From Reflection to Self-Assessment: Methods of Developing Critical Thinking in Students

Abstract

The main task of a higher education institution is to prepare a student for professional duties in a rapidly changing world. To effectively perform this task, it is necessary to give students not only knowledge but also to develop the necessary skills and abilities, in particular to develop critical thinking. The purpose of this work was to develop a methodology for the development of critical thinking of students, as well as to investigate its effectiveness. The study used the method of synthesis, which developed a method of developing critical thinking of students. To diagnose the effectiveness of the proposed method used the test "Critical Thinking" L. Starkey adapted by O. Lutsenko. In the study the peculiarities of the development of such critical thinking skills as reflective thinking, self-analysis, awareness of one’s own achievements and shortcomings, choice of problem-solving strategy, use of cognitive models of learning (Socratic dialogue, Paul & Elder taxonomy) are revealed. It was found that the development of critical thinking was achieved through a comprehensive combination of self-assessment and reflection, performing exercises to develop the ability to clearly articulate the problem, find, analyse and interpret relevant information, draw the right conclusions and explanations.The results of this study can be useful to researchers and university professors who are looking for effective methods of developing critical thinking in students.