Investigating the Role of Socratic Seminar in developing Critical Thinking among EFL Learners: The Case of Intermediate Students of Englishat Harmony School in Ghardaia Province

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the role of the Socratic Seminar method in developing critical thinking among intermediate EFL learners. It seeks to determine the impact of this method on learners’ critical engagement and to explore students’ and teachers’ attitudes toward its effectiveness in enhancing both cognitive development and learning outcomes. This study also examines the extent to which the implementation of Socratic Seminars contributes to the development of reflective thinking, argumentation, and dialogic interaction in the EFL classroom. To this end, qualitative tools were used, including classroom observation and semi-structured interviews with the teacher and students. The results obtained from the classroom observation revealed significant improvements in students’ participation, critical engagement, and willingness to collaborate. Moreover, the interviews indicated that both EFL learners and their teacher held positive views about the Socratic Seminar method, appreciating its role in creating a student-centred, thought-provoking environment. Therefore, the findings confirmed that the Socratic Seminar positively influences learners’ critical thinking and enhances both teaching and learning practices.