Structured Language and Higher Learning Essay Example for Free

Structured Language and Higher Learning Essay Simplified, social language plays acts as a vehicle for students to comprehend the basis of others’ arguments or opinions. According to Moore and Zainudin (2003), English learners use critical thinking skills to analyze dilemmas that may have been difficult to understand if they were complex issues (p.1). Teachers that emphasize the importance of familiar context could ease the English learners’ progress into acquiring their new language. Utilizing the mechanics of communication: listening, reading, writing, and speaking; create open opportunities for the students to get a â€Å"feel† of the other party’s perspective of their dialogue (Moore Zainudin, 2003, p. 2). Strong, constructed arguments tap into students’ imagination and ability to compile syllogisms. Their attempt to explain the premises of their experience; e.g. Yukiko’s inquiry of Vanessa’s recent piracy in correlation with her mother being a web designer, can build an understanding of the flaw in their understanding (Moore Zainudin, 2003, p.4). In other words, if the students realize that their responses are incoherent with their thesis or stated argument, they may reconstruct their thinking to align with facts involved in their learning. Structured controversial dialog allows students the opportunity to move from concrete usage to more abstract ideas. Moore and Zainudin’s (2003) example, â€Å"Telling on the Bully† scenario, Hiro is aware of Dylan’s behavior towards one of his friends (p 3). Hiro’s discussion with Erica brings the concreteness of him witnessing Dylan bullying another kid, but his internal conflict (retribution) comes to surface when Erica asks him if he will inform the teacher (p.5). Teachers can use the concepts of abstractness to complete the structure of a complete argument, thus, enhancing the student’s critical thinking through controversial dialogue. Reference Cited Moore, R. and Zainuddin,   H. (2003, June). Enhancing Critical Thinking with Structured Controversial Dialogues, 6. Retrieved September 27, 2006 from http://iteslj.org/Technique/Zainuddin-Controversial.html.