<研究ノート>Critical Thinking in Content-Based English Education

Abstract

Critical thinking is the art of thinking. It emphasizes constructive skepticism while it makes people examine their own bias and prejudice, guiding people to self-directed, in-depth, rational learning. (Paul 136) The fact that critical thinking is reputed to be effective in L1 pedagogies in the United States suggests that it should have potential in content-based second language education, which has many similarities to L1 education. In order to have students acquire knowledge about issues as well as proficiency in the target language, content-based regularly uses authentic materials from the media for variety of language activities. The discipline of critical thinking presumably helps students learn both the content of the materials and language effectively. As part of continuing research on content-based English education, this article examines the application of critical thinking to content-based English education in Japanese colleges and universities.