thinking growth, the role of feedback in the learning process, elimination of interaction problems encountered during online learning, and the need for balanced CAAM usage all contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and considerations associated with CAAM in the context of teacher education. Conclusions These insights are invaluable for teacher educators and curriculum designers seeking to prepare future educators as effective critical thinkers capable of addressing the complex challenges within the field of education. Ultimately, the study reinforces the importance of explicit CT instruction and highlights CAAM as a promising avenue for achieving this goal.