The use of case technology in the development of critical thinking of university students

The article examines theoretical and methodological approaches to the development of critical thinking in university students. A diagnostic examination of students allowed us to conclude that the subjects have not developed the skill of critical thinking, the ability to identify a holistic image of a problem situation, establish cause-and-effect relationships, find adequate ways to solve a problem, systematize, analyze, structure, determine the significance of information, find and evaluate their own solutions and other participants in educational relations. Objective. To study the features of the formation of critical thinking in university students and to develop the content of case studies that contribute to the development of components of critical thinking in university students. The study used the following methods for assessing students’ critical thinking: methods for determining the IQ, independence in decision-making, personal motives, self-esteem, self-regulation (authors: R. Amthauer, A.K. Osnitsky, A. Mekhrabiana, S.A. Budassi). The experiment showed that students have difficulties in understanding the essence of the proposed situation, structuring and classifying the material, do not use creative ways of working with information, the proposed solutions to the problem are not original, demonstrate a low level of development, independence, initiative and reflection. The study developed the content of case assignments that can be recommended for use in the process of training students in the direction of 44.03.03. Special (defectological) education, the implementation of the program for improving the qualifications of teachers. Testing the content of cases within the framework of the studied disciplines contributed to increasing the motivation of students for future professional activities, improving general cultural and professional competencies, critical thinking, research and communication skills, initiative, independence, teamwork style.