Teaching Critical Thinking in ESP Distant Learning Format

Abstract

The authors claim that e-learning courses can have a significant impact on students critical thinking skills through language learning at undergraduate level. We are looking at the effectiveness of ESP Moodle-based “English for Biology” course and reveal the results of the approbation. For our purpose we have applied the pre-test and post-test self assessment form which confirmed the greatest demand for specially designed task to master critical thinking. The experiment has shown that specific tasks aimed at the 21st century skills integrated in the domain of specific professional knowledge have a beneficial effect on students' communicative competencies and provide self-development of biology students. The findings of this study have a number of practical implications in ESP online courses development.