Critical thinking

Build success beyond the classroom

Critical thinking is a complex process that involves reflection, analysis and evaluation. In the ELT classroom, it is about building academic literacy, not just linguistic proficiency. So, ELT coursework needs to build language skills alongside skills including evaluating, analyzing, and reasoning for academic success.

Building critical thinking skills aids in developing fluency and the production of authentic language while creating an opportunity for deeper learning and engagement. Exposing students to critical thinking tasks that are part of a contextualized language lesson, prepares them for what lies beyond their EAP coursework.

We've put together resources here to help you implement critical thinking.

Christina Cavage talks about the importance of critical thinking in the ELT classroom.

Photo of Christina Cavage — About Christina Cavage

Christina Cavage is the Curriculum and Assessment Manager at UCF Global, at the University of Central Florida. She's researched blended learning and English language learners.

She has trained numerous teachers all over the world in using digital technologies to enhance learning, and has authored over a dozen ELT textbooks.

Webinars

Join Christina for a series of webinars that explore how you can implement critical thinking into your classroom.

Introduction to critical thinking

Christina unpacks critical thinking in the ELT classroom. She answers these questions: What is critical thinking? Why is it important in the language classroom? What is the relationship between academic literacy and language literacy? You'll gain an understanding of the importance in teaching critical thinking in our EAP courses to ensure academic and cultural success beyond our programs.

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Critical thinking & assessment

Teaching critical thinking is necessary for success beyond the ELT classroom. Constructing lessons that embed critical thinking are the first step. But it's not enough to only embed it into our everyday ELT lessons – how can we effectively assess critical thinking? Christina explores both traditional and non-traditional assessments for determining students’ proficiencies in critical thinking.

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How to teach critical thinking

Critical thinking is essential to university success. While language classes often focus on developing language proficiency, critical thinking is equally important. So, how can we embed critical thinking into our everyday lessons? In this webinar, Christina walks you through proven strategies and techniques to build critical thinking tasks into classroom lessons and meaningful assignments outside of class. You'll gain an understanding of task-based, project-based and inquiry-based learning.

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Building readiness for academic rigor

Mastering academic English is the highest determinant of university success. Students need to develop both linguistic and critical thinking skills. In this webinar, Christina will answer: How do we build both language and academic skills for students? When are they linguistically ready for academic rigor? You'll learn how rigorous academic language can be scaffolded with systematic skills development. You'll explore how to prepare students for academic success and beyond.

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