Collaborative reasoning in Japan: English learners' discussions and experiences

Young, Miho O.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/18500 Copy

Description

Title

Collaborative reasoning in Japan: English learners' discussions and experiences

Author(s)

Young, Miho O.

Issue Date

2011-01-21T22:43:08Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

McCarthey, Sarah J.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

McCarthey, Sarah J.

Committee Member(s)

• Bresler, Liora
• Walsh, Daniel J.
• Anderson, Richard C.

Department of Study

Curriculum and Instruction

Discipline

Curriculum and Instruction

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Japan
• English teaching
• Language learning
• English education
• Collaborative reasoning
• Open-format discussion
• Instructional method
• English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

Abstract

A study involving an assistant professor and seven students at a Japanese university investigated feasibility, impact, and dynamics of Collaborative Reasoning (CR), a new instructional model, in a foreign language learning context in Japan. Through participants’ experiences of ten CR sessions over a nine-week period, CR was well accepted and aided students’ English learning experiences. While the professor displayed difficulties shifting his instructional approach from recitation to facilitation, students managed open-format discussions in English, enjoyed exchanging opinions with peers, and developed motivation for English language acquisition. With the discovery of Japanese English learners’ ability to use English when provided challenges and opportunities, CR widened English learners’ potentials to further develop English skills, acquire Western-style discussion techniques, and construct logical reasoning and argumentation.

Graduation Semester

2010-12

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/18500

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2010 Miho O. Young

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