Page 48 - 2023_Jour_89-5

modifying them as needed in this family policy course can have several possible
implications in terms of helping students effectively develop the self-confidence to
take social action and understand the impact they can have on public policy affecting
families in the future:
• Improved understanding of the critical science method: When students
implement the Practical Reasoning Think Sheet framework, they will understand
why it is important that evidence effectively supports their arguments.
• Increased self-confidence: Students may feel more confident in their ability
to engage in policymaking and social action by learning about effective strategies
for influencing change.
• Development of critical thinking skills: Critical science-focused instructional
strategies can help students develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze
complex problems and identify effective solutions.
• Enhanced knowledge of family policy issues: By learning about the impact
of policies on families and the importance of evidence-based policymaking, students
can gain a deeper understanding of the issues and how they can make a difference.
• Improved communication skills: Effective communication is essential for
making a positive impact on policymaking. By engaging in critical science-focused
instructional strategies, students can improve their ability to communicate effectively
and persuasively.
• Increased engagement and motivation: By emphasizing critical science-
focused instructional strategies, students may feel more engaged and motivated to
learn, as they see the relevance of the content to their lives and their ability to make
a difference.
Overall, enhancing the critical science perspective with the development and
implementation of these four instructional strategies helped students learn to take
reasoned action about challenging, ethical, and value-related problems when they
researched, developed, and presented their policy briefs. Ethical and value-based
problem solving is important to teach in a family policy course because it helps
students have a full understanding of their values and the values of others in a
culturally diverse society. Such an understanding can also increase the effectiveness
of the arguments and solution(s) developed in the policy brief for making a persuasive
impact on its intended audience.

References
American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. (2021). AAFCS brand story. https://aafcs
.org/about/about-us
Bart, M. (2011). Critical reflection adds depth and breadth to student learning. Faculty Focus.
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/critical-reflection-adds-depth
-and-breadth-to-student-learning/

Bogenschneider, K. (2014). Family policy matters: How policymaking affects families and what
professionals can do (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Bogenschneider, K., Little, O., Ooms, T., Benning, S., & Cadigan, K. (2012). The family impact
rationale: An evidence base for the family impact lens. The Family Impact Institute. https://
www.purdue.edu/hhs/hdfs/fii/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fi_rationale_0712.pdf

Brown, M. (1980). What is home economics education? University of Minnesota.

46 The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: International Journal for Professional Educators