Contributory Role of Critical Thinking in Enhancing EFL Learner’s Reading Comprehension Skill

Abstract

Training pupils to think critically is one of the most serious challenges that face EFL teachers nowadays. Applying the critical thinking skills in reading activity is such a very important aspect to develop the pupil’s capability to comprehend and to make a sense of the text. This study intends to make EFL learners aware of critical thinking dealing with some effective strategies that will help them to overcome their difficulties in reading comprehension. The major purpose of this study is to investigate teachers’ and pupils’ perspectives about the development of reading comprehension strategies through teaching critical thinking skills. Furthermore, it examines how training in critical thinking skills increases reading comprehension. To test the study hypotheses, a mixed methods research design has been chosen to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from the selected sample. Classroom observation, a questionnaire and interview have been chosen as tools to collect data to determine the effects of using reading strategies on pupils’ reading comprehension; as well as teachers’ perceptions towards developing pupils’ critical thinking skills. Based on the results of the study, it has been demonstrated that critical thinking plays a crucial role in improving learners’ reading comprehension ability. The study also reveals the importance of implementing critical thinking skills in developing reading comprehension strategies.