Action Research on the Cultivation of Critical Thinking Ability in Cross-cultural English Teaching in Chinese Higher Vocational

Abstract

In recent years, the English teaching reform in higher vocational colleges in China has gradually integrated heuristic teaching methods. However, a notable issue has emerged: students’ deficiency in critical thinking skills. This study aims to enhance the critical thinking skills of higher vocational students in China through action research. The research includes four cycles of teaching practice to improve students’ critical thinking ability in terms of analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and self-adjustment. Through the task design, the researcher promotes students’ in-depth thinking and critical analysis in cross-cultural English classes. It was found that vocational students made noticeable progress in the 16-week training process, as reflected by the changes in interpretation and analysis abilities and attitudes towards culture. These results provide valuable experience and enlightenment for English teaching in higher vocational colleges and emphasise the importance of cultivating students’ critical thinking ability to promote their development in academic and professional fields.