Teaching Critical Thinking in Korean Middle and High School English as a Foreign Language Classes

Critical Thinking (CT) has received much attention in several Western democratic countries during the last decade primarily because it has come to be viewed as necessary to the education of citizens faced with resolving todays technological, economic, social and moral problems. Using the definition(s) of CT proposed by the national commissions on CT in both the U.S. and Britain, this study proposes that CT be incorporated in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) curriculum beginning in middle school and continuing through high school because 1) students are cognitively ready to engage in CT by middle school, 2) students have reached a stage in language learning in which fluency practice (as opposed to direct learning of language structures) is essential and 3) CT offers insights into Western analytical thinking patterns. A CT lesson used with fifth graders is analyzed and teacher training resources and materials are cited.