Critical Thinking in a Higher Education Functional English Course

• Published in: European journal of educational research 2017-01, Vol.6-2017 (volume6-issue1.html), p.59-67
• Main Author: Khan, Shaista Irshad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Critical Thinking; English (Second Language); Eğitim Bilimleri; Factor Analysis; Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Questionnaires; Second Language Learning; Statistical Analysis; Thinking Skills
• ISSN: 2165-8714; 2165-8714
• DOI: 10.12973/eu-jer.6.1.59

Critical thinking is seen as a highly desirable way of thinking that needs to be encouraged in all areas of higher education.  However, it is not easy to conceptualise critical thinking in ways that can help in its development and in its assessment. Recent policy documents in Pakistan have laid emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills in higher education and The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan worked with USAID to publish new course guidance for Functional English, a mandatory course, as a part of introducing a revised four year BEd honours programme. The course includes aims like giving reasons to justify a view, distinguishing between fact and opinion and enabling students to develop argumentation skills. All these aims require students to develop skills involving questioning: asking questions of what is provided, who has provided it and what its meaning might be, key features of critical thinking.