Fostering Critical Thinking through Extensive Reading in Uzbekistan’s English Language Education

Our country has established numerous opportunities for foreign language learning and instruction. English, in particular, facilitates communication,internationalrelations,cultural exchange, and scientific advancement. In Uzbekistan, emphasis on English language acquisition has increased significantly to align with global integration and economic development goals. This necessitates developing critical thinking skills among language learners, with extensive reading strategies being one of the most effective methods.
This article explores the origins, development, and interconnections of critical thinking and extensive reading strategies. An online survey identified challenges in implementing extensive reading, its benefits, and its role in improving critical thinking. Participants suggested specialized training or workshops and incorporating extensive reading strategy instruction as a distinct unit or course in the current curriculum to highlight the importance of critical thinking in foreign language learning.
Additionally, an analysis was conducted on the curriculum of secondary schools and study programs specifically designed for students majoring in English at a higher educational institution (using Gulistan State University as an example). The analysis revealed that extensive reading is primarily taught theoretically, resulting in limited practical application of this strategy. The lesson plans for schools do not incorporate topics related to the utilization of extensive reading strategies. Only the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade textbooks contain specialized units at the conclusion of every two sections aimed at developing critical thinking skills. These units are designed to enhance students’ critical thinking abilities by instructing them in analysis, survey conduction, and creation of presentations (e.g., books, articles, and advertisingposters).Thetextbooksalsoinclude exercises that cultivate skills such as reasoning, analysis, and open expression of ideas. Research indicates that fostering critical thinking in Uzbek classrooms is feasible by providing teachers with the tools and materials needed to implement an extensive reading strategy effectively.