The current study examined the relationship between critical thinking ability and EFL university students’ reading comprehension at a university site in Iran. The purpose of the study was twofold: (i) to understand if there is any statistically significant correlation between critical thinking skills and reading comprehension performance of Iranian EFL students at the university level, and (ii) to understand whether there is any statistically significant correlation between the two groups (males vs. females) regarding their reading comprehension and critical thinking test scores. To this end, 143 EFL juniors [male (n=24) and female (n=119)] majoring in English language teaching were selected. The participants were five intact groups from the University of Mazandaran, Iran. This study examined this relationship with the help of the subjects’ scores gained from (i) the translated version of Cornell Critical Thinking Test-Level Z, and (ii) their reading comprehension scores obtained from their reading course. A correlational analysis was carried out running Pearson’s Product Moment Coefficient (Pearson r) and Partial Correlation. The results showed that a positive relationship existed between students' critical thinking ability and their EFL reading comprehension. Additionally, this study found no statistically significant difference in the correlations between critical thinking and reading comprehension for males and females in the particular context. This study has some implications for EFL learners as well as curriculum developers and EFL instructors to apply critical thinking skills in the class to help make EFL reading more effective and purposeful. تفاصيل المقالة

The advent of technology and the internet has fundamentally transformed foreign language acquisition, particularly by enhancing the convenience of vocabulary learning. Consequently, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has garnered significant attention as a beneficial resource for language learners. In light of this, the present study aimed to examine the potential impact of utilizing a Mobile-Based Flashcard Application on the vocabulary learning and retention of Iranian EFL learners. This study employed a quasi-experimental design, with participants selected through convenience sampling. The participants were 40 intermediate EFL learners who were selected based on the Oxford Placement Test. Then, the participants were randomly divided into two groups of study namely experimental and control. The participant in the experimental group underwent an eight-session treatment including learning vocabulary based on using the Anki mobile App. In the control group, however, the participants gained new vocabulary by conventional methods. Upon completion of the treatment, an immediate and delayed post-test was administered to evaluate participants' vocabulary learning and retention. The findings of the study indicated that the use of the Anki mobile application led to a significant enhancement in learners' vocabulary acquisition and retention. The findings of this research highlight the potential of educational software, specifically the Anki mobile app, as a valuable tool for English instructors to enhance vocabulary learning. تفاصيل المقالة