THE ROLE OF GAME-BASED PROBLEM-SOLVING TASKS AND DECISION-MAKING SCENARIOS IN DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN ESL LEARNERS

Abstrak

Abstract: The development of critical thinking skills is crucial for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, as it facilitates deeper engagement with language and improves their problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Game-based problem-solving tasks and decision-making scenarios, which are key components of gamification, offer an innovative approach to enhance these skills. This article examines how such game-based activities can foster critical thinking in ESL learners. Through interactive, engaging tasks, learners are encouraged to think critically by analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information in English. These activities promote not only linguistic development but also cognitive flexibility, which is essential for effective communication. The article explores the theoretical underpinnings of gamification, reviews relevant research, and highlights the pedagogical implications for ESL educators, concluding that game-based problem-solving and decision-making scenarios are effective tools in enhancing critical thinking skills among ESL learners.