Table of contents Abstract 1 Statement of Intent

Statement of Intent
English language proficiency is increasingly recognized as a crucial skill for individuals seeking to succeed in a globalized world. At the B1 level, students have developed some basic language skills, but may still struggle with complex texts and critical analysis. However, critical thinking skills are essential for success in many academic and professional settings, making it important for language learners to develop these skills. One potential strategy for enhancing critical thinking skills is the use of authentic materials in the language classroom, such as news articles or academic texts.

Research question:

What is the effectiveness of using authentic articles as a means to enhance B1 level students' critical thinking skills?

Objectives:

The objectives of this study are:

To explore the impact of incorporating authentic articles into the language learning curriculum on B1 level students' critical thinking skills

To identify the potential benefits, challenges, and areas for improvement of using authentic articles in language learning
To contribute to the development of effective pedagogical strategies that can help B1 level students become more proficient critical thinkers and communicators
Methods:
This study will use a mixed-methods approach that includes pre- and post-tests, surveys, and classroom observations. The study will be conducted with a group of B1 level students in an English language course. Students will be exposed to a series of authentic articles on a variety of topics, and will be asked to engage with and critically analyze these materials. Data will be collected through pre- and post-tests measuring critical thinking skills, surveys assessing student attitudes and engagement, and classroom observations documenting student behavior and interactions with the materials. Data will be analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Significance:

This study has the potential to contribute to the development of effective pedagogical strategies for enhancing B1 level students' critical thinking skills. By exploring the impact of authentic materials on language learning, this study can help teachers and curriculum developers design more engaging and effective language learning materials. Additionally, this study can help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in academic and professional settings, and can contribute to their overall language proficiency and communicative competence.