DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AS A MEANS OF DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53360/3080-387X-2026-1-2(6)-125-134Keywords:
digital technologies, critical thinking, higher-order thinking skills, English as a foreign language (EFL), foreign language education, secondary school students.Abstract
This study is a theoretical exploration of the role of digital technologies in the development of critical thinking skills in the context of English as a foreign language education among secondary school students. Although there has been a growing interest in the topic of digital tools and their integration in EFL teaching, there is little research that targets learners at secondary school with a focus on the specific context of Kazakhstan. This study addresses the question: What role can digital technologies play in developing critical thinking in secondary EFL classrooms?
A literature review and thematic synthesis of 30 scientific sources, including in-depth analysis of 10 studies examining secondary education. The findings indicate that digital tools including AI-based learning platforms, digital annotation tools and collaborative applications can successfully support higher-order thinking skills when they are implemented with appropriate pedagogical strategies and teacher guidance. However, issues such as digital distraction, superficial engagement, concerns over authenticity and unequal access appear to remain serious challenges.
The study addresses this gap in research by providing a conceptual synthesis relating to secondary EFL education and practical implications for teachers and curriculum developers.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 The editorial staff of the journal follows the copyright law of the Republic of Kazakhstan and relevant international agreements. The authors retain their copyright and provide the journal «Bulletin of Shakarim University. Series of Historical Sciences» right of first publication of the manuscript. The author has the right to copy and distribute the material in any medium and in any format, subject to appropriate reference to the journal. Readers and users can freely copy, distribute and adapt the material, provided that the author of the work is indicated and a link to this journal is provided. Copyright presupposes the integrity and responsibility of each co-author who made a significant contribution to the writing of the article. The author has the right to store his publications in an institutional or other repository of his choice, provided he provides the appropriate link to the journal’s website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright presupposes the integrity and responsibility of each co-author who made a significant contribution to the writing of the article.
The author has the right to store his publications in an institutional or other repository of his choice, provided he provides the appropriate link to the journal’s website.