KOTESOL International Conference 2016
(Concurrent Session)
Roxy Lee, Annyung Elementary School and Dankook University
Stewart Gray, Baekseok Culture University
Discussion, Critical Thinking, and Young EFL Learners: An Action Research Project
Abstract
Critical thinking (the process of evaluating ideas) is arguably an essential skill for life in the modern world. However, while some theorists believe that critical thinking can be taught in a classroom and that even very young children can and should learn it, others believe this is not possible. To explore these issues, the presenters conducted an action research project involving a series of children's literature-based ‘English and critical thinking' classes, which they conducted over several months with five early elementary-age, beginner-level Korean EFL students. This presentation includes descriptions of the procedures employed to guide lesson planning, assessment, and the research process, as well as the insights gained into effectively encouraging students to think, express themselves, and discuss while learning and practicing English.
Biographicals
Roxy Lee is an English teacher associated with Annyung elementary school and the Dankook University TESOL program. She has taught English to kindergarten, elementary and middle school-age students. Her research interests include critical thinking and critical literacy, alternative language assessment, and teaching English through games. She is also a board game enthusiast.
Stewart Gray is an English teacher at Baekseok Culture University, and a graduate of the Dankook University TESOL program. He has been living and teaching in Korea five years. His primary research interests are language, identity, motivation, critical thinking and reflective practice. He is the current organizer for the Seoul KOTESOL reflective practice SIG.
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