Critical Thinking in ESL and the Power of Observation, Deduction, and Inference

Abstract

The present article is a plea for developing a scientific mindset in the educational process of critical thinking in general, and its unique relevance in studying languages in general and teaching ESL in particular. Researchers argue that belief and pre-existing knowledge are touted as necessary ingredients in creating the skills of a model thinker who can tackle and accomplish challenging issues, organize logical disputes, and avoid fallacies of judgment. If we all agree that critical thinking is a skill, then this acquired ability also requires habits of mind, inquisitiveness, and an acumen for details. The obvious scope of this approach will draw the reader’s attention to the power of observation, deduction, and inference – the basic tools in learning focused on asking the right questions, promoting free thinking, balancing confidence with humility, and encouraging learners resort to what they already know, to tap into their own culture to find raw wisdom, and finally attain their personal goals. A quick review of research in this respect is compounded by relevant examples of ideas coming not only from linguists and researchers, but also from several well-seasoned ESL instructors. When we refer to language learning, we find that the power of observation, deduction, and inference can lead to a mindset of habit formation, and consequently turn language acquisition into language development.