Table of contents Abstract 1 Statement of Intent

Critical Thinking in Foreign Language Teaching
In English classes creativity is mainly manifested through productive skills: speaking and writing. Students should be encouraged to talk freely about various topics, such as their experiences, troubles, ideas, dreams, etc. Pair work, group work, role-play, simulations, finishing unfinished stories, etc., would all be suitable techniques for practicing speaking activities. Writing is not a skill which is developed with young learners. However older learners can practice creative writing in the form of self-invented stories, poems, plans, inventions, etc. The elaboration of projects is an excellent technique for developing creativity and high level thinking. Age and proficiency level must be considered though.
Critical thinking is an essential skill for students to develop in any subject, including foreign language teaching. Critical thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make informed decisions and solve problems. It allows students to approach language learning with a more analytical and reflective mindset, leading to a deeper understanding of the language and culture.
In foreign language teaching, critical thinking can be integrated in various ways. Here are some ideas:

Encourage students to question assumptions: Encourage students to ask questions about the language and culture they are learning. For example, they could ask why certain words are used in a particular way or why a particular cultural practice exists.

Use authentic materials: Use authentic materials such as news articles, videos, and podcasts to expose students to different perspectives and challenge their preconceptions.
Discuss cultural differences: Discuss cultural differences with students and encourage them to think critically about their own cultural values and assumptions. This can help them develop empathy and cross-cultural communication skills.
Debate and discussion: Encourage students to engage in debates and discussions about language and cultural issues. This can help them develop critical thinking skills such as analyzing arguments and evaluating evidence.
Use problem-based learning: Use problem-based learning activities to help students apply their language skills in real-world situations. This can help them develop problem-solving skills and encourage them to think critically about language use.
By incorporating critical thinking into foreign language teaching, students can develop the skills they need to become more independent and reflective learners. They will also be better equipped to communicate and interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.