How to use critical thinking skills in the ESL classroom

Have you ever thought about thinking? Such a complicated process it is! We do it every single day, however, we do not always think critically. And a logical question arises: what is critical thinking? 

Let’s start from the very childhood. Kids are extremely nosy, and they love asking questions about random things. Is the sun yellow? Is the grass green? Is the sky blue? As you start asking questions and seeking answers, you are, in fact, thinking. At the same time as you start thinking about how and why, you are, in fact, thinking critically. 

By thinking critically, we mean a complicated process that enables us to connect not only the causes and results of problems but also their possible solutions. 

How can we use it in teaching English? A better understanding of teaching grammar and critical thinking will make your lessons unforgettable.

Teachers must remember three main kinds of Grammar:

 1. Factual grammar: when grammar is seen as a fact, for example:

 2. Non-generative grammar that can be described through a simple rule: everything is not the same, if we write wife — wives (f is changed to v), it doesn’t help us with safe — safes. 

 3. Comprehensive grammar, which is based on the general comprehension of a sentence rather than an understanding of every word separately, for example:

We understand that a simple knowledge of translation will not help us over here, especially translating everything word for word. 

Keeping this in mind, it’s easier to understand why your students do not understand. There are so many obstacles starting with rules that are not working in every single example, and finishing with idioms, fixed expressions, and phrasal verbs.

Let us show you why a good explanation is crucially important.

Here is a short and simple task from the course of mathematics from the sixth grade:

Can you solve it at once? I can’t. Fractions are not that easy if you haven’t practised them for a while. In addition, the form of the task looks scary to a non-professional. That’s why our students envisage all those scary grammar rules in the same way as we envisage fractions in this picture.

Let me show you the same rule, but through the context:

Was it easier to solve? Actually, yes. In this case, we have used the context. In the first one, everything was into symbols. We must remember that turning rules into symbols makes it more difficult, but for most people, the biggest problem is understanding the rule. The rule is not a remedy.

Rules are always supported by examples. On the other hand, only good examples can help. We must remember to be extremely careful with examples. Let me show you why written examples are not always helpful:

OR these controversial sentences can ruin our traditional rule about some/any.

In this way, we understand that being careful is the first thing teachers should do to avoid ambiguity and the answers such as:

And here we come to critical thinking. Such a tempting skill that will help your students. Can we train it? The answer is yes. What can help? CCQs and context! 

Being ready with effective context, checking questions will help your learners understand even the tiniest aspects of a certain grammar topic. 

Let’s imagine that we have to teach Causatives: have something done.

Here is our effective context:

The concept that we, teachers, keep in mind is:

At the same time, we ask our students:

These questions will help your students understand the meaning. Form and pronunciation will follow. 

Later on, when they have to show their knowledge in practice, they will be better able to think critically by analysing the situation (context) with the help of these CCQs. They will be able to form a judgment and evaluate everything accordingly.