Radiant : Journal of Applied, Social, and Education Studies
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): RADIANT: Journal of Applied, Social, and Education Studies

Socratic Questioning Method (SQM) to Enhance Critical Thinking and Reading Engagement in EFL Classroom

Suci Muliana (Politeknik Assalaam Surakarta, Sukoharjo, Central Java, Indonesia)
Cucut Annaningtyas (Politeknik Assalaam Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia)
Erfina Maulidah Khabib (Politeknik Assalaam Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jul 2026

Abstract

EFL students' reading comprehension and critical thinking remain a challenge, especially in boarding school environments that demand independent learning. This research investigates the Socratic Questioning Method (SQM) in an EFL classroom and its effectiveness in improving students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking. The type of this research is Classroom Action Research conducted in two cycles involving planning, acting, observing, and reflecting stages. The participants were 50 eleventh-grade students. The data were collected through reading and critical thinking tests, observations, and questionnaires, then analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of this research showed a significant improvement in students' performance. The mean score increased from 59.8 (pre-test) to 71.2 (Cycle I) and 83.6 (Cycle II), while mastery level rose from 36% to 90%. Qualitative data also indicated increased student critical thinking through participation, confidence, and analytical thinking during reading activities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

radiant

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

RADIANT: Journal of Applied, Social, and Education Studies is an accredited journal headquartered in Indonesia. Radiant is the abbreviation from Journal of Applied, Social, and Education Studies managed by Politeknik Assalaam Surakarta. Teachers, lecturers, researchers, students and practitioners ...