SA Journal of Education, Vol 33, No 2 (2013)

The relationship between the critical thinking skills and the academic language proficiency of prospective teachers

M M Grosser (Mary), Mirna Nel

Abstract


We report on the relationships that exist between the critical thinking skills and the academic
language proficiency of a group of first-year prospective teachers at a South African university
(n = 89). The results revealed the nature of the critical thinking skills as well as the academic
language proficiency of the students. Significant correlations between academic language
proficiency and making inferences, as well as between academic language proficiency and
critical thinking as a general competency, were noted. The article concludes with recommen-
dations on how to enhance critical thinking and language proficiency in the teacher-training
curriculum.

doi: 10.15700/saje.v33n2a639

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