DEVELOPING STUDENTS' CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH ENGLISH LESSONS

Abstract

Critical thinking has become one of the most vital competencies in 21st-century education. In English language teaching, fostering students' critical thinking not only enhances their linguistic proficiency but also shapes them into independent, reflective, and confident communicators. This article examines the theoretical foundations and practical significance of integrating critical thinking into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, while offering a range of evidence-based strategies teachers can employ. Drawing on current research and classroom realities, the study explores how discussion-based activities, problem-solving tasks, authentic materials, debates, and project-based learning contribute to both intellectual growth and language development. The article also addresses the real challenges educators face and proposes constructive ways to overcome them