The Effectiveness of Critical Thinking Skill Training on Iranian EFL Learners' Reading Comprehension and Reading Strategy Use

Vahedi, V.S.; Ebrahimi, M.

doi:10.22061/tej.2017.636

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

V.S. Vahedi ¹
M. Ebrahimi ²

¹ Department of English Language , Qaenat Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaenat, Iran

² Torbat Heidariye Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22061/tej.2017.636

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of critical thinking skill training on Iranian EFL learners' reading comprehension and reading strategy use. To this aim, 140 highly homogenous students were chosen and two groups shaped; one group was provided with critical thinking skill training, whereas the control group did not receive any training regarding critical thinking skills. Before and after the tutorial, a reading comprehension test and a reading strategy questionnaire were administered. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA. The results indicated that the experimental group outperformed their counterparts in the control group in the reading achievement posttest (p<0.05). Furthermore, subjects in the experimental group used metacognitive, social and compensatory strategies more frequently after the treatment as compared to their usage of the same strategy types before starting out the tutorial. In sum, the current study revealed that critical thinking strategy training played an important role in enhancing learners' reading comprehension ability and also their reading strategy use. In other words, the introduction of elements of the constructivist pedagogy accompanied with specific strategies aimed at encouraging higher level thinking can lead to higher learning outcomes in the process of learning a second/forein language.

Keywords

20.1001.1.20080441.1396.11.2.7.6

Main Subjects

Educational Technology - Public education

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Technology of Education Journal (TEJ)

The Effectiveness of Critical Thinking Skill Training on Iranian EFL Learners' Reading Comprehension and Reading Strategy Use

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Volume 11, Issue 2 - Serial Number 42
April 2017
Pages 171-180

The Effectiveness of Critical Thinking Skill Training on Iranian EFL Learners' Reading Comprehension and Reading Strategy Use

References

References

Send comment about this article

Volume 11, Issue 2 - Serial Number 42April 2017Pages 171-180

Volume 11, Issue 2 - Serial Number 42
April 2017
Pages 171-180