INTRODUCTION

The communicative approach to language teaching began to overshadow the systematic approach in the 1950s. The latter outlined that if learners are to be proficient in the language, they must master the mechanism by which the language works, and learn the language system. On the contrary the communicative approach emphasized that learners become proficient by using the language, and not by just merely learning about the language. Budgen (2000)

However, by only using and knowing the meaning, learners do not become proficient in the target language. It is strongly believe that learners can only become proficient language users if they, besides using the language and knowing the meaning, could display critical thinking through the language. This implies that the learners must be critical in their production of ideas, as well as critically support them with logical explanation, details and examples. Mohd Kamarul Kabilan (2007)

Critical language learners are defined in terms of the learners' cognitive abilities to carry out certain tasks effectively. They must be able to carefully and deliberately determine to accept, reject or suspend judgment about a claim (Moore and Parker, 2000). Critical language learners must also be able to identify and cite good reasons for their opinions and answers, correct themselves and others' methods and procedures, and adapt to uniformities, regularities, irregular circumstances, special limitations, constraints and over-generalizations (Lipman, 2000).

First and foremost, critical thinking gives students better understanding about the subject. This is due to the reason that students need to have a picture or an overview about what they are going to learn in order to give them some background idea to understand what they are learning. In addition, asking question is one of most effective tools in learning to clarify the understanding of the student. Critical thinking helps them to think further and ask question on what and how the language learning going to take place. Jamal Badi & Mustapha Tajdin (2005)

Furthermore, critical thinking also seen as means for communicating message to people with different cognitive preferences. This is because some people are very talented language learners but they are some people who are facing low-cognitive preference. These differences create a big gap between students in acquiring language. Thus, critical thinking helps them expressing claims and judgments based on proofs and evidence. It as well helps them to convey the message or idea clearly because they have their own opinion based on the critical thinking skill. Victoria, Robert & Nina (2007)

However, it might be objected that teachers prefer using teacher-centered classroom environment rather using critical thinking and give the student freedom to come to conclusion based on their understanding alone. As Jeremy (2006) stated in his book whereby he worried that letting student’s do the learning by themselves might drive them to a wrong path or mislead them with a wrong idea and interpretations.

Nevertheless, there are teachers who regard learners as empty vessels, which need to be filled with knowledge. The teachers tend to assume that the learners do not have any or little prior knowledge and experiences regarding the subject matter that is going to be taught in classrooms. These teachers ignore, knowingly or unknowingly, the individuality of students. They fail to understand and appreciate the learners' own unique experiences, and concepts, notions and views of the world. Budgen (2006)

In brief, as clearly stated in some Qur’an versus that the faculty of Tafakkur or thinking becomes one of the most important features that not only distinguishes man from other creatures, but also qualifies him to accomplish a pivotal role as a civilization builder and mission conveyor. Allah commands us to reflect upon the beginning of everything and to observe the roots so one may not jump to questionable conclusions. (Surah al-Ankabut : 20) Thus, it is firmly believed that critical thinking should be included in language learning in order to have a better understanding, to convey message and to change teacher’s attitude.