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Critical thinking assessment offers rewards for student participation

The Center for Assessment and Improvement of Learning is giving students the opportunity to receive $40 and a free meal for completing the Critical thinking Assessment test.

Five sessions are available, each having a 30-person cap. Each session will take three hours and will include two assessments and a free meal. All undergraduates will receive $40 upon completion. Students are only allowed to sign up for one session.

The CAT consists of questions dealing with real-world problems that students answer with a short essay. This test is used to measure and promote the improvement of critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. Evaluating information, creative thinking, learning, problem-solving and communication are all skills assessed by the CAT.

The test has a detailed scoring guide so scoring stays consistent. Tech faculty members score the CAT, allowing them to observe their students’ weaknesses and see what areas need improvement.

In the past, some classes have offered the CAT to students as extra credit. Students would complete assessment one during class time and then complete the second assessment at a later date.

"I think it was worth taking. It was interesting to pay attention to what I was working through in my head. I learned a little bit about myself,” said Alex Brumback, a junior at Tech who has previously taken the test.

It took six years to develop the CAT and Tech was one of only seven universities across the country involved in its development. The National Science Foundation helps fund this opportunity.

All CAT sessions will take place in Roaden University Center at the following dates and times: March 2 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Room 370, March 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 370, March 4 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Tech Pride Room, March 5 from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and from 6 and 9 p.m., both in Room 342.