Integrating Critical Thinking Skills into the Educational Process in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classrooms

A Program of the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Office of English Language Programs and implemented in cooperation with FHI 360

Program dates: August 2018

Program Overview

The Critical Thinking Skills Exchange Program is intended for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom teachers and university level educators who train future and present EFL teachers from Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Near East Asia,and South and Central Asia. This intensive professional development workshop seeks to strengthen EFL teachers’ understanding of critical thinking skills strategies within an English as a Foreign Language curriculum and provide practical guidance for effectively integrating these strategies into the entire educational process, including planning, curriculum and materials development, evaluation, and reflecting on classroom practices. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills in incorporating critical thinking skills into their lessons to reinforce learning in English language classrooms.

The participants of this program will attend a two-week workshop at a U.S. host university centering on the theme of Integrating Critical Thinking Skills into the Educational Process in International English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classrooms. Activities during the exchange program will include, but may not be limited to:

  • Experiential learning and interactive sessions with practical application and relevance to the participants’ local context;
  • Classroom observations and/or active participation at U.S. secondary schools (if class is in session), community learning centers, and/or intensive English programs that incorporate critical thinking skills into their instruction;
  • Site visits to communityorganizations/partners to participate in hands-on experiential learning activitiesthat promote the use of critical thinking skills;
  • Meetings with instructors/educators focusing on critical thinking skills;
  • Cultural excursions that are designed to enhance the participants’ understanding of U.S. culture and values; and
  • A culminating project that showcases the participants acquired knowledge and demonstrates their commitment to implement these new strategies upon their return to their home countries.

Following the scholarship, participants will be expected to share the information acquired with colleagues in their own communities and send a report on the outcome.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

  • Isa current EFL classroom teacher or university level educator who trains future or present EFL classroom teachers
  • Has a minimum English language proficiency equivalent to a B1 as outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) of Languages. Please access the following link for detailed language proficiency descriptions
  • Lives in, works in, and is a citizen of Egypt
  • Has advanced knowledge of TESOL principles and practices
  • Has a passion for ELT and at least 5 years’ experience in the field
  • Has a track record of helping other teachers
  • Does not have any existing health issues that may prevent them from traveling.

Application Process

If you are interested and eligible, kindly complete the application form, documents attached, and submit to and . Applications must be fully complete and submitted byApril8, 2018. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application

  1. Personal Information and Biography Form:

Name (*exactly as it appears on your passport)
First/Given names:
Familyname/Surname:
Country
CountryofCitizenship:
CountryofLegal Residence:
Date of Birth
MM/DD/YYY
Place of Birth
CityofBirth:
CountryofBirth:
Gender
□Male □Female
Number of Years Teaching EFL
Highest Level of Education

Contact Information

Please provide your complete contact information below.

Name: ______

City, Country, and Postal Code: ______

Phone Number (country code and number): ______

E-mail address: ______(please use a valid email that all program documents and correspondence can be received and sent from)

  1. Education & Qualification:

Date / Education & Qualification
  1. Professional Background:

Current position (Please specify name of institution and starting date.) / Starting date / Position and institutional affiliation
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Previous positions (Please provide dates starting with most recent and working back.) / Dates / Position and institutional affiliation
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  1. Statement of Interest:
  1. What do you believe are the 8-10 most important things you teach in your classes? (100 words minimum)
  1. What do you think the concept “critical thinking” means? (100 words minimum)
  1. Why do you think it’s important to teach using critical thinking? (100 words minimum)
  1. How will participation in this program change your professional life? (100 words minimum)
  1. Why are you a good candidate for this program? (100 words minimum)