Topic: Technology and Innovation | The impact of debate on communication and critical thinking skills and its transformative potential
Presenter: Wes Harven Guillemer Maravilla
Presentation details
This study investigated the impact of debate on communication and critical thinking skills among Thai EFL high school students. Forty-three Grade 10 students in Bangkok participated in debates on digital age topics, including social media, plastic use, video games and technology.
Through observation, analysis of student performance, and post-debate discussions, the study examined students' speaking performance, research strategies, and critical engagement with complex issues.
The findings revealed significant improvements in students' English speaking abilities (pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension) and enhanced critical thinking skills. Specifically, students demonstrated improved ability to research, analyze, evaluate information, formulate arguments, and engage in constructive dialogue.
This study highlights debate's transformative potential as a pedagogical tool in EFL, fostering both language and intellectual growth essential for 21st-century success.
About the presenter
Mr. Wes Harven Guillemer Maravilla is an EFL/ESL expert at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University in Thailand. With a Master of Arts in Education, specializing in English Language Teaching, he has focused on Communicative Language and Project-Based Approaches since 2019.
His research interests include AI in education, EFL/ESL methodologies, sustainable development, and maritime education in Asia. He is dedicated to enhancing language learning through innovative teaching methods and digital platforms.