Pedagogical Technologies for Developing Students' Critical Thinking in Teaching Humanities

Abstract

The development of critical thinking for future specialists is a key skill for the 21st century. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the spectrum of pedagogical technologies that determine the development of critical thinking in higher education students within the framework of teaching the disciplines of the Ukrainian language and rhetoric. The theoretical foundations of the development of critical thinking in education students were analyzed and effective teaching methods and techniques in the formation of critical thinking were identified. The spectrum of pedagogical technologies that will ensure the modernization, diversification, and quality of the educational process in teaching humanitarian disciplines (Ukrainian language and rhetoric) to increase the effectiveness of professional training in modern realities was also identified and characterized. The research methods include: analysis of scientific literature (to examine psychological and pedagogical sources on the development of critical thinking in higher education students); comparative analysis (to compare traditional and modern pedagogical technologies in teaching humanities); methods of systematization and generalization (to determine effective methods and forms of teaching that contribute to the development of critical thinking in the study of Ukrainian language and rhetoric). Results of the study. The authors have determined that the educational environment is currently undergoing significant transformations due to global challenges faced by our country, including the COVID-19 pandemic and, subsequently, military actions in Ukraine. Undoubtedly, these changes in the educational landscape have influenced the application of digital technologies, which have directly impacted the teaching of academic subjects. It has been established that, against the backdrop of education digitalization, the development of critical thinking in higher education students is gaining particular significance, as this skill fosters an analytical approach to information, independent problem-solving in life and professional contexts, as well as the development of communicative competencies in future specialists. The authors have summarized pedagogical technologies for developing students’ critical thinking in the teaching of humanities, specifically in the study of Ukrainian language and rhetoric, as implemented by the Department of Ukrainian Language, Literature, and Culture at the National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute». It is emphasized that, under martial law in Ukraine, adapting the educational process in teaching Ukrainian language and rhetoric is essential, requiring the consideration and implementation of effective technologies.

Conclusions. The proposed approaches (debates, case studies, brainstorming, role-playing games, project-based learning, blended learning, and the project presentation method) are believed by the authors to contribute to the development of analytical skills, well-grounded reflective thinking, communicative competence, and a stable ability to make well-informed decisions in conditions of uncertainty.