Research key words: argumentation, informal reasoning, critical thinking, English for Academic Purposes
Teaching and Research:
Argumentation is at the heart of the academic endeavor. No matter what the subject, the same spirit of critical inquiry governs the discovery, evaluation and organization of new knowledge in relation to what is already known. My teaching and research explore the interface between the medium of instruction, the topics, the materials and the process of acquisition by learners as they work in a community of discovery through academic and informal argumentation.
Specifically, I investigate how do different modes of communication, ie. visual, textual, graphical, support and influence student learning of academic argumentation and informal reasoning.
In particular, how do visual and graphical representations of argumentation help students understand the components of an argument, their interrelatedness and how do these components contribute to the overall quality and persuasiveness of the argument.
Finally, I attempt to clarify the relationship between the comprehension of academic and informal arguments and the ability to produce them.
In addition, I apply the principles of informal and academic reasoning to the development of materials used in the Faculty, e.g. the Speaking & Writing IIa/b textbook and the Setsunan Academic Essay Writing Guideline.