「コミュニケーション英語Ⅰ」で批判的思考力を育てるCTスキルズ一覧表と核となるパフォーマンス課題の開発

抄録

　　This practical report concerns the authors’ year-long attempt to develop learners’ critical thinking skills at high school using a MEXT-authorized English Communication I textbook. First, a list of essential CT skills to be taught was compiled, some of which were selected and assigned as attainment targets for lessons. Then, core performance tasks were invented so that learners could demonstrate their understanding of the CT skills designated in the lesson. Finally, criteria for judgment on their performance were developed. The CT skills list, core performance tasks, and evaluation criteria were all shared by the teacher and learners at the start of the lessons. One- year-long follow-up examinations of a particular learner’s written responses, ratios of the learners’grades (A, B, and C) on their performance in three academic terms, and a paired t-test of pre- and post-CT skills assessment scores all strongly suggested the effectiveness of the CT instructions. This practice is probably the first in Japan to have proposed a list of specific CT skills to be taught at school, core performance tasks for CT skills based on a school textbook, and valid criteria to evaluate learners’ performance.