FAREF: A Pilot Study of a Structured Approach to Teaching Argument Formalization and Evaluation

Abstract

This study introduces FAREF (Formalization and Argument Reasoning Evaluation Framework), a novel instructional framework designed to support learners in formalizing and evaluating restricted informal arguments. FAREF integrates a flowchart-guided analysis process with the Triangular Logic Model (TLM) to provide a visually supported, step-by-step method for transforming informal arguments into formal logical structures. A pilot study was conducted with graduate students to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach using the Analyzing Arguments category from the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA). Results indicated improvements in learners’ ability to evaluate arguments and a reduction in completion times. These findings suggest that FAREF holds promise as a structured instructional approach for enhancing argumentation skills in critical thinking education.