Challenging Critical and Creative Thinking in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning

Knowledge and skills are the basic values in human life in the modern information society. Developing critical thinking and applying creativity into foreign language teaching and learning is becoming more and more important for educators. In this paper the ideas of how English classes may contribute to the development of critical and creative thinking skills are suggested. The paper shares both theoretical and practical ideas about critical and creative thinking development within English language teaching and learning. It begins by examining the need for the teaching of thinking skills in preparation of students as 21 st -century learners. The paper provides a literature overview to shed light on the nature of critical thinking and creativity root notions. The survey method is used as a model. A few examples of classroom activities where critical and creative thinking are highlighted are considered. From the survey results, perceptions and attitudes of students to the process of learning English as a foreign language are described. The research demonstrates the positive development of critical and creative thinking outcomes for most students exposed to the presented teaching technique.