Development of critical thinking and self-management through athletics

Abstract

Abstract: The relevance of the topic is due to modern educational requirements for the formation of key competencies of pupils, among which critical thinking and self-management are especially important. The ability to analyze information, make informed decisions, plan one’s own activities and monitor results is necessary for successful learning and personal development. Athletics, thanks to structured exercises and a training system, creates favorable conditions for the development of these skills, combining physical activity with the formation of pupils cognitive and managerial abilities. The purpose of the article is to study the development of critical thinking and self-management of pupils by means of athletics. Methods. Theoretical (analysis and generalization of scientific literature, which made it possible to determine modern approaches to the development of critical thinking and self-management; systematization and classification of existing theoretical provisions to build a logical research model. Empirical (pedagogical observation aimed at studying the behavior of students during athletics exercises, their ability to analyze mistakes, show self-control and self-discipline; questionnaires and surveys, which made it possible to determine the level of formation of critical thinking and self-management, as well as the attitude of students to athletics; testing, which included both sports and pedagogical tests (assessment of physical fitness) and psychological methods for determining the level of reflection, the ability to plan and evaluate one’s own activities). Results. The study showed that the systematic use of athletics exercises helps to increase the level of critical thinking and self-management of pupils. Pupils began to better analyze their own actions, plan workloads, control results and make informed decisions during exercises. Conclusions. Athletics has a significant potential for the development of critical thinking and self-management of pupils, combines physical activity with mental, emotional and volitional processes in order to develop the ability to analyze, plan, make decisions, control one’s own activities and be responsible for the result.