The Comparative Effects of Modern Dialogue Journal and Traditional Dialogue Journal on Critical Thinking: Iranian EFL Learners in Focus

Abstract

The current study explored whether critical thinking skills can be cultivated among Iranian EFL learners through keeping dialogue journals written through paper-and-pen (traditional) and through email (modern). Moreover, the study compared Traditional Dialogue Journal Writing with Modern Dialogue Journal Writing to see which one has probably a greater potentiality for improving critical thinking in an ELT context. To this end, it adopted a quantitative design and selected 85 participants non-randomly from among intermediate EFL learners in Iran. To collect the data, a Preliminary English Test as a homogeneity test and Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Form were utilized. Statistical analysis of the finding revealed that dialogue journaling, both traditional and modern, was a fruitful experience for developing critical thinking. Moreover, contrary to the researchers' assumption, traditional Dialogue journal proved to have a greater potentiality for the development of critical thinking. The study provides implications for ELT contexts.