The impact of critical thinking on learning English language

• Main Authors: A. Gandimathi, Nafiseh Zarei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: UNITAR International University 2018-12-01
• Series: Asian Journal of Social Science Research
• Subjects: critical thinking; constructivism; ESL leaners; language learning
• Online Access: https://ajssr.unitar.my/doc/vol1i2/2107.pdf

Critical thinking has been encouraged largely in Malaysia to create awareness to the public. This is due to the fact that students are not able to use their critical thinking skills in classroom activities. Nowadays, some teachers use the traditional method of teaching whereby the students may not be given the opportunity to think critically. As such, if critical thinking is initiated in schools, it would mould citizens who are more creative and able to use their skills effectively later. This study investigates the use of critical thinking in language learning and how it enhances English language among ESL learners. A qualitative method was used and data were collected using semi-structured interview. The sample involved 30 post graduate students in Selangor in order to gain a deep insight of students’ critical thinking enhancement in English language learning. The data were analysed qualitatively using content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that students were able to learn better using critical thinking which enhanced their English language skills. In conclusion, the results indicated that the students were able to engage in reflective and independent thinking to solve problems in learning by using critical thinking.