{"id":1598,"date":"2020-03-30T16:13:26","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T07:13:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/?page_id=1598"},"modified":"2023-11-16T15:28:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T06:28:24","slug":"uchida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/issues\/jan20\/uchida\/","title":{"rendered":"Integrating the Four-Dimensional Education Framework Into an EFL Course Curriculum"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adrianne Verla Uchida, Nihon University<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uchida, A. V. (2020).\u00a0Integrating the four-dimensional education framework into an EFL course curriculum. Relay Journal, 3<\/em>(1), 25-47.\u00a0https:\/\/doi.org\/10.37237\/relay\/030103<\/p>\n

[Download paginated PDF version<\/a>]<\/p>\n

*This page reflects the original version of this document. Please see PDF for most recent and updated version.<\/span><\/p>\n

Abstract<\/p>\n

A part of being in academia is moving from institution to institution. This paper will showcase the work of one educator as they adjusted to a new teaching context in 2018. With a desire to conduct practitioner research (Mann & Walsh, 2017), the instructor designed a course for their university EFL classes using the required grammar textbook and the Center for Curriculum Redesign\u2019s Four-Dimensional Education Framework (Fadel, Bialik, & Trilling, 2015). Tasks and projects were designed to connect each grammar unit with activities designed to utilize the elements of the framework to motivate the students to take an active role in their learning. This paper will introduce the context, the Four-Dimensional Education framework, the course activities, and the results of a semester-long research project in hopes that other educators may be inspired to integrate the framework and similar learning initiatives in their own classrooms and teaching contexts.<\/p>\n

Keywords:<\/em> Curriculum design, Four-Dimensional Education Framework, project-based learning, task-based learning<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>This practitioner research project (Mann & Walsh, 2017) started as I, the teacher-researcher of this study, began working in a new full-time position at a private university in central Japan in the spring of 2018. Moving to a new working environment is always a challenge; however, this position required making use of my Japanese language ability and emphasized an expectation to research and publish more than any part- or full-time positions I had held previously. These changes compelled me to look at my new position and institution with a fresh outlook. Wadden and Hale (2019) recommend that educators \u201capproach [their] particular school the way an anthropologist investigates a foreign culture: put aside [their] personal assumptions and cultural predilections and observe as clearly as possible the actual environment in which [they] work\u201d (p. 7). Similarly, I believed that my new working environment, where I had limited preconceived notions of the curriculum, the students, and the institution, would provide me with opportunities to carry out practitioner-based research objectively while acclimating myself to the new teaching and researching context.<\/p>\n

The university is comprised of non-English majors; however, the curriculum has a strong focus on English language study in the first year. Completing English I through English IV is required for graduation. While all categorized as four-skill courses, English I and III place an emphasis on speaking and listening, while English II and IV emphasize reading, writing, and grammar. In addition, various elective courses teaching presentation, academic writing, and test preparation are available for students to take throughout their university careers. Moreover, many students choose to study a second foreign language in addition to English. Therefore, it can be said that foreign language study plays a pivotal role in the students\u2019 university studies. This paper will focus on the design, implementation, and results of the teacher-researcher\u2019s spring semester English II course. While this paper focuses on one teacher-researcher\u2019s English-as-a-foreign-language course, the framework used to design the course was not specifically designed for a language course and can be utilized for a variety of subjects or across a curriculum. Therefore, it is hoped that this paper will appeal to not only EFL-related educators, but also any educator who is interested in curriculum design, learner autonomy, and preparing learners to thrive in the 21st century.<\/p>\n

The Four-Dimensional Education Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the advancement of society in the 21st century, there have been various milestones and episodes of change across the globe. Some examples include the increase in human lifespan, the dissemination of smart devices, the spread of the Internet, and the development of virtual education. With these developments, a need has arisen to develop and usher in new competencies in education to integrate essential 21st century skills into present-day educational systems. Some examples of frameworks used around the world include the Center for Curriculum Redesign\u2019s (CCR) Four-Dimensional Education Framework, P21 Framework for 21st Century Learning, OECD Skills for Innovation, OECD DeSeCo, EU Reference Framework for Key Competencies, and the ATC21S Framework (Fadel, Bialik, & Trilling, 2015). Each of the frameworks incorporates similar elements of skills, knowledge, and character development into the frameworks using various language to represent each category, while there is limited integration of elements of reflective practice (Table 1). After looking at the various frameworks, the CCR Four-Dimensional Education Framework was chosen for this project as it was perceived to meet the needs of the learners most clearly.<\/p>\n

The framework also aligned clearly with Little\u2019s (2003) definition of learner autonomy. He states that \u201clearner autonomy requires insight, a positive attitude, a capacity for reflection, and a readiness to be proactive in self-management and in interaction with others,\u201d (p. 2). The framework\u2019s categories of knowledge and meta-learning appeared to compliment Little\u2019s opinion that autonomy requires insight. Furthermore, there was a clear connection between the concepts of reflection and meta-learning. Little\u2019s definition also placed value on the importance of character when he stated that autonomy needs \u201ca positive attitude\u201d and the ability to take control of one\u2019s actions through \u201cself-management,\u201d (2003, p. 2). Finally, the concept of being forward-thinking when working with others has clear links to the framework\u2019s skill category. These two resources appeared to provide a solid foundation for the design and implementation of the course.<\/p>\n

Table 1. Commonalities between Global Frameworks<\/em><\/p>\n

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The Four-Dimensional Education Framework (Figure 1) was designed to address the shift in education needed to prepare students for excelling in the current century as \u201c21st century learners\u201d (Fadel et al., 2015). They emphasize that the framework combines into the curriculum the integration of \u201cknowledge (what students know and understand);\u201d \u201cskills (how they use that knowledge);\u201d \u201ccharacter (how they behave and engage in the world);\u201d and \u201cmeta-learning (how they reflect on themselves and adapt by continuing to learn and grow towards their goals)\u201d (p. 6). Each of the four categories are further divided into subcategories that will be explained in more detail below.<\/p>\n

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Figure 1.<\/em> Four-Dimensional Educational Framework by CCR.<\/p>\n

This figure illustrates qualities that a 21st century learner needs to succeed.<\/p>\n

Adapted from Four-dimensional education: The competencies learners need to succeed (p. 67). Fadel, C., Bialik, M., & Trilling, B. (2015). Boston, MA: Center for Curriculum Redesign. Copyright 2015 by CCR. Bilingual adaptation used with permission. Template design copyright 2018 by PresentationGO.com<\/p>\n

Knowledge <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fadel et al. (2015) explain that the dissemination of knowledge has been the foundation of education for centuries. Since the sixth century, Western knowledge has been focused on the Trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and the Quadrivium (astronomy, geometry, music, and arithmetic), which today are considered to be the foundations for a liberal arts education. With the passage of time those themes developed into the familiar subjects of math, science, language arts, foreign languages, social studies, arts, and physical education. However, Fadel et al. (2015) argue that knowledge needs to be developed further to make each construct more interdisciplinary in order to address the development of society in the 21st century. Examples include making connections between people and organizations as well as using big data and new media to deepen student knowledge. Moreover, global literacy, information literacy, and digital literacy are emphasized as essential themes for learners to master.<\/p>\n

Skills<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The framework divides skills into four subcategories: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. These skills were chosen based on data collected from psychology research, academic articles, news sources discussing gaps between education and employer needs, and various educational stakeholders including ministries and departments of education around the world.<\/p>\n

Creativity is traditionally associated with the arts; however, presently the definition has been expanded to include broader fields such as design thinking and entrepreneurship (Fadel et al., 2015). Moreover, creative thinkers have the ability to engage in \u201cdivergent-thinking abilities, including idea production, fluency, flexibility, and originality\u201d (Guilford, 1968 as cited in Fadel et al., 2015, p. 112).<\/p>\n

Critical thinking as defined in the framework follows the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking\u2019s definition, which states that it is the \u201cintellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and\/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action\u201d (National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking, 1987, Defining Critical Thinking).<\/p>\n

Communication skills are a vital 21st century skill and can be crucial in our globalized world where interactions between people are essential, both within one\u2019s own culture and cross-culturally. Developing learners\u2019 abilities to give instructions, negotiate, discuss, debate, and problem-solve are just a few of the ways that they can practice authentic communication through learning. Developing communication skills also hones two more abilities that are essential in today’s workforce\u2014those of self-expression and teamwork (Fadel et al., 2015).<\/p>\n

Collaboration, similar to communication, can take place in homogeneous environments but is also essential among multicultural environments and situations in today\u2019s globalized world. The framework describes collaboration as \u201cthe joining together of multiple individuals in service of working toward a common goal\u201d (Fadel et al., 2015, p. 120). Moreover, Fadel et al. (2015) state that collaboration can have a positive effect on learning outcomes, student enjoyment of subject matter, and learner self-esteem.<\/p>\n

Character<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The character dimension of the framework focuses on the following categories of character traits: mindfulness, curiosity, courage, resilience, leadership, and ethics with each category expanded to include a wider range of associated qualities and concepts (Table 2). Fadel et al. (2015) state that \u201csince ancient times, the goal of education has been to cultivate confident and compassionate students who become successful learners, contribute to their communities, and serve society as ethical citizens\u201d (p. 123). This continues to be true today as educational bodies focus on fostering learners with a global perspective.<\/p>\n

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Meta-learning<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Where the CCR\u2019s framework stands out compared to other frameworks is its emphasis on meta-learning. Fadel et al. (2015) feel that this dimension places emphasis on the reflection of one\u2019s own learning and developing a growth mindset (Dweck, 2017) that fosters learners\u2019 abilities to adapt to various contexts and situations in addition to developing their ability to pursue their goals and not give up when facing challenges. This dimension allows learners to be \u201cversatile, reflective, self-directed, and self-reliant\u201d (Fadel et al., 2015, p. 145). The framework encourages learners to develop their metacognition skills by reflecting on their learning goals, learning strategies, and learning outcomes to understand their current feelings and beliefs in relation to their goals and desired outcomes (Fadel et al., 2015).<\/p>\n

Connecting the Framework to the Japanese Context<\/strong><\/p>\n

From 2008 to 2017, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science (MEXT) set out to improve education in Japan with the implementation of the First Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education, followed by the Second Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education (MEXT, n.d.). The focus of the second plan begins by stating, \u201cWhat is truly needed in Japan is independent-minded learning by individuals in order to realize independence, collaboration, and creativity\u201d (MEXT, n.d., Pamphlet heading). This fundamental goal connects most obviously to the skills and character dimensions of the Four-Dimensional Education Framework. One example of efforts to draw attention to the areas of skills and character development can be seen in the research of Sekiguchi (2017). He administered a questionnaire to junior high school students to analyze perceptions of their skills and character development (Sekiguchi, 2017). The study found connections between the four skills in the framework and various subcategories of the character dimension. While MEXT has been making efforts to prepare learners in Japan for the 21st century and trying to implement broad policy changes to improve education (Kimura & Tatsuno, 2017), the practical implementation of said policies generally fall on the individual institutions or individual instructors. Therefore, the decision to use the CCR\u2019s framework as the base for my course seemed aligned with the goals of MEXT.<\/p>\n

Methodology<\/strong><\/p>\n

The university requires students in my section of English II to cover all of the material in the Oxford English Grammar Course Intermediate <\/em>textbook (Swan & Walter, 2011). The textbook is divided into 22 sections based on different grammar structures; for example, Section 4 provides explanations and drills reviewing past tense; Section 6 places its focus on explanations and drills using modals verbs. Each section is divided into two parts; the first, \u201cRevise,\u201d begins with a review of basic grammar rules and a variety of grammar drills to practice. This is followed by the second part, \u201cLevel 2,\u201d which introduces more difficult grammar patterns and drills for student practice. Simon Borg (2016) observes that while in recent years various communicative styles of language teaching have emerged, in many classrooms, \u201cgrammar remains the driving force and the way it is taught has changed very little over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n

While grammar comprehension is essential for language acquisition and the belief that students need to be taught grammar structures to produce accurate English still persists (Little, Dam, & Legenhausen, 2017), the textbook\u2019s intense focus on grammar had the potential to negatively impact student motivation and their sense of autonomy, which seemed at odds with my desire, as the instructor, to foster a communicative learning environment. Furthermore, Borg (2017) states that focusing on the completion of discrete-item exercises similar to the exercises found in the required course textbook had the potential to reduce English learning to the ability to answer and complete such styled questions, which is far removed from communicative language learning.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, the university does not specify how classes must be designed and implemented, allowing the instructor the autonomy to implement the required textbook in the course as they see fit. This allowed me to integrate the textbook into the course while staying true to my teaching style and beliefs, something which is essential to being a TESOL professional (Farrell, 2015). To provide students with in-class time to actively engage in using English, the 22 textbook units were assigned as homework. By flipping the classroom (Bergmann & Sams, 2012; 2014) the grammar tasks could be assigned outside of class allowing students to learn and\/or review the grammar points at their own pace before arriving in class prepared to apply what they had studied and drilled at home in the various classroom tasks and projects. The activities were designed using the principles of task-based learning (Nunan, 2004) and project-based learning (Beckett & Miller, 2006). The course included five one-lesson tasks (Appendix A) and six multi-lesson projects (Appendix B) (For a detailed description of two activities, see Verla Uchida, 2019).<\/p>\n

Each in-class activity was designed with the hope of motivating the learners to develop their English language skills while also developing their sense of learner agency and learner autonomy. These tasks and projects were designed to allow students to \u201cengage in activities that they find personally meaningful\u201d (Noels, 2013, p. 27) from the first day they entered the classroom, through use of the target language. Each activity required the students to make a plan, implement it, and then evaluate their performance through self-reflection, similar to what Little et al. (2017) refer to as the teaching-learning cycle in the autonomy classroom. Additionally, the activities were designed to be interactive and require collaboration, in order to foster their L2 identities and deepen their motivation. In order to do this, I aligned myself to not be perceived as the instructor imparting knowledge onto my students but rather the facilitator and coordinator of the activities, as well as an adviser, helper, and resource to help the students in the completion of the activities (Benson, 2013). Moving myself into that position required the students to \u201ctake charge of [their] learning\u201d (Holec, 1981, p. 3).<\/p>\n

The data used for this study were collected and analyzed using mixed methods. The educator kept a teaching journal during the course (Farrell, 2015) to document class observations, reflect on the various tasks and projects, and note any additional concerns or ideas gathered during the course. Additionally, students completed an open-ended reflection sheet (Appendix C) at the conclusion of every class, briefly noting their thoughts about the activities or overall impressions. The data was then coded by taking notes on key words, patterns, and repetitive phrases, which were then matched to the CCR\u2019s Four-Dimensional Education Framework. Finally, a bilingual online survey using Google Forms was administered at the conclusion of the semester to gather students\u2019 impressions regarding the course, the activities, and their perceptions of their English abilities (Appendix D). Students had the option to choose to answer in English or Japanese. All answers given in Japanese were translated into English by the author.<\/p>\n

It must be noted that the foundations of this qualitative research project are based on practitioner research (Mann & Walsh, 2017) and action research (Burns, 2009), and therefore, the research and instructor are the same person. To limit potential bias, the data collected from students were not connected to their grades, and the teacher journal entries were based on observations collected during the class, with the intention of limiting subjectivity as much as possible during data collection.<\/p>\n

Results<\/strong><\/p>\n

The results of this study were compiled using the qualitative data collected from all of the students\u2019 reflection sheets and both qualitative and quantitative data collected from the student surveys. Of the 78 students who were enrolled in the course, 39 students voluntarily participated in the survey. The teaching journal provided critical reflection on the class tasks and projects as well as classroom dynamics but was not utilized enough throughout the semester, due to limited time constraints and other research and administrative responsibilities. The journal provided examples of the students utilizing the framework in various tasks in addition to the midterm and final group projects.<\/p>\n

The overall findings of this study clearly show that the majority of students reported being nervous and\/or worried about English classes but also excited to study English at university at the beginning of the semester. Many students wrote that having \u201ca native teacher\u201d was the reason for both of those feelings. Upon completion of the course students were asked, \u201cDo you think your confidence level in your English ability has changed since taking this course?\u201d Eighty percent of respondents said \u201cyes,\u201d while 20% said \u201cno.\u201d Some reasons given for feelings of confidence in their abilities include, \u201cbecause I spoke and wrote English many times,\u201d and \u201cmy test score improved over the semester,\u201d while those who felt they did not gain confidence said, \u201cI didn\u2019t have confidence to speak in English, so I didn\u2019t use much English in class so I can\u2019t say I gained confidence,\u201d and \u201cI need more opportunities to practice before I can say I am confident.\u201d<\/p>\n

Furthermore, 90% of the students said they felt their motivation level had improved over the course of the semester, whereas 8% said that they did not feel that way, and 2% said that they were \u201cunsure.\u201d In the optional follow-up question \u201cPlease explain the reasons for your answer to the above question,\u201d those who said that they were motivated commented on the activities done in class and the opportunities to work with their fellow motivated classmates as reasons for their increased motivation. One student who said that they were unsure attributed it to the fact that they felt that their motivation level stayed the same throughout the course. Those who answered no cited feeling that the level of the course was too high for their abilities.<\/p>\n

Moreover, while the students did not explicitly learn about the framework being used in the course, at the conclusion of the semester, when asked, \u201cWhat knowledge did you gain or learn in this class?\u201d 60% of respondents identified areas they had gained knowledge in or learned about by stating that they had learned about digital literacy, 23% reported that their grammar or writing skills had improved, and 12.5% believed that they had gained the ability of English expression. Students listed examples of gaining this knowledge through having opportunities to write paragraphs and give presentations in English, using the Internet to find information (media literacy), and utilizing Google Classroom to prepare class assignments (digital literacy).<\/p>\n

When asked, \u201cWhich of the following skills did you develop?\u201d 80% of respondents said that they had developed their communication ability, 43.6% said creativity, 28% said collaboration, and 0% said critical thinking ability. Students provided specific examples from the course, citing examples including doing group work, participating in field work, making presentations, and developing discussion skills.<\/p>\n

Regarding the development of character during the class, 64% of respondents said that they had developed curiosity and courage during the course, followed by 49% saying that they had developed mindfulness. Less than 5% of respondents chose resilience, and less than 3% chose ethics and leadership. Most respondents said that they developed these character traits through making and giving presentations and doing group work. Students noted developing these traits through group work on projects and tasks and through writing their class reflections.<\/p>\n

While the concept of meta-learning seemed too difficult for students to grasp immediately in the survey, they were very familiar with reflective writing. Therefore, regarding metacognition and a growth mindset, students were asked, \u201cHow useful was the reflection writing to you throughout the semester?\u201d Using a five-point Likert scale, 5% of students found that reflection writing was not useful because it was hard; 31% said that it was neither useful nor not useful but gave positive reasons for doing it, including \u201cit improved my writing skills,\u201d \u201cIt was usual,\u201d and \u201cI did it many times.\u201d 54% said that it was useful, and 10% said that it was very useful. Some of the reasons given for the usefulness of reflective writing include, \u201cI could look back on what was done in class and then reflect on it,\u201d \u201cI could reflect on myself and then think about what to do next,\u201d and \u201cThis work is done by only me. I can check how to write and think alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The student reflection sheets were analyzed by looking for terms related to the framework and the mention of specific tasks and projects. Students most commonly included comments focusing on their emotional reactions to specific class activities and tasks. From the survey results, students reported that the midterm restaurant review project (20%) and the final local sightseeing project (18%) were their favorite activities during the semester despite both involving out-of-class field work and the possibility of costing a small amount of money to complete the projects. Regarding the framework, the students reported the development of the following character traits: courage (64%), curiosity (64%), and mindfulness (49%). The majority of students said that these developments were due to a desire to learn new things and visit new places, the chance to work with classmates in randomly assigned groups or pairs, and because of the teamwork required to design presentations for the high-stakes midterm and final exams. Student reflections also showed the development of their individual characters through the use of emotive words in reflection entries, for example: \u201cI enjoyed speaking English,\u201d \u201cClass is interesting and fun,\u201d \u201cI\u2019m annoyed about today\u2019s presentation because I can\u2019t say what I want to say,\u201d and \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to the next class every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n

The overall findings of this study clearly show that students reported developing various forms of knowledge, skills, character traits, and metacognitive abilities by participating in this course and completing the tasks and projects assigned to them. Therefore, it can be said that using the framework as a base for the course design was successful.<\/p>\n

Students recognized that they developed their communication skills by forming relationships with many of their classmates through pair and group work, enabling them to discuss and reflect on the various classroom assignments. They learned the skills necessary to manage their time to make interesting final products and presentations together, in addition to being able to speak positively about a variety of topics in English. Fink (2013) argues that communication can take place through skill development\u2014data gathering, foreign language use, and managing projects\u2014which mirrors the student impressions above. The students displayed their communication skills exceptionally while completing their midterm restaurant reviews. The students spent time in class discussing the restaurant they wanted to visit while taking into consideration various issues, including the ease of transportation to and from the restaurant as well as the budget each student would need to eat at their chosen restaurant. After visiting the restaurant, the students then had to communicate about how to design their group presentations and facilitate roles for each participant. Furthermore, regarding communication, Fadel et al. (2015) explain that group work allows participants to \u201clearn, measure, and get feedback on the growth of true communication skills,\u201d (p. 77). The students mentioned similar comments in their reflections.<\/p>\n

The results also show that students demonstrated acts of collaboration, or what Fadel et al. (2015) refer to as \u201cworking toward a common goal,\u201d (p. 78) by making slides together, helping each other, cooperating with their partners and group members during tasks and projects, participating in field work together, and working together to improve their English skills. This could be seen most clearly in their final projects. Students began by brainstorming about the local area to choose the places their group wanted to introduce and visit for their local area tour final presentations. They then worked together to find time in their schedule to visit each place and take photographs and\/or video. Next, they designed a slideshow presentation and webpage as a group and presented it to the class. This is a clear example of the students demonstrating their autonomy in planning, implementing, and evaluating (Little et al., 2017). Additionally, the act of collaboration in completing the group project shows that \u201cautonomy does not happen in isolation but through interactions involving peers and teachers (O\u2019Leary, 2018, p. 62). Moreover, the act of collaboration matches what Snyder (2019) calls \u201cthe ultimate goal: a collaborative classroom community\u201d (p. 142). By the end of the semester, through collaboration with different classmates for each task and project, the class atmosphere developed into a cohesive and collaborative environment with the students able to comfortably work together in English with a variety of people they had only known for a few months.<\/p>\n

However, it must be noted that none of the students in the course believed that they had developed their critical thinking skills throughout the semester. Critical thinking, as mentioned earlier, is the ability to apply, analyze, and\/or evaluate through observation, experience, and reflection (The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking, 1987). From this perspective, there are multiple examples of students actively demonstrating critical thinking both in their survey results and reflections sheets. One explanation for the students\u2019 inability to recognize their critical thinking abilities could be explained by the definitions and interpretations of critical thinking in their native Japanese language. The traditional Japanese definition of critical thinking is hihantekishik\u014d<\/em> (\u6279\u5224\u7684\u601d\u8003). The Japanese definition of hihan <\/em>means to look at the good and bad points of something but also can mean to evaluate the points one needs to apologize for or the points of that need improvement (Hihan, n.d.). Additionally, the translation of hihan<\/em> is usually listed as \u201ccriticism\u201d or \u201cjudgement\u201d (Hihan 2, n.d.).<\/p>\n

Recent research regarding critical thinking used in MEXT educational documents show the use of three distinct terms meaning critical thinking. The most commonly used is the Japanese term explained previously, followed by the foreign loan word kuritikaru shinking <\/em>(\u30af\u30ea\u30c6\u30a3\u30ab\u30eb\u30b7\u30f3\u30ad\u30f3\u30b0), and lastly, \u201ccritical thinking\u201d written in English (Bullsmith, 2019). Bullsmith (2019) explains that hihantekishik\u014d<\/em> (\u6279\u5224\u7684\u601d\u8003) is most commonly used and \u201cis still clearly understood as the translation of a foreign idea, something brought in from outside, with regular discussion of why it is particularly difficult in the Japanese educational context\u201d (p. 4). Therefore, the fact that students struggled with recognizing that they were performing acts of critical thinking can be understood. It is not that they were not doing it, but rather that they could not recognize that they were doing it.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, when the student reflections were analyzed at the conclusion of the course, language and examples exhibiting the development of critical thinking skills were used by the students despite their stated lack of critical thinking skills development from the survey results. Various examples of the students showing their ability to think critically by analyzing and evaluating their own experiences and abilities were documented throughout their reflection sheets (Appendix C). Some examples are as follows: \u201cI need to improve my vocabulary,\u201d \u201cPresentations need a loud, clear voice,\u201d \u201cI speak only in words not sentences,\u201d \u201cI noticed Japanese websites use many words, but English websites use many pictures,\u201d and \u201cIt\u2019s challenging to explain one\u2019s own ideas.\u201d Therefore, it can be said that while the students did not recognize the term \u201ccritical thinking,\u201d they clearly showed they had the ability to analyze and reflect on their own experiences throughout the course, so it can be said that they did use critical thinking skills from the framework.<\/p>\n

One final element worth noting is in regard to students\u2019 character development throughout the semester because, as Williams, Mercer and Ryan (2015) state, \u201cemotions have a facilitatory role to play in language learning\u201d (p. 79). While the character elements of the framework were not directly shared with the students until they were listed as a question on the survey, students often used emotive language that connected to the various character traits in their end-of-class reflections. They were not afraid to share their feelings of excitement, contentment, and anxiety. This is important because, as Fadel et al. (2015) explain, character encompasses a variety of terms including \u201cagency, attitude, behaviors, dispositions, mindsets, personality, temperament, values, beliefs, social and emotional skills, noncognitive skills, and soft skills,\u201d (p. 83) which are all vital for success in speaking a second language.<\/p>\n

Finally, the students were able to develop their autonomy by engaging in and completing the various tasks and projects assigned to them throughout the semester. Little (2003) states that insight is a requirement for learner autonomy, and students provided written examples of this through their class reflection sheets and also in their daily interactions when completing the tasks and projects. Verla Uchida (2019) describes a peer-advice column activity that allowed students to share their insights through writing advice columns. Examples throughout this paper attest to the students\u2019 positive attitudes and mindset during the course. Moreover, the majority of students were able to complete the homework assignments, and everyone was able to participate in the tasks and projects, meeting Little\u2019s requirements of \u201cself-management\u201d and \u201cinteraction with others,\u201d (p. 2). Overall, it can be said that the course design and implementation provided the students with ample opportunities to become autonomous learners.<\/p>\n

Conclusion <\/strong><\/p>\n

Overall, this research shows that the integration of the CCR\u2019s framework when combined with task-based learning and project-based learning can be an effective way to design a course for non-English majors at the university level which promotes the development of autonomous English language learners capable of becoming 21st century learners who can be active members of their local and global communities. In closing, it must be noted that this is based on practitioner research and action research that was carried out for the first time. In order to make more concrete conclusions, this should be considered as a case study, and the research should be implemented again the following academic year to confirm whether the results hold true in multiple cases. Additionally, the research was carried out in an EFL classroom; however, the framework was designed to be used in various settings and across curriculums, so applying the framework to English courses at different institutions, or to other courses, would strengthen the validity of the results. Despite these limitations, the framework has proven to be effective for designing tasks that motivate students to actively use English in a classroom setting while expanding their knowledge of digital and informational literacy, developing the skills, character traits, and meta-learning abilities they need to succeed as learners in the 21st century.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Notes on the contributor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adrianne Verla Uchida has been teaching English in Japan since 2004. She is currently an assistant professor at Nihon University in the College of International Relations. She received her MA TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2013. Her current academic interests include reflective practice and language learning psychology.<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n

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[Appendices<\/a>]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Adrianne Verla Uchida, Nihon University Uchida, A. V. (2020).\u00a0Integrating the four-dimensional education framework into an EFL course curriculum. Relay Journal, 3(1), 25-47.\u00a0https:\/\/doi.org\/10.37237\/relay\/030103 [Download paginated PDF version] *This page reflects the original version of this document. Please see PDF for most recent and updated version. Abstract A part of being in academia is moving from institution … Continue reading “Integrating the Four-Dimensional Education Framework Into an EFL Course Curriculum”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":1540,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1598"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1598"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3151,"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1598\/revisions\/3151"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1540"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kuis.kandagaigo.ac.jp\/relayjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}