On the Effect of Using Critical Thinking Strategies on Iranian EFL Learners Writing Ability and their Autonomy

Critical thinking has been thought of having many applications in the field of learning language skills. It is also recognized being an important element in learners’ autonomy. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of using critical thinking strategies on Iranian upper-intermediate EFL learners writing ability and their autonomy. To fulfill the purpose of the study, fifty participants were selected based on Quick Placement Test and were assigned to control and experimental groups. Participants in the experimental group received critical thinking strategies throughout the course. Results of t-test indicated significant positive effects of using the treatment on the dependent variables. Therefore, strengthening critical thinking in the context of education especially for learning a new language empowers learners to conduct autonomous and critical activities and consequently to have a higher writing ability. The findings of this study indicate that EFL learners should move from traditional learning context to the modern one, and try to act more independently and autonomously in the complicated process of learning a new language.