Development of Critical
Thinking Through Instructional Innovation for Advanced Course
Qun Ao
Associate Professor of Chinese, The
For
years, we have observed that Chinese language students suffer from weaknesses
in expressing their original thoughts in speaking or writing at advanced
levels. Besides the lack of linguistic
competence, it also seems to be associated with critical thinking. However, critical thinking skills in foreign
languages are not likely to develop spontaneously; teachers must take a
directive role in initiating and guiding critical thinking. To bring critical thinking successfully into
instruction across the curriculum needs some systematic plans and specific
strategies for upgrading the effectiveness of instruction and assessment. Since the goals of Advanced
language course on literature, culture, media, and current events from
historical or contemporary perspectives are meant to give students knowledge
and skills in keeping with the expectations, which students are able to use
this language at a higher level of thinking.
Therefore, Advanced Language courses are particularly appropriate for
the development of critical thinking.
This presentation will focus on the curriculum design and instructional
strategies that develop critical thinking skills and cultural understanding,
and refining presentational skills, which are indeed relevant to real-work
language application.