Investigating the role of video games in shaping EFL learners’ critical thinking

Abstract

The recent years of the 21st century have been marked by an escalation of highly advanced entertainment platforms thanks to an ever-going development of new online and offline technologies. In particular, the life of millions of young people around the world would not be the same without video games, considering the fact that video games are becoming, or already are a mainstream phenomenon. Unfortunately, most researchers have only focused on the negative impact of playing video games. However, in our research work, we focus on the positive impact instead, and our primary objective is to investigate the role of video games in shaping EFL learners’ critical thinking. Additionally, we will identify several positive aspects of video games to understand the developmental process of the individual’s critical thinking and which type of video games is the most advantageous to attain convenient results. To carry out this research project, a questionnaire, an interview and an in-game observation were used as instruments to collect data. The results revealed that multiple types of video games could indeed enhance EFL learners’ critical thinking. Furthermore, we would provide potential procedures to follow in order to reach the most beneficial results possible.