Small Group Discussion and Debate.
The goal of this course is to improve students' formal English speaking and debate skills in future workplace or academic contexts.

Students are required to critically analyze the provided discussion topic (e.g. immigration) and form opinions in order to participate actively in the discussion. Students will be given a list of phrases to practice and use. The course will improve students ability in the following areas: knowledge of the topic being researched, speaking orally in front of others, being able to present ideas logically, and respond and discuss relevant questions about their presentation.

English, communication, active learning

A-1．ミニッツペーパー、リフレクションペーパー等によって、自分の考えや意見をまとめ、文章を記述し提出する機会がある。：1～25％
B-1．学生同士の話し合いの中で互いの意見に触れる機会がある。：26～50％
C-1．自分の意見をまとめて発表する機会がある。：26～50％
B-2．事前学習（下調べ、調査等含む）をした上で、他の学生の意見を尊重しつつグループとしての結論を出すために議論をする機会がある。：1～25％

This course will enable the student to gain a high level of competence in English, including the ability to express ideas fluently.

Students will be given a topic that they will have to research and bring the information to their group of 2-4 people. You will have 3-5 discussions with different members of the class lasting about 10-20 minutes. There will be a group leader for each discussion. It is important to write down your discussion script and practice it orally before being graded by the teacher. After the discussion, is finished, the teacher will review your mistakes and offer advice on how to improve.

Week 1: Orientation
Week 2: Phrase handout practice / Topic 1
Week 3: practice phrases / group research Topic 1
Week 4: Topic 1 script writing / practice speaking
Week 5: Topic 1 discussion start
Week 6: Finish Topic 1 / Topic 2 / new groups
Week 7-8: Script writing / Practice Topic 2
Week 9-10: Finish Topic 2
Week 11-12: Script writing / Topic 3 / new groups
Week 13-14: Finish Topic 3
Week 15: Final discussion report

Students will be given a discussion topic that required them to justify their opinions and ask others by using a list of formal Phrases (provided handout). You will have 3-4 topic discussions with different members of the class each lasting 10-15 minutes.

Learners will need to research the topic outside of class and bring that information to put together their speaking scripts.

Grading is based on:

a) class participation
b) acquisition of knowledge
c) level of comprehension
d) level of overall skills (e.g. critical thinking)
e) how well phrases are used

Each group discussion will last between 15-25 minutes and be worth 35 POINTS. Each phrase used correctly will be worth 2 points. Discussion grading criteria is as follows:

1) used the discussion phrases in a correct and logical way in the discusion

2) further developed, researched and organized the topic in your group

3) Reached a clear conclusion based on each person's opinion

Discussions: 90% Final written paper: 10% (written script)

*Students who fail to attend at least 2/3 of the class will receive a 0.

1. none. Materials will be provided.

Laptops or Tablets (no cell phones please)

are permitted for use in the class for topic research

Thur 10:30-12:00 during semester or by email appointment via WebClass