Exploring the Impact of the EXTEND Strategy on Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills
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Abstract
This study aims to explore the impact of the EXTEND strategy comprising the stages Explore, Examine, Think, Elaborate, Network, and Demonstrate on enhancing critical thinking skills among first-year EFL students at the University of Tikrit. The research adopts a quasi-experimental design using one group (N = 30) from the English Department, College of Arts. A pre-test and post-test questionnaire administers to measure changes in students’ critical thinking abilities and their engagement with the strategy.
The results indicate a statistically significant improvement in students’ critical thinking skills following the application of the EXTEND strategy. Mean scores increased across all measured items, particularly in students’ ability to reflect, justify opinions, collaborate, and analyze information. A paired-sample t-test revealed that the difference between pre- and post-test scores was highly significant (p < 0.05), confirming the effectiveness of the strategy.
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