Speaker
Description
Adopting post-reading discussions in English offers several advantages, including enhancing comprehension, stimulating critical thinking, developing interpersonal skills, fostering curiosity, and providing diverse perspectives (Alvermann, 1985; AdLit.org, 2008; UNESCO, n.d.). This practice was implemented as a weekly assignment at a private university within the context of Academic English Reading classes. Non-English major first-year students (Class A) from the College of Social Sciences and second-year English Literature major students (Class B) from the College of Letters participated in these discussions using Padlet, a digital platform facilitating rich media communication (British Council, n.d.). Over the 2023-24 academic year, students engaged in ten discussions during the spring semester and nine or ten discussions for Class B and Class A, respectively, in the fall semester, covering various topics from the textbooks. This approach garnered active participation from most students, who expressed satisfaction with the discussions, citing the acquisition of new information and diverse perspectives from fellow participants. The presentation provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of employing Padlet for such discussions, ultimately recommending it as a valuable tool for promoting active learning.
| Keywords | Pros and cons, discussions, Academic English reading, Padlet |
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