Collaborative Reasoning

Collaborative Learning, Reasoning, and Technology

This volume presents research findings on the use of technology to support learning and reasoning in collaborative contexts. Featuring a variety of theoretical perspectives, ranging from sociocultural to social psychological to information processing views, Collaborative Learning, Reasoning, and Technology includes an international group of authors

Collaborative Reasoning

Collaborative Reasoning in Japan: English Learners0́9 Discussions and Experiences

A study involving an assistant professor and seven students at a Japanese university investigated feasibility, impact, and dynamics of Collaborative Reasoning (CR), a new instructional model, in a foreign language learning context in Japan. Through participants0́9 experiences of ten CR sessions over a nine-week period, CR was well accepted and aided students0́9 English learning experiences. While the professor displayed difficulties shifting his instructional approach from recitation to facilitation, students managed open-format discussions in English, enjoyed exchanging opinions with peers, and developed motivation for English language acquisition. With the discovery of Japanese English learners0́9 ability to use English when provided challenges and opportunities, CR widened English learners0́9 potentials to further develop English skills, acquire Western-style discussion techniques, and construct logical reasoning and argumentation.