Critical thinking skill as a determinant factor for learners’ English language achievement

Abstract

This study examined the nature of grade 8 students’ critical thinking ability, investigated the correlation of critical thinking skill with learners’ English language achievement, and explored the effect of critical thinking ability on learners' English language achievement. The study involved 99 grade seven students from two government primary schools. In order to gather data, standardized critical thinking test was administered and semester-based learners’ English language achievement scores were used. So, Pearson product moment correlation and linear regression were employed to analyze the data. Results of Pearson product moment correlation coefficient showed that there was a positive significant correlation between the critical thinking ability and English language achievement. Furthermore, the finding from the linear regression analysis also showed that learners’ critical thinking proficiency could predict learners’ English language achievement. Finally, the researchers made conclusions and forwarded recommendations based on the findings.