ENHANCING CRITICAL THINKING AND WRITING SKILLS OF B2 LEARNERS THROUGH ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUMS

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of online discussion forums in enhancing critical thinking and writing skills among B2-level English learners. It explores how interactive tasks, peer feedback, and reflective participation contribute to learners’ analytical reasoning and the organization of written ideas. The results indicate that regular engagement in forums promotes deeper thought, encourages evidence-based argumentation, and improves the clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy of students’ writing. Furthermore, learners reported increased confidence in expressing their ideas and a broader use of vocabulary through collaborative online discussions. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of online forums as a valuable tool for supporting both cognitive and language development in intermediate-level learners.