The Role of Critical Thinking Disposition in Enhancing Argumentative Writing Skill: Iranian EFL Teachers’ and Learners’ Perspective
Subject Areas : Applied LinguisticsShaho Hoorijani 1 , Hossein Heidari Tabrizi 2 , Mohsen Masoomi 3
1 - English Department, Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch Isfahan, Iran
2 - English Department, Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch Isfahan, Iran
3 - English Department, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Kurdistan, Iran
Keywords: Argumentative Writing, EFL learners’ Attitude, CCTDI Questionnaire, EFL Teachers’ Attitude,
Abstract :
This study investigated the attitude of the Iranian EFL teachers and learners toward the role of critical thinking disposition in enhancing argumentative writing in the Iranian EFL context at Islamic Azad University, Kurdistan branch. Attitude plays an important role that affecting language learning, especially writing skills in an EFL context like Iran. In this descriptive study, 14 EFL teachers and 80 EFL learners both males and females were selected based on a random sampling method. The data were gathered based on a survey approach, by using the online CCTDI questionnaire. To answer the research questions of this study and uncover the attitude of EFL teachers and learners towards the treatment, the responses the to CCTDI online questionnaire were coded and analyzed. The results indicated that teachers and learners had positive attitudes towards all components of CCTDI. They represented a highly positive disposition towards truth-seeking and inquisitiveness. Results of the study revealed that of the EFL teachers and learners have a positive attitude regarding English language teaching and learning. Another finding of the study was that, having favorable perspective toward English did not enhance their proficiency in learning English. It is hoped that the findings of this study help teacher and learners learn about critical thinking principles they will apply prudent judgment, challenge the improbable, pursue difficulties, establish alternatives, use tactics, consider alternative perspectives, and attempt to be objective.
Al-Sobhi, B., Md Rashid, S., & Abdullah, A. N. (2018). Arab ESL secondary school students’ attitude toward English spelling and writing. Sage Open, 8(1), 2158244018763477.
Bagheri, F. (2015). The relationship between critical thinking and language learning strategies of EFL learners.
Campbell, Y. C., & Filimon, C. (2017). Supporting the Argumentative Writing of Students in linguistically Diverse Classrooms: An Action Research Study. RMLE Online, 41(1), 1–10.
Elfatihi, M. (2017). A Rationale for the Integration of Critical Thinking Skills in EFL/ESL Instruction. Higher Education of Social Science, 12(2), 26–31. https: //doi.or g/10.396 8/9702.
Fahim, M., & Mirzaii, M. (2013). Improving EFL argumentative writing: A dialogic critical thinking approach. International Journal of Research Studies in Language Learning, 2(3).
Facione, N. C., Facione, P. A., & Sanchez, C. A. (1994).
Critical thinking disposition as a measure of competent clinical judgment: The development of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory. Journal of Nursing education, 33(8), 345-350.
Facione, P. A., Facione, N. C., & Giancarlo, C. A. (1997). Professional judgment and the disposition toward critical thinking. Retrieved Nov, 21, 2020.
Faramarzi, S., Elekaei, A., & Tabrizi, H. (2016). Critical Thinking, Autonomy, and Lexical Knowledge of Iranian EFL Learners. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 6(4), 878-885.
Ghorbandordinejad, F., & Nourizade, F. (2015). Examination of the relationship between critical thinking disposition and English learning achievement as mediated by emotional intelligence. The International Journal of Humanities, 22(4), 95-110.
Gelder, T. V. (2005). Teaching critical thinking: Some lessons from cognitive science. College teaching, 53(1), 41-48.
Ghaani, M., & Roslin, V. P. (2021). A Study on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Critical Thinking Skills among EFL Teachers in Iran. KURMANJ; The Journal of Culture, Humanities and Social Science, 3(2), 14-24.
Hajhosseini, M., Zandi, S., Hosseini Shabanan, S., & Madani, Y. (2016). Critical thinking and social interaction in active learning: A conceptual analysis of class discussion from Iranian students’ perspective. Cogent Education, 3(1), 1175051.
Izadinia, M., & Abednia, A. (2010). Dynamics of an EFL Reading Course with a Critical Literacy Orientation. Journal of Language and literacy education, 6(2), 51-67.
Khasinah, S. (2014). Factors influencing second language acquisition. Englisia Journal, 1 (2), 256–268.
Khatib, M., Marefat, F., & Ahmadi, M. (2012). Enhancing critical thinking abilities in EFL classrooms: Through written and audiotaped dialogue journals. 7 (1), 33–45.
Lam, Y. W., Hew, K. F., & Chiu, K. F. (2018). Improving argumentative writing: Effects of a blended learning approach and gamification. Language learning & technology, 22(1), 97-118.
Luna, M., Villalón, R., Mateos, M., & Martín, E. (2020). Improving university argumentative writing through online training. Journal of Writing Research.
Malmir, A., & Khosravi, F. (2018). The effect of argument mapping instruction on L2 writing achievement across writing tasks and writing components: A case of Iranian EFL learners. Applied Research on English Language, 7(4), 515-540.
Nikoopour, J., Amini, F. M., & Nasiri, M. (2011). On the relationship between critical thinking and language learning strategies among Iranian EFL learners.
Norris, S. P. (1985). Synthesis of research on critical thinking. Educational leadership, 42(8), 40-45.
Nimehchisalem, V., Abbasi, M. M., Ebrahimzadeh, A., & Kalajahi, S. A. R. (2015). Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners' Argumentative Writing Performance in Private Language Institutes. Asian Social Science, 11(15), 96.
Nunnally, J. C. (1978). An overview of psychological measurement. Clinical diagnosis of mental disorders, 97-146.
Palavan, Z. (2020). The effect of critical thinking education on the critical thinking skills and the critical thinking dispositions of preservice teachers. Educational Research and Reviews, 15(10), 606-627.
Rashtchi, M., & Khoshnevisan, B. (2020). Lessons From Critical Thinking: How To Promote Thinking Skills in EFL Writing Classes. European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 5(1).
Samanhudi, U. (2018). Researching Students’ Critical Thinking in Argumentative Texts (A Systemic Functional Linguistic Perspective). Leksika: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra dan Pengajarannya, 5(2).
Shahani, S., Chalak, A., & Heidari Tabrizi, H. (2021). The Iranian Intermediate EFL LearnersAttitudes towards Using Flipped Teaching via Google Classroom. Research in English Language Pedagogy, 9(1), 90-112.
Sheikhy Behdani, R., & Rashtchi, M. (2016). Assessing critical thinking ability via the writing process: Developing and implementing a rating scale. Iranian Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 5(2), 123-142.
Sheikhy Behdani, R., & Rashtchi, M. (2019). Process Writing and Enhancement of Critical Thinking Ability: Is Writing a Vehicle or an Ingredient of Critical Thinking?. Iranian Journal of Applied Language Studies, 11(1), 181-200.
Sinaiko, H. W., & Brislin, R. W. (1973). Evaluating language translations: Experiments on three assessment methods. Journal of Applied Psychology, 57(3), 328.
Tavoosy, Y., & Jelveh, R. (2019). Language teaching strategies and techniques used to support students learning in a language other than their mother tongue. International Journal of Learning and Teaching, 11(2), 77-88.
Zhang, X. (2018). Developing college EFL writers’ critical thinking skills through online resources: A case study. Sage Open, 8(4), 2158244018820386.