Relationship Between Critical Thinking and Compensatory Strategies by Iranian Upper-Intermediate EFL Learners in Oral Communication

Abstract

Critical thinking (CT) is defined by American Philosophical Association as purposeful, self-regulatory judgment that results in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference and is founded on conceptual criteria upon which a judgment is based (Facione & Facione, 1996). Compensatory strategies are compensation for missing knowledge. The present study aimed at investigating the (possible) relationship between Iranian upper-intermediate EFL learners’ CT and their compensatory strategies, such as circumlocution and approximation. To achieve this goal, 40 EFL learners majoring in English translation in Shahrekord University, Iran were selected and homogenized in terms of proficiency. Then, the sample was asked to take the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (CTA) and to complete a researcher-designed questionnaire about their preferred types of compensatory strategies. Spearman correlation method was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that there is a positive correlation between CT and some compensatory strategies like appeal for help and nonlinguistic signals. Findings may help L2 teachers to have a better and realistic view towards L2 learners’ choice of compensatory strategies. Besides, results may also help L2 learners to have more awareness of compensatory strategies and their own CT. Therefore, this awareness can lead them to an effective L2 education.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s1p11