Development of an Additional Resource for Upgrading Critical Thinking Skills in Teaching Speaking and Reading (on the Case of German as a Second Foreign Language)

This study investigates the development of an additional resource to enhance critical thinking skills in the teaching of speaking and reading, specifically for learners of German as a second foreign language. Recognizing that critical thinking is vital in foreign language acquisition, improving language skills and fostering self-assessment and professional growth - the research highlights its role as a meta-skill transferable across disciplines. The study analyzes current educational materials and federal standards, revealing a gap in the emphasis on critical thinking for adult learners of foreign languages. It aims to evaluate existing German language course materials used in Russian universities and develop supplementary tasks to boost critical thinking. Key research questions address the integration of critical thinking in educational standards, the efficacy of contemporary teaching methods, and additional activities to further enhance these skills. The hypothesis posits that current educational methods are insufficient, necessitating new resources to cultivate critical thinking in German language programmes.