The Contribution of Argumentation to Learning Approach, Inference, and Interpretation: The Case of Seminary Education at the Islamic Propagation Office (IPO)

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Department of English Language, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

This study examined the impact of argumentation on learning approach and critical thinking (inference and interpretation) in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) classes among Islamic studies or seminary students in Mashhad. It was conducted in two classes: an experimental group and a control group, each with 12 female students. Data for the study were collected using pretest and posttest assessments of the Critical Thinking Appraisal (CTA) and a learning approach questionnaire. The Farsi version of Watson-Glaser’s Critical Thinking Appraisal (CTA) was used to measure participants’ inference-making and deduction. Bigg’s Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) was employed to assess participants’ learning approaches, measuring two broad approaches: deep approach and surface approach, with four subscales: surface strategy (SS), surface motive (SM), deep strategy (DS), and deep motive (DM). The experimental group received instruction based on logical argumentation as the treatment. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the argumentation method in improving participants’ learning approach and critical thinking (inference and interpretation). Specifically, the results of the independent samples t-test indicated a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the degree of their Inference (t = 2.33, p = .03), Interpretation (t = 2.25, p = .03), Deep Approach (t = 2.88, p = .01), and Surface Approach (t = -2.16, p = .04) after the treatment. The findings of this study can be beneficial for teachers of Islamic propagators in enhancing their students’ learning approach and critical thinking through the use of argumentative instruction.

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©2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, as long as the original authors and source are cited. No permission is required from the authors or the publishers.

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International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies
Volume 1, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
October 2023
Pages 439-458

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 July 2023
  • Revise Date: 10 September 2023
  • Accept Date: 26 September 2023
  • Publish Date: 01 October 2023

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