A Content-Based Model for Developing Critical Thinking and Language Skills in EAP

Abstract

As the number of English for academic purposes (EAP) programs in East and Southeast Asia has increased, so too has discussion about the importance of critical thinking (CT) skills for students enrolled on these courses. To become critical thinkers, students require sustained thematic input in addition to explanation and demonstration of relevant skills, thereby making content-based instruction an ideal approach to prepare students for both the linguistic and cognitive demands of English-medium higher education. Based on this principle and a specific framework of CT skills, the instructional model described here was delivered to 46 students enrolled on a pre-master's program. Results of a post-term questionnaire revealed that students responded positively to the curriculum and thought that it facilitated improvement of their English and CT skills and prepared them for future academic study. Implications for practitioners currently teaching or considering teaching a content-based or CTfocused EAP course are also discussed.