This study aims to examine the impact of students' critical thinking levels in learning Visual Arts Education (VAE) at the Malaysian Institute of Teacher Education (ITE), by focusing on the influence of teacher teaching factors, VAE T&L focus, learning environment, student motivation and attitude, and student involvement. The study design is quantitative using a survey method through a questionnaire as the main instrument. Data were analyzed using inferential statistical methods to test the relationship and effect between the variables studied. The study findings show that teacher teaching factors, VAE T&L focus, learning environment, student motivation and attitude, and student involvement have a significant impact on students' critical thinking levels. In addition, this study also found that teacher teaching factors, VAE T&L focus, learning environment, student motivation and attitude also have a significant impact on students' involvement in VAE learning. These results show that student involvement plays an important element in strengthening the relationship between pedagogical factors and the development of critical thinking. Overall, this study emphasizes that an effective teaching approach, a conducive learning environment, and a high level of student motivation can increase student involvement and subsequently strengthen the level of critical thinking in learning Visual Arts Education. The implications of this study suggest that ITE and educators should emphasize teaching and learning strategies that focus more on higher-order thinking skills and active student involvement to produce creative, critical and competitive individuals.
Keywords: Critical thinking, Visual Arts Education (VAE), Teacher Teaching, T&L focus, Learning Environment, Student Motivation, Student Attitude, Student Engagement, Institute of Teacher Education (ITE), Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)