Abstract

In the time of blooming Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially with generative AI like ChatGPT, teaching and learning English is facing newly arising changes. The fully supportive tools of AI have challenged the independent thinking and critical thinking skills of English language learners. In the scope of this article, the factors in teaching speaking skills integrated with critical thinking in the English as foreign language classrooms, including the necessities, challenges, and methodology suggestions are discussed to assist the students, teachers, as well as curriculum designers to gain a multi-perspective overview and pedagogical orientation in accordance with English teaching circumstances at the university level in the age of AI.

Keywords: Challenges, critical thinking, necessity, speaking skills, students, suggestions, teachers.