Abstract:

Continuous and increasingly complex new global transformations are under way in the socio-cultural, economic, political, and technological fields calling for the need to change our thinking in foundational ways. The so common uncritical, simplistic and unimaginative thinking hand in hand with superficial solutions do not combine with the sophisticated technologies and incessant complex problems we face in the ever-more changing world. Accordingly, YouTube emerges as a cognitive tool, supporting and fostering learners’ higher-order thinking as an essential component of English foreign language learning.

A three-dimensional project, approaching learning as an integrated and systematic process, is being conducted in English as a foreign language, involving eleventh graders of a Portuguese high school. The goal of this study is to examine the impact of cognitive tools and critical thinking processes on the learning of the English foreign language. Methodologically, it draws on a case study. Qualitative and quantitative approaches are mixed in the project.

Final results show major differences regarding learners’ achievements, indicating that an improvement was found in learners’ ability to reason, communicate and use digital tools effectively.

This paper will discuss:
a) major theories that support the integration of cognitive tools and thinking processes within the curriculum, focusing on the English language learning;
b) some of the activities
c) the final findings.

Keywords:

Communicative skills, cognitive tools, higher-order thinking, critical thinking.