Research

Developing the methodology behind bCisive

Austhink’s products are based on five years of research into thinking skills funded by the Australian Research Council and carried out by Austhink founder Dr Tim van Gelder and The Reason Project at the University of Melbourne.

The Reason Project developed a software-supported method for improving critical thinking and reasoning skills. Extensive empirical studies with students undertaking an undergraduate critical thinking course showed that this method reliably produces substantial gains in generic skills: approximately 8 times the gain achieved through standard university instruction, and double that of the best traditional critical thinking courses.

Dr van Gelder is recognized as a pioneer in argument visualization and critical thinking training. He has over 60 publications in cognitive science, and was winner of the 2001 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Critical Thinking. He has presented his work in dozens of international conferences and major universities.

Further reading