This study investigates students’ perceptions of a writing-to-think, critical thinking (CT)-infused learning-log approach designed to support L2 learners’ reasoning and participation in English-medium classroom interaction at a Japanese university. Across seven oral communication classes (N = 182), students engaged in a write–speak–write cycle in which learning logs mediated pre- and post-discussion thinking by prompting learners to generate, clarify, and evaluate ideas through three recurring CTinfused tasks: opinion expression (OE), text interpretation (TI), and evaluation of viewpoints (EV). Quantitative results from a post-intervention survey indicated overall positive perceptions, with students reporting that log-writing helped them organize ideas, prepare for speaking, and participate more actively in discussions, although confidence in spontaneous oral expression remained comparatively lower. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed three themes: (1) OE was perceived as the most effective task for clarifying ideas and building confidence; (2) writing before speaking supported participation by increasing clarity and easing speaking initiation; and (3) linguistic constraints, particularly limited vocabulary and difficulty verbalizing ideas, constrained fuller CT expression. Overall, CT-infused learning logs made students’ reasoning more visible while underscoring the need to strengthen L2 learners’ content-building and meaning-making skills to support fuller CT expression in interaction-focused learning environments.
Abstract 일문요약 Introduction Literature Review Critical Thinking as Writing-to-Think CT-Infused Instruction Learning Logs as Writing-to-Think Tools Methods Participants Procedure Weekly Write–Speak–Write Cycle Critical Thinking Expression Framework (CTEF) Data Collection and Analysis Results Quantitative Analysis (RQ1) Qualitative Analysis (RQ2) Discussion Writing-to-Think as a Mediational Tool for Visible CT (RQ1) Students’ Perceptions of Writing-to-Think Tasks in Relation to Discussion Participation and English Expression Challenges (RQ2) Pedagogical Implications, Limitations, and Conclusion Acknowledgements The Authors References
The goals of Asia TEFL are to promote scholarship, disseminate information, and facilitate cross-cultural understanding among persons concerned with the teaching and learning of English in Asia. In order to accomplish this, Asia TEFL will pursue the following goals:
1. To link ELT professionals in joint research on issues and concerns regarding English teaching and learning in the Asian context.
2. To publish an academic journal, The Asia TEFL Journal, as an internationally recognized journal in the field of English language teaching.
3. To host conferences and seminars addressing important issues concerning ELT in Asia.
4. To develop proficiency guidelines and assessment methods designed for the needs of the Asian context.
5. To develop programs for Asian learners and teachers of English to build their English language proficiency and cultural understanding and provide them with the skills required to be efficient English teaching professionals.
간행물
간행물명
The Journal of AsiaTEFL
간기
계간
pISSN
1738-3102
eISSN
2466-1511
수록기간
2004~2026
등재여부
SCOPUS,KCI 등재
십진분류
KDC 740DDC 420
이 권호 내 다른 논문 / The Journal of AsiaTEFL Vol.23 No.2