On the Cultivation of College Students’ Critical Thinking Based on English Course Model

Abstract

It is well recognized that students’ critical thinking skills should be promoted. However, researchers in China mainly focus their attention to exploring the way to cultivate students’ critical thinking skills among English majors. Researches on cultivating college English students’ critical thinking skills are a little scanty. There is no consensus on the effective ways to cultivate college students’ critical thinking skills. This paper aims to explore some basic ways to cultivate students’ critical thinking skills based on English course content. The exploration is implemented through three perspectives, question-based learning, more reflective thinking activities, and writing through reading activities. In the process, flexible and active classroom atmosphere is highlighted. Students actively participate in classroom activities and do more reflective thinking and imitation writing through reading. Gradually, they become autonomous learners, learn to monitor and regulate their learning orientation, and finally develop their critical thinking skills.