Problem-solving activities in ESL

Many EFL instructors are faced with the challenge of getting their students to participate in the language classroom. As language instructors, part of this challenge is creating interesting activities to increase students' motivation. "We must find out what our students are interested in" (Rivers, 1976, p.96). Part of providing conditions for language learning is building on existing motivations in order to increase students' knowledge of the new language (Rivers, 1976). When there is engaging content that will involve learners and in which those learners have a stake, students become intrinsically motivated (Stevick, 1996; Taylor, 1987). I have found that activities in which students use L2 as a means to solve a problem are not only meaningful to EFL learners but also increase their motivation, participation and use of the target language. The reason for this high interest and involvement lies in the fact that students have to use their cognitive skills and logic to arrive at solutions to problems relevant to their own lives. Students learn and acquire the target language by using it for critical thinking and problem solving.

Introduction
Theoretical part:
What is Problem Solving and importance of using it in EFL classes
Problem Solving activities using Critical Thinking:
What is Critical Thinking?
How to use it in teaching process effectively?
Critical Thinking Strategies
Classroom techniques: Debates and Media Analysis.
Addressing Culture in EFL Classrooms
Social Studies
Practical part
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix