Measuring Critical Thinking Skills through Performance Assessment: The Profile of EFL Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

Jumariati Jumariati; Inayati Fitriyah Asrimawati; Jauza Naja Mulya; Deo Deo Laki  Taka

doi:10.21070/jees.v9i1.1791

(1) * Jumariati Jumariati Universitas Lambung Mangkurat
Indonesia
(2) Inayati Fitriyah Asrimawati Universitas Lambung Mangkurat
Indonesia
(3) Jauza Naja Mulya Universitas Lambung Mangkurat
Indonesia
(4) Deo Deo Laki Taka Universitas Lambung Mangkurat
Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21070/jees.v9i1.1791

Abstract

This study tries to find the profiles of EFL students' critical thinking skills in writing problem-solution expository essays within wetland themes. It employs a descriptive design with quantitative approach by utilizing a validated writing test. The subjects of the study were 40students of the English Language Education Study Program of the University of Lambung Mangkurat, Indonesia, who were enrolled in the Academic Writing courses. The essay produced by each student was measured based on the depth of cause-and-effect analysis, the logic of the argument given, the viability of the solution, and the validity of evidence used to support the argument. The findings reveal that the subjects’ critical thinking skill is categorized as medium since the mean score on the test of critical thinking is 11.38. Particularly, they have a high level of critical thinking in the aspects of analyzing the issue (3.03) and providing viable solutions (3.18). It indicates that they are able to distinguish the cause of a problem and the consequences as well and consider the causes and consequences when they propose a solution. However, their skill in providing argument is medium (2.85) whereas their skill in providing the evidence is low (2.33). These findings suggest that the subjects need to be trained in providing arguments and sufficient evidence through leading questions, discussion, and reading relevant sources. It implies that the study program needs to develop a teaching model that facilitates the students to practice their critical thinking skills.

HIGHLIGHTS :

The indicators of critical thinking measured in the writing performance
test consist of: (1) the depth of cause-and-effect analysis, (2) the logic
of the argument given, (3) the accuracy of the solution offered, and (4)
the validity of evidence used as support for the argument
One of the possible challenges in developing EFL students’ critical
thinking skills is their English proficiency. Those who are less proficient
may struggle more in expressing ideas while providing arguments
compared to those who are more proficient. This eventually affects
their skills in reasoning.
The findings of the study imply the need to provide EFL students with
guidance such as questioning strategy, discussion, and relevant sources
of information to practice their critical thinking skills while developing
their English language skills.

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Author Biographies

Jumariati Jumariati, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

Jumariati is a Senior Lecturer of the English Language Education Study Program at the Faculty of Teachers Training and Education of the Universitas Lambung Mangkurat in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. She earned her master’s degree and doctoral degree in ELT from the Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia. Her particular interests are in the teaching of EFL writing, language assessment, curriculum and materials development, and technology
in language learning.

Inayati Fitriyah Asrimawati, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

Inayati Fitriyah Asrimawati is a lecturer at English Education Study Program in University of Lambung Mangkurat. Her research interest includes extensive reading, SLA, Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), digital
literacy, grammar, and teaching methodology.

Jauza Naja Mulya, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

Jauza Naja Mulya, student of English Language Education Study Program at Lambung Mangkurat University.

Deo Deo Laki Taka, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

Deo Deo Laki Taka, student of the English Language Education Study Program at Lambung Mangkurat University.

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