Link3 (Slides)
Link 4 (Video) - updated on Nov. 9, 2023
Link 5 (Zoom lecture by OsakaU) - updated on Nov. 22, 2023
チャレンジャーズ・リーディングサークルのリソース
Kanazawa, Y. (2023, May). Challenger's Reading Circle: A deep active learning activity that fosters 21st century skills [Paper presentation]. NATESOL Online Annual Conference 2023, United Kingdom.
Abstract: Despite its fundamental importance in teaching English as a second/additional/foreign language, reading-skill classes have tended to be conducted in teacher-centered lecture-style manners. One active learning approach of reading classes is literature circle or reading circle (RC), in which students form small groups to discuss a designated reading in depth. One characteristic of RC is that each student in a group prepares a different role (e.g., summarizer, connector). Although RC is widely used and reported to be effective in fostering critical thinking and deeper understanding (HOTS-part), reading aloud what each student prepared (LOTS-part) in groups could end up being monotonous, less challenging, and thus dull, especially for advanced learners in tertiary education. To overcome this problem, an effective solution of the researcher’s own invention is introduced, i.e., Challenger's Reading Circle (CRC). What is unique about CRC is that each role (Wicked Summarizer, Language Master, Knowledge Connector, Discussion Leader) entails preparing not just reports of specific aspects of reading but questions that challenge other group members. By transforming the knowledge sharing LOTS-part into question making and competitive responding, the LOTS-part has become more engaging, preparing students better for HOTS discussions, and fostering 21st century skills including critical, creative, and collaborative thinking.
Bio: Yu Kanazawa, PhD is an associate professor (lecturer) at the Graduate School of Humanities, Osaka University, Japan. His cross-disciplinary research interests include unconscious emotion in foreign language learning (Micro-Level Emotion), deep active learning ELT pedagogies, Philosophy for English Language Teaching (P4ELT; P4FLE), case method, vocabulary/formula learning, and cognitive psychology, to name a few. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yu-Kanazawa-2.
Official link (redirected here): https://researchmap.jp/yu-kanazawa/CRC?lang=en
Future plurilingual project ideas:
French version:
German version:
Chinese version:
Japanese version:
... etc.
Any questions? Have you tried CRC in your own class? How did it go? Any idea for improvement? Let me know!
yu [dot] kanazawa [dot] hmt [at] osaka-u [dot] ac [dot] jp
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