BEYOND MEMORIZATION: A NEW APPROACH TO LEARNING BY INCREASING HIGH SELF-EFFICACY IN INCREASING STUDENTS' COGNITIVE ACTIVITY IN AZERBAIJANI HISTORY CLASSES IN HIGHER SCHOOLS

This research explores a novel and innovative approach to teaching Azerbaijani history in higher education, aiming to move beyond traditional methods that rely heavily on rote memorization and passive learning. The study focuses on promoting high self-efficacy in students, empowering them to take an active role in their own learning process. The goal is to foster a sense of confidence in their abilities, which, in turn, enhances their motivation to engage with the subject matter on a deeper level. By cultivating this self-belief, students are encouraged to become more proactive learners, stimulating higher levels of cognitive activity, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. This approach moves beyond the mere acquisition of historical facts and seeks to engage students in analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing complex historical information. Instead of simply recalling dates, events, and figures, students are guided to explore historical contexts, evaluate different perspectives, and consider the broader implications of historical events on contemporary society. Incorporating strategies like active learning, inquiry-based approaches, and the use of modern technology, this new method creates an interactive and engaging learning environment. Teachers are encouraged to design lessons that not only cover key historical events but also actively involve students in discussions, debates, and collaborative projects. For example, interactive lectures that blend multimedia, technology, and discussions can stimulate students’ interest and encourage them to think critically about historical narratives. Project-based learning, which encourages students to explore historical topics in depth, fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills. Analyzing primary sources allows students to engage with history firsthand, giving them a deeper understanding of the material. Furthermore, by connecting historical events to contemporary issues in Azerbaijan and beyond, students can better understand the relevance of history in shaping current societal challenges. These strategies together aim to transform history lessons from passive knowledge absorption into dynamic, thought-provoking experiences that foster critical thinking, a deeper understanding of Azerbaijan’s history, and its continued influence on modern-day society.