Interdisciplinary transfer of argumentation skills

Enhancing argumentation and writing for STEM contexts

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/wbm9kb64

Keywords:

skill transfer, argumentation skills, academic writing, interdisciplinary learning, intercultural communicative competence

Abstract

This case study examines the transfer of argumentation skills from an English language development course to writing a literary research paper in a university literature course. It explores how explicit instruction in academic writing, argumentation, and intercultural awareness supports interdisciplinary learning, writing proficiency, and potential applications in STEM education. Data were collected through a personal diary and an interview. Findings suggest that structured instruction and interdisciplinary engagement help apply argumentation techniques across disciplines. The participant demonstrated improvement in constructing arguments, integrating evidence, and adapting writing to diverse audiences. Although based on a single case, this study highlights the pedagogical value of integrated curricula and explicit argumentation training. Future research could explore these processes across disciplines using triangulated methods.

Author Biographies

  • Pedro Luis Luchini, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina

    Pedro Luis Luchini: Postdoctoral degree in Linguistics, Universidade Federal Rio Grande Do Sul (UFGRS), Puerto Alegre, Brazil (2021); Doctor in Letters, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina, (2015); MA in ELT & AL, King’s Collage, University of London, UK., (2003). Fulbright Exchange Program: College of DuPage, Illinois, US, 1997/1998. EFL teacher: Shanghai Normal University, China, 2003/2004. Doctoral Research Award: Concordia University (CU), Montreal, Canada, 2009; Faculty Enrichment Program: CU, 2007. Currently full professor, UNMDP. Research group director “Cuestiones del Lenguaje”, UNMdP. Interest areas: Applied Linguistics, English pronunciation teaching, Interculturality.  

  • Agostina Rasini Robles, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina

    Agostina Rasini Robles: Holds a degree in English Language Teaching from the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Argentina (2024). Her professional interests focus on teaching English to adult learners in Argentina and internationally through online platforms. She currently serves as an unpaid teaching assistant for an advanced language development course in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program at UNMdP. Additionally, she is an affiliated member of the research group Cuestiones del Lenguaje and a member of the Grupo de Investigaciones en Idiomas, Educación y Formación Docente. She has also recently worked as a school administrator and assistant at a private bilingual educational institution in Mar del Plata.

References

Ambrose, S. A., Bridges, M. W., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M. C., & Norman, M. K. (2010). How learning works: Seven research-based principles for smart teaching. Jossey-Bass.

Barnes, M. E. (2020). Promoting student agency in writing. The Reading Teacher, 73(7), 29–37. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1899

Bazerman, C., Little, J., Bethel, L., Chavkin, T., Fouquette, D., & Garufis, J. (2005). Reference guide to writing across the curriculum. Parlor Press; The WAC Clearinghouse. https://wac.colostate.edu/books/referenceguides/bazerman-wac/

Belmonte, I. A., & McCabe, A. (2004). The development of written discourse competence in ELT materials: A preliminary analysis. Revista Canaria de Estudios Ingleses, 49, 29–48.

Bista, K., & Bista, R. (2025). Leveraging AI tools in academic writing: Insights from doctoral students on benefits and challenges. American Journal of STEM Education: Issues and Perspectives, 6, 32–47. https://doi.org/10.32674/9m8dq081

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Bybee, R. W. (2013). The case for STEM education: Challenges and opportunities. NSTA Press.

Byram, M. (1997). Teaching and assessing intercultural communicative competence. Multilingual Matters.

Byram, M. (2020). Teaching and assessing intercultural communicative competence: Revisited. Multilingual Matters. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781800410251

Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical Bases of Communicative Approaches to Second Language Teaching and Testing. Applied Linguistics, 1, 1-47.

Celce-Murcia, M., Brinton, D., & Snow, A. (2014). Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (4th ed.). Heinle ELT.

Celce-Murcia, M., Dörnyei, Z., & Thurrell, S. (2003). Communicative competence: A pedagogical perspective. TESOL Quarterly, 37(4), 592–616.

Ching Ching, K. C., & Mao, P. (2025). Effective strategies for teaching academic writing and literary reading: Perceptions and challenges of STEM students in Chinese higher education. American Journal of STEM Education: Issues and Perspectives, 6, 11–31. https://doi.org/10.32674/vp7zzd62

Creely, E. (2020). Students as writers – strengthening the agency of students as creative writers in the middle school. Literacy Learning: The Middle Years, 28(2), 7-18.

Creely, E., Henriksen, D., Crawford, R., & Henderson, M. (2021). Exploring creative risk-taking and productive failure in classroom practice. A case study of the perceived self-efficacy and agency of teachers at one school. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 42, Article 100951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100951

Davies, P. M., Passonneau, R. J., Muresan, S., & Gao, Y. (2021). Analytical techniques for developing argumentative writing in STEM: A pilot study. IEEE Transactions on Education, 65(3), 373–383. https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2021.3116202

DeKeyser, R. (Ed.). (2007). Practice in a second language: Perspectives from applied linguistics and cognitive psychology. Cambridge University Press.

Diola, W. Y., Jalon, J. B., Jr., & Prudente, M. S. (2025). Exploring the use of claim-evidence-reasoning in promoting scientific reasoning skills of elementary school students. Anatolian Journal of Education, 10(1), 203–214. https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2025.10115a

Fletcher, J. (2018). Teaching literature rhetorically: Transferable literacy skills for 21st-century students. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032682709

Frank, A., Schulert, J., & Nicholas, H. (1992). Interdisciplinary learning as social learning and general education. European Journal of Education, 27(3), 223–237. https://doi.org/10.2307/1503451

Genesee, F., & White, L. (2024). Multicompetence or multicompetencies: Investigating the human capacity for language learning. Journal of the European Second Language Association, 8(1), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.22599/jesla.116

Germain, C. (2018). The neurolinguistic approach (NLA) for learning and teaching foreign languages: Theory and practice. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Halliday, M. A. K., & Hasan, R. (1978). Cohesion in English. Longman.

Hart, A., & Heaver, B. (2013). Evaluating resilience-based programs for schools using a systematic consultative review. Journal of Child and Youth Development, 1(1), 27-53. Retrieved from https://journals.ub.uni-osnabrueck.de/index.php/jcyd/article/view/22

Huber, M. T., & Hutchings, P. (2004). Integrative learning: Mapping the terrain. Association of American Colleges and Universities.

Hyland, K. (2003). Second language writing (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. Sociolinguistics. Selected Readings (pp. 269–293). Penguin Books.

Moon, J. (2006). Learning journals: A handbook for reflective practice and professional development (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203969212

Netten, J., & Germain, C. (2012). A new paradigm for the learning of a second or foreign language: The neurolinguistic approach. Neuroeducation, 1(1), 85–114. https://doi.org/10.24046/neuroed.20120101.85

Newell, W. H. (1999). The promise of integrative learning. About Campus, 4(2), 17–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/108648229900400205

Perkins, D. N., & Salomon, G. (1992). Transfer of Learning. In T. Husén, & T. N. Postlethwaite (Eds.), The International Encyclopedia of Education (2nd ed., pp. 425-441). Pergamon.

Perkins, D. N., & Salomon, G. (2012). Knowledge to go: A motivational and dispositional view of transfer. Educational Psychologist, 47(3), 248–258. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2012.693354

Philipp, T., & Schmohl, T. (Eds.). (2023). Handbook Transdisciplinary Learning (Higher Education: University Teaching & Research (6). Higher Education, University Teaching & Research. https://doi.org/10.14361/9783839463475

Reynolds, M. (2020). Prismatic translation. Legenda.

Takona, J. P. (2025). Harmonizing STEM rigor and cultural responsiveness in college-level statistics: A review. American Journal of STEM Education: Issues and Perspectives, 8, 109–124. https://doi.org/10.32674/phxvdp70

Wang, K. D., Wu, Z., Tufts II, L., Wieman, C., Salehi, S., & Haber, N. (2024). Scaffold or crutch? Examining college students' use and views of generative AI tools for STEM education. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2412.02653

Yin, R. K. (2014). The case study crisis: Some answers. In M. Tight (Ed.), SAGE benchmarks in social research methods: Case studies (Vol. 4, pp. III3–III3). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473915480.n38

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE.

Yusupov, O., Abdazimov, A., Muradov, U., Kuchkeldiyeva, U., & Mirkasimova, M. (2021). Improving writing skills using communicative competence. International Journal of World Languages, 1(2). Retrieved from https://www.ejournals.id/index.php/IJWL/article/view/197

Downloads

Published

2025-11-30

Issue

Section

STEM Education (regular)

How to Cite

Luchini, P. L., & Rasini Robles, A. (2025). Interdisciplinary transfer of argumentation skills: Enhancing argumentation and writing for STEM contexts. American Journal of STEM Education, 19, 101-120. https://doi.org/10.32674/wbm9kb64