Collaborative reasoning in Japan: English learners' discussions and experiences

摘要

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.