Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to grasp a structure of critical thinking in students in manufacturing activity, and to examine the relevance of the other factors. This study carried out a survey in 3rd grade junior high school students, and then the data were analyzed by factor analysis. As a result, the following factors related to critical thinking in manufacturing activity were found: (1) “Consideration of multilateral ideas” factor – an attitude to consider the plans and ideas by taking advantage of a variety of information multilaterally. (2) “Determine the status of the work” factor – an attitude to monitor the situation of self-work through interaction with other students and teachers. (3) “Optimization of working methods” factor – an attitude to consider the work method suitable for the working environment multilaterally. (4) “Evaluation of processing accuracy” factor – an attitude to objectively evaluate accuracy of the work based on the information, such as drawing and actual dimensions. Results of multi-regression analysis showed that “Inquiring mind” and “Emphasis of evidence” of students’ critical thinking attitudes in daily life factors were important for critical thinking in manufacturing activity.
