Learning quest as a tool for forming critical thinking in the process of professional training of future history teachers

Abstract

Abstract: The scientific article is devoted to the study of the educational quest as an effective tool for the formation of critical thinking in the process of professional training of future history teachers. The purpose of the article is to analyze the potential of the educational quest as a means of forming critical thinking in students of historical specialties. Methods: the scientific article used the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, empirical experience, reflective analysis, and others. Results: the scientific work describes the practices of conducting various historical quests in Ukrainian institutions of higher education, it was found that it is educational quests that stimulate the growth of motivation for learning, the development of analytical and research skills, the ability to logically think and argue one's own judgments, improve communication skills and teamwork, didactic conditions for the effective use of educational quests were identified, and the importance of the regulatory and legal basis was also confirmed. The work analyzes the theoretical foundations of critical thinking, defining it as a key competence of modern teachers, which provides the specialist with the ability to analyze, evaluate and make informed decisions. The educational quest is considered in the article in the form of an innovative model of organizing the educational process, which will contribute to the activation of students' cognitive activity, the development of their analytical and reflexive competence. The educational quest integrates problem-oriented tasks aimed at developing the skills of analyzing historical sources, interpreting facts and building argumentation of conclusions. Quest technology allows modeling real professional situations, bringing the learning process closer to the needs of the labor market. Conclusions: an educational quest is a promising and effective tool for the formation of critical thinking in future history teachers. The use of such an innovative method contributes not only to professional competencies, but also to general cultural ones, which include communication, cooperation, and a creative approach to solving problems. Keywords: educational quest, critical thinking, history teachers, innovative teaching methods, professional training.