Critical Thinking in Teacher Education: Course Design and Teaching Practicum
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The paper describes a practise/a curriculum change and not an empirical study. The practise is clearly underpinned with research and within the literature. However, there is not research presented nor clear research questions or aims described.
In the text there are often repetitions and it is not always easy to follow.
The text is often hard to follow. There are long sentences. It would help if these long sentences were split up in different parts.
Author Response
Please see attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
This paper entitled " Critical Thinking in teacher education: course design and teaching practicum" explores 'how negative discourses of teacher education position teacher educators and also how they might influence or inspire action'. It seems also very suitable for the special issue "Critical Thinking: Bridging a Successful Transition between University and Labour Market".
The authors work with sufficiently extensive and up-to-date international literature.
It highlights the relevance of critical thinking in teacher education and outlines the need for research in supporting student-teachers to work in the highly complex context of schools. Taking as a reference the curriculum transformation undertaken in the Department of Primary Education, University of Western Macedonia, including the incorporation of teaching strategies and reflective practices to cultivate critical thinking skills and dispositions, the paper “describes the reformation of courses including theoretical lectures and teaching practicum in the context of the Erasmus+ Program Think4Jobs aiming to combine both disciplinary skills and CT skills and dispositions in the direction of preparing student-teachers for their future career”.
The paper does fit the aim and scope of the journal; however, it needs major revisions:
(1) The paper could benefit from a more straightforward structure and organisation in order to improve the text's readability and flow. Some sentences are long and complex. Breaking them down into shorter, more concise sentences would improve readability. Also, simplifying the language and sentence structure would enhance text clarity and comprehension.
(2) In the section “2. The courses: theoretical lectures and teaching practicum”, it would be beneficial to address any potential limitations or challenges associated with the course design and implementation (it would provide a more balanced perspective and demonstrate an awareness of potential issues that may arise in teaching critical thinking).
(3) The paper would benefit from providing more methodological details, particularly regarding research design, data analysis and ethical considerations (Ethical considerations are not described in the text, e.g. informed consent, anonymity, privacy and potential conflicts of interest. As this is a fundamental issue, its inclusion is highly recommended).
(4) To improve and elaborate on the discussion section and add some more conclusions, in particular on how the teaching practicum can set the stage for the cultivation of Critical Thinking skills in initial teacher education. To maximise the theoretical contributions alluded to in this section's introductory part of the paper. It could also be improved by enhancing clarity, providing supporting evidence, and further elaborating on the approach's benefits.
Thank you.
I have mentioned in the previous point.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The article can be published in its final form.
Author Response
Please see attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Dear authors,
Thank you for the work done on the paper and for your thoughtful cover letter. The work undertaken improves significantly the quality of the paper.
All the best!
I recommend a careful revision of the paper to ensure its accuracy and flow.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
We would like to thank you once again for your comments regarding our paper Critical Thinking in teacher education: course design and teaching practicum.
We revised the whole text regarding accuracy and flow and meticulously modified wording as you suggested.
Additionally, we paid attention to the parts describing the way our courses were organized in order to accurately highlight the teaching methods we followed. This is also the case for the discussion part for sound argumentation.
All changes are highlighted in the text according to the journal’s instructions.
Thank you for your contribution.
