PROMOTING ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF THE EFL LEARNERS THROUGH CRITICAL THINKING TASKS

Abstract

This article discusses the use of critical thinking activities to improve spoken communication skills among EFL students. By integrating tasks that stimulate learners to analyze, evaluate, and express their ideas, teachers can foster more meaningful language development. The article explores several functional tasks, such as Debates, where learners argue for or against controversial topics, advancing argumentative abilities and verbal fluency. The Problem-Solving Discussion encourages collaboration and critical analysis by asking students to find solutions for real-world scenarios, thus enhancing their capacity to clearly convey ideas. Additionally, the Mystery Item Challenge introduces exceptional items for pupils to study, promoting teamwork, deduction, and hypothesis testing while taking part in spoken interaction. These activities not only improve language skills but also develop learners’ cognitive skills, preparing them for real-world communication. The article provides insights into how these critical thinking activities can be effectively implemented to transform the EFL classroom into an interactive and intellectually stimulating environment.