Core Skills for Developing Critical Thinking in ESP Teaching Through Reading

Abstract

This article explores the importance of integrating critical thinking (CT) into reading instruction within the framework of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), particularly for telecommunications students. The authors argue that modern educational needs require a shift in teaching approaches to foster core CT skills such as interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation and self-regulation.

Central to this approach is reading as a tool not only for language acquisition but also for developing cognitive abilities, thereby supporting intellectual growth and professional development.

Building on earlier research and drawing from the insights of respected scholars, the article illustrates how a CT model can be tailored to fit the needs of technical education. It showcases a range of practical, telecom-focused reading tasks, such as analyzing technical articles, interpreting infographics, predicting data trends, evaluating competing technologies and engaging in collaborative reading exercises. These activities are designed to enhance students’ abilities to critically assess texts, make well-founded judgments, evaluate technical claims, and communicate complex ideas clearly.

Particular attention is given to fostering critical thinking skills through reading that means encouraging learners to evaluate their reading strategies, pose critical questions, and adjust their comprehension techniques according to genre and purpose. By aligning CT instruction with specific content areas, the approach not only increases learner engagement but also prepares students for effective communication and decision-making in real-world professional contexts.

Thus, the integration of critical thinking into ESP reading instruction enriches students’ understanding of specialized texts and strengthens their ability to engage in reflective, analytical, and autonomous learning. Ultimately, this contributes to their success both in academic and industry-specific environments.