A Systematic Review of Critical Thinking Development in Information and Communication Technology-Supported English as a Foreign Language Teaching from 2015 to 2024

Authors

  • Jie Wei

    School of Foreign Languages, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China

  • He Li

    School of Foreign Languages, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i6.7478
Received: 18 October 2024 | Revised: 2 November 2024 | Accepted: 4 November 2024 | Published Online: 13 December 2024

Abstract

Critical thinking is an essential skill for students in the 21st century and plays a pivotal role in language education. With the rapid advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education has significantly benefited from tools that support the development of critical thinking. While existing research has examined the impact of ICT on critical thinking in EFL classrooms, there is a lack of systematic reviews focusing specifically on the role of ICT tools in enhancing critical thinking within EFL teaching. This systematic review aims to address that gap by examining recent advancements and the effectiveness of ICT tools used in EFL instruction to foster critical thinking from 2015 to 2024, with a focus on tools such as digital mapping, WebQuest, and online games. The findings indicate that communicative, informative, and constructive ICT tools are widely used in EFL classrooms and are particularly effective in enhancing analysis, evaluation, and inference skills. This study provides an in-depth analysis of how these technologies are currently applied in EFL education to foster critical thinking skills. Additionally, the study also provides guidance for future research, highlighting the need to expand the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), and explore their integration into diverse EFL contexts to maximize their potential in promoting critical thinking.

Keywords:

Critical Thinking; Informative Communication Technology (ICT); ICT Tools; EFL Teaching; Systematic Review

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How to Cite

Wei, J., & Li, H. (2024). A Systematic Review of Critical Thinking Development in Information and Communication Technology-Supported English as a Foreign Language Teaching from 2015 to 2024. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(6), 990–. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i6.7478

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Vol. 6 , Iss. 6 (December 2024)

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Review

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Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

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