Table of contents Abstract 1 Statement of Intent

1.1 Using authentic articles as means to enhance B1 level students critical thinking skills.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of authentic materials in language learning, as they are considered to provide more engaging and meaningful input for learners. Authentic articles, in particular, can be a useful tool to promote critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in higher education and the workplace. This literature review explores the use of authentic articles as a means to enhance critical thinking skills of B1 level students.
Authentic Materials and Critical Thinking:
Authentic materials refer to real-world texts, such as newspapers, magazines, and websites. They provide learners with opportunities to engage with language as it is used in real-life situations, rather than in contrived textbook exercises. Authentic articles, in particular, can be used to promote critical thinking skills, as they often present complex issues and diverse perspectives that require students to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information.
Critical thinking is a process of evaluating information, making judgments, and solving problems. It involves analyzing and interpreting information, evaluating arguments, and considering multiple perspectives. Critical thinking skills are essential for academic success, as they enable learners to think independently, evaluate evidence, and develop logical arguments.
Authentic articles can be used to promote critical thinking skills in a number of ways. For example, teachers can ask students to analyze and evaluate the arguments presented in an article, identify assumptions, and consider alternative viewpoints. Students can also be asked to compare and contrast different articles on the same topic, identify biases and evaluate the reliability of sources.
Research on Authentic Articles and Critical Thinking:
Several studies have investigated the use of authentic articles as a means to enhance critical thinking skills of language learners. For example, a study by Zhang and Zhang (2020) found that using authentic news articles in the classroom improved learners' critical thinking skills, particularly in the areas of analysis and evaluation. Similarly, a study by Thorne (2013) found that using authentic materials, including news articles, helped learners to develop critical thinking skills.
In addition, studies have shown that using authentic articles can also improve learners' motivation and engagement. For example, a study by Kamarudin and Yusof (2017) found that using authentic materials, including news articles, increased learners' motivation and interest in learning.
In conclusion, using authentic articles can be an effective way to enhance B1 level students' critical thinking skills. Authentic articles provide learners with real-life input that requires them to analyze and evaluate information, consider multiple perspectives, and develop logical arguments. Using authentic articles can also increase learners' motivation and engagement in the learning process. Further research is needed to explore the specific strategies and techniques that can be used to effectively incorporate authentic articles into language teaching and learning.
Types of Authentic Articles:
Authentic articles can take many forms, such as news articles, opinion pieces, academic articles, and research reports. They can be sourced from a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and online sources. The choice of article will depend on the goals of the lesson and the interests and needs of the learners.
Benefits of Using Authentic Articles:
Using authentic articles in the language classroom has many benefits beyond enhancing critical thinking skills. Authentic materials provide learners with exposure to real-life language use and cultural contexts, which can improve their communicative competence and intercultural awareness. Authentic materials can also help learners develop language skills that are transferable to real-world contexts, such as reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and writing skills.
Challenges of Using Authentic Articles:
Despite the many benefits of using authentic articles in the classroom, there are also some challenges to consider. Authentic materials can be challenging for learners, especially if they contain complex vocabulary, grammar, or cultural references. Additionally, finding appropriate and relevant articles can be time-consuming for teachers. Finally, the use of authentic materials may not align with the goals and requirements of standardized tests, which can create tension between the goals of language teaching and assessment.
Effective Strategies for Using Authentic Articles:
To effectively use authentic articles in the language classroom, teachers can employ a variety of strategies, such as pre-reading and post-reading activities, graphic organizers, and scaffolding techniques. Pre-reading activities can help learners activate their prior knowledge and set goals for reading, while post-reading activities can help learners consolidate their understanding and engage in critical thinking. Graphic organizers, such as mind maps, can help learners visualize the relationships between ideas in the article, while scaffolding techniques, such as providing vocabulary support or summarizing key points, can help learners overcome comprehension challenges.
Assessment of Critical Thinking Skills:
Assessing critical thinking skills is an important part of language learning. Teachers can use a variety of assessment tools, such as rubrics, portfolios, and self-reflection activities, to evaluate learners' critical thinking skills. Rubrics can provide clear criteria for evaluating learners' ability to analyze and evaluate information, while portfolios can showcase learners' development of critical thinking skills over time. Self-reflection activities can help learners identify their strengths and weaknesses and set goals for future learning.
Integration of Authentic Articles in Language Curriculum:
To effectively integrate authentic articles into the language curriculum, teachers can align the use of authentic materials with the goals and objectives of the curriculum. Teachers can also select articles that are relevant to learners' interests and needs, and provide appropriate support and guidance to help learners overcome comprehension challenges. Finally, teachers can provide opportunities for learners to apply their critical thinking skills in authentic contexts, such as debates, discussions, and research projects.
Collaborative Learning and Authentic Articles:
Collaborative learning can be an effective way to enhance learners' critical thinking skills when using authentic articles. Collaborative activities, such as group discussions and peer reviews, can help learners share their ideas and perspectives, evaluate and critique each other's arguments, and develop a deeper understanding of the article. Collaborative learning can also promote learner autonomy and engagement, as learners take ownership of their learning and participate actively in the learning process.
Using authentic articles to enhance B1 level students' critical thinking skills is an effective way to promote language learning and academic success. Teachers can overcome the challenges of using authentic materials by employing effective strategies, assessing critical thinking skills, integrating authentic articles in the language curriculum, and promoting collaborative learning. By using authentic articles, language learners can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in higher education and the workplace.