The impact of WebQuest-Based Flipped Classroom on EFL Learners’ Critical Thinking and Listening Comprehension Skills

Listening is one of the most challenging language skills for language learners. As an alternative learning instrument and inverted classroom design, WebQuests -based flipped classroom can improve both learners’ critical thinking and listening comprehension. To this end, the present study presents the results of a mixed-methods approach in exploring the impacts of this kind of scaffolded learning and inquiry-oriented activities on the EFL learners’ critical thinking and listening comprehension skills. Therefore, for assessing the participants’ English proficiency levels DIALANG test was used. For assessing their critical thinking skills, California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) form B developed. And, their listening comprehension skills were given based on IELTS listening tasks. Moreover, for investigating their perspectives and attitudes towards the WebQuest-based flipped classroom a semi-structured interview based on Hung’s model was used. One-way MANOVA and one-way MANCOVA were used to analyze the quantitative data. The results showed that the WebQuest-based flipped classroom outperformed face-to-face classroom both in post- and delayed post-tests and took fewer sessions to consider the required materials. Also, thematic analysis of the qualitative data dealt with the learners’ positive perceptions towards the impact of the WebQuest-based flipped classroom. This study has pedagogical implications for teachers and researchers.

کلیدواژه ها:

critical thinking ، listening comprehension ، Flipped classroom ، WebQuest