On the Spot Scaffolding as the Hermeneutic Phenomenology Action Field: Critical Thinking Case for Medical Students in Iran

Background: A major contribution to the humanities literature has been the development and application of Vygotsky's sociocultural theory in relevant fields. Constructivism as a paradigm is owed to Vygotsky and his efforts. On-the-spot scaffolding in this regard is one of the innovations that can be triangulated with hermeneutic phenomenology to pave the way for a paradigm shift in the educational system in a broad view and for critical thinking for medical students in a narrow view. This study aimed to illuminate the other side of the behavioristic lesson plan, which is on-the-spot scaffolding in implementing one of the modules of essential skills for doctors of medicine (Adab-e Pezeshki), which is critical thinking.

Methods: This study was qualitative and longitudinal. It is longitudinal due to the 3 years of involvement and qualitative due to the study design approach and the use of discourse analysis and hermeneutic phenomenology as tools.

Results: Three main findings emerged from the study's qualitative nature: first, students who attended the sessions or who merely completed the assignments created an on-the-spot critical thinking scaffolding design, which is an alternative to a behavioristic lesson plan; and second, the students wrote numerous movie reviews in both Persian and English. One of the components of reflective autobiography is these film critics and a student-written, instructor-edited paper submitted to ICHPE 2023.

Conclusion: There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift and comparative-historical investigations in the medical education system in Iran.