The importance of incorporating critical thinking in EFL teaching curriculum

Abstract EN

Research studies indicate that 21st Century university graduates lack critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are needed for their academic success and in the modern workforce.

The purpose of the current work is to investigate the extent to which EFL teachers in Algeria incorporate critical thinking in their curriculum.

In addition to documents analysis, a questionnaire is administered to a group of lecturers.

The findings suggest that the majority of them believe in the importance of touching upon critical thinking in their teaching process.

They consider evaluating information, analysing, logical reasoning; arguing, reflecting, and problem solving are among the main strategies that can be fostered to develop critical thinking skills in their classes.

However, the results indicate also that there is a gap in developing these strategies because of many problems and handicaps that the teachers face.