PanSIG 2025

Guided Research Task - a Debate Pretask for Promoting Reseach in EFL Classes

Not scheduled

25m

Kanda University of International Studies (神田外語大学)

Practice-oriented Oral Face-to-face presentation Critical Thinking

Speaker

Deborah Maxfield (Sophia University, Meiji University)

KEYWORDS

debate
research
critical thinking

ABSTRACT

Critical thinking and research underlie solid academic and scientific writing, and the importance of developing strong research skills warrants their inclusion as a core element of many undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Providing a well-substantiated argument forms a key element of debate, essay writing, thesis development, and presentations. However, many first- and second-year university students may lack the necessary skills to effectively conduct independent research, which can be particularly taxing in a second language. Teachers can mitigate this need by developing clear, simple methods to encourage research in EFL undergraduate classes as a pretask for in-class discussions and debates.
This practical teaching report recommends the use of a carefully-structured Guided Research Task (GRT), developed in line with critical thinking theory, to provide students in a Speaking and Writing course with an introduction to research skills. The GRT utilizes a learner-centered and collaborative approach designed to minimize second language anxiety and increase student participation. Adaptable enough to be used with various topics, group sizes, and English proficiency levels, the GRT aims to provide an effective and practical tool for teachers, as well as a key step on the path towards successful independent research for students