INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHANGES IN EDUCATION
Research Article
Aug 05, 2026 171 91

Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of a University-Based Debating Club in Bangladesh

A. S. M. Kamrul Islam 1 * ,
Mohammad Mahboob Morshed 2,
Laila Noor 3
1 Department of Green Business School and CETL, Green University of Bangladesh, Bangladesh2 Department of Educational Psychology and Guidance, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh3 Department of Education, University of Central Florida, USA* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Changes in Education, 3(2), 2026, 181-192, https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42023693
Online publication date: Nov 18, 2025
Publication date: Aug 05, 2026
Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

This study examines the influence of co-curricular activities on the development of critical thinking skills among students, which is critical for their academic and professional success. Despite the increasing emphasis on developing critical thinking in education, research has not fully explored how specific co-curricular activities, such as structured debate, contribute to this development. Focusing on the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS), the research aims to examine the influence of co-curricular activities on the development of critical thinking skills among students, focusing on the DUDS policy provisions and practices. Employing a qualitative case study approach, triangulation methods were used to collect data, including content analysis of the DUDS constitution and semi-structured interviews with general members, executive members, representatives, and mentors. Participants were selected through purposive and quota sampling. Data analysis was conducted using Deductive Content Analysis for policy documents and Inductive Thematic Analysis for interview data, guided by a conceptual framework identifying six critical thinking indicators: accuracy of observation, use of evidence, reliability of sources, generalization, reasoning, and prediction. Findings reveal that DUDS significantly enhances critical thinking through structured policy provisions, argumentation practices, and a strong focus on diverse perspectives, rational thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. The study also highlights how DUDS fosters collaboration and the ability to challenge personal beliefs, contributing to a deeper understanding of multiple perspectives. These findings emphasize the crucial role of oratory-based co-curricular activities in cultivating critical thinking and suggest the importance of integrating such practices more widely into educational curricula. Future studies should explore how different debate formats and interdisciplinary integration can further enhance critical thinking in diverse educational contexts.

KEYWORDS

co-curricular activities critical thinking oratory activities debate Dhaka University Debating Society

CITATION (APA)

Islam, A. S. M. K., Morshed, M. M., & Noor, L. (2026). Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of a University-Based Debating Club in Bangladesh. International Journal of Changes in Education, 3(2), 181-192. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42023693
Harvard
Islam, A. S. M. K., Morshed, M. M., and Noor, L. (2026). Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of a University-Based Debating Club in Bangladesh. International Journal of Changes in Education, 3(2), pp. 181-192. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42023693
Vancouver
Islam ASMK, Morshed MM, Noor L. Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of a University-Based Debating Club in Bangladesh. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2026;3(2):181-92. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42023693
AMA
Islam ASMK, Morshed MM, Noor L. Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of a University-Based Debating Club in Bangladesh. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2026;3(2), 181-192. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42023693
Chicago
Islam, A. S. M. Kamrul, Mohammad Mahboob Morshed, and Laila Noor. "Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of a University-Based Debating Club in Bangladesh". International Journal of Changes in Education 2026 3 no. 2 (2026): 181-192. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42023693
MLA
Islam, A. S. M. Kamrul et al. "Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Critical Thinking: A Case Study of a University-Based Debating Club in Bangladesh". International Journal of Changes in Education, vol. 3, no. 2, 2026, pp. 181-192. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42023693

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