In a world where information is abundant and constantly evolving, English language learners need more than linguistic proficiency — they need the ability to think critically and reflect on their own learning. Developing metacognition and critical thinking equips learners to become independent, analytical, and adaptive users of English who can question, evaluate, and create meaning both within and beyond the classroom. These skills are central to 21st-century learning and are increasingly valued in higher education and the workplace. In this session, we will explore how fostering metacognitive awareness helps learners take greater ownership of their learning, and how critical thinking enables them to engage more deeply with texts, tasks, and communication. We will look at practical classroom strategies that integrate questioning techniques, reflection tasks, and collaborative problem-solving to nurture these essential skills. You will leave the session with concrete ideas and activities to help your learners become more thoughtful, self-directed, and confident users of English. Dr. Herbert Puchta ist hauptberuflich als Autor und Teacher Trainer tätig. Er war bereits auf zahlreichen internationalen Konferenzen als Plenarvortragender zu Gast und hielt in über 30 Ländern Workshops und Seminare. Seit fast drei Jahrzehnten befasst er sich mit kognitiver Psychologie und wie ihre Erkenntnisse im Fremdsprachenunterricht umgesetzt werden können. Er ist Autor von zahlreichen international erfolgreichen Lehrwerken, sowie Verfasser einer Vielzahl von Artikeln und Resource Books zum Thema English Language Teaching. Puchta war außerdem Präsident der IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language). #Team_FK #CriticalThinking #Metacognition #LearningToLearn #EnglishLanguageTeaching #ELT #LearnerAutonomy #ReflectiveLearning #21stCenturySkills #ThinkingSkills #SelfDirectedLearning #CollaborativeLearning30.September 2026