Improving critical thinking through authentic materials

Аннотация

Improving students’ critical thinking skills requires an active and engaging learning process. This involves using effective teaching materials and methods to encourage students to think critically. The teaching and learning process goes beyond simply receiving information from instructors; it involves various activities aimed at achieving better learning outcomes. For instance, tasks that stimulate critical thinking and the use of diverse teaching methods and models play a crucial role in this process. Emphasizing experiential learning is essential for gaining valuable insights. The success or failure of a learning endeavor greatly depends on this approach. Educators play a vital role in developing students’ critical thinking abilities, given the increasing importance of this skill in everyday life. Many aspects of daily life require critical analysis, making it particularly crucial for students, who represent the future generation of the society. Key words: critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, metacognition, effective, communication, collaboration, innovation. A nation’s wealth is largely dependent on its human capital. For a country to progress and flourish, it needs strong support from its human resources in terms of both quality and quantity. Enhancing the quality of human resources is crucial, especially in the context of navigating the challenges of the 21st century. 96 Topical issues of language training in the globalized world In order to compete effectively on both national and global scales in the modern era, individuals must possess a range of essential skills. These include critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, metacognition, effective communication, collaboration, innovation, ICT literacy, contextual learning capabilities for personal growth, and proficiency in information and media literacy. These skills are essential for individuals to succeed in an interconnected world (Greenstein, 2012). Critical thinking can be taught by asking questions that make the students form their own beliefs on common topics. Promoting group discussions enable the students to listen to others and share their opinions. Imagination and creativity are the key to developing critical thinking skills in elementary classes. The methods and models of learning employed significantly influence the critical thinking abilities of students who demonstrate low optimal critical thinking skills. The overall percentage of students falling below the critical thinking criteria stands at 80.9%. When examining specific indicators, the highest level of critical thinking, as seen in problem formulation, stands at 65.9%, while the lowest, observed in deductive reasoning, is at 54.6%. Students’ deficiencies in critical thinking are evident in their arguments, which often lack appropriate reasoning, logical assumptions, and factual evaluation (Muhlisin et al., 2015). This suggests that the current learning approaches are insufficient in nurturing critical thinking skills. In science courses, students are expected to enhance their thinking abilities to meet educational objectives. Critical thinking skills are crucial for navigating the challenges of a globalized 21st-century world, aligning with the perspectives of Marin & Halpern (2010) and Fahim & Pezeshk (2012), who view critical thinking as active reasoning and deliberation essential for decision-making and evaluation in the face of modern life’s complexities. The primary approach to learning in basic science courses involves student presentations, Q&A sessions, and discussions, comprising 71.4% of the learning process. This method is consistently applied in each session, with specific activities assigned at different stages: the instructor assigns tasks to students for group 97 Topical issues of language training in the globalized world discussions, paper creation, and group presentations on predetermined topics outlined at the start of the course contract, along with Q&A sessions. Improving critical thinking through authentic materials Teaching takes various forms across disciplines, with English being particularly significant due to its role in knowledge acquisition and vocabulary development. Reading, a crucial aspect of language learning, not only enhances critical thinking but also involves a range of complex skills. This study aims to promote guided reading to foster critical thinking and explore teaching methods that enhance comprehension and writing skills, ultimately contributing to students’ intellectual and social development. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including interviews and observations, gathering feedback from students and teachers across different schools. The study provides valuable insights into methods that support critical thinking, especially through guided reading, offering recommendations from successful teachers working with students facing challenges in reading. Encourage readers to