INTEGRATING A WESTERN-CENTRIC CONCEPT OF CRITICAL THINKING INTO EFL CLASSES IN UZBEKISTAN: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

<div>This study explores the integration of Western-centric critical thinking</div> <div>concepts into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes within non-philological</div> <div>higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. It examines the compatibility of Western</div> <div>pedagogical approaches with the local educational and cultural context, identifies</div> <div>challenges faced by instructors and students, and proposes solutions for effective</div> <div>implementation. The findings suggest that a localized, incremental adaptation of</div> <div>critical thinking methodologies can enhance language acquisition and cognitive skills</div> <div>while respecting cultural and educational norms.</div>