Overview
This collection of 61 photocopiable thinking/discussion activities features a wide variety of critically important contemporary social issues, problems, and solutions that affect every citizen of Planet Earth. It is aimed at a young adult and adult audience of English language learners at an intermediate and higher proficiency level. With some adaptation it can also be used selectively with middle school students. For English language learners, there are two main purposes to these activities. First: Practicing English language skills, especially the skills of speaking and listening, in a conversation where learners also develop strategic competency as they engage in the back and forth of a discussion.? Second: As the title suggests, learners are asked to think about the positions they will take as they do the activity. In today’s world, more than ever, it is imperative that citizenry think beyond platitudes, slogans, and political promises, and have the opportunity to develop and explore their views on issues of local and global importance. Although originally designed for English language learners, the simple design of the page and the procedures of the activities makes this photocopiable resource appropriate for a variety of classrooms, including those where English is the first language and the main focus is the critical thinking objective.Author Biography
John Spiri, author of Thinking Deeper, began his teaching career as a composition instructor at colleges in Vermont in the 1990s and has been teaching EFL in Japan since 1997. Throughout the years he has focused his research interests on computer assisted language learning, global issues, critical thinking, and materials creation. He is presently Associate Professor in the Education Department at Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University and lives with his wife, sons, three dogs and many chickens, in rural Shiga Prefecture. His personal interests include gardening, hiking, and the Japanese game "go."
