PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT OF ANALYTICAL THINKING IN JUNIOR SCHOOLCHILDREN

The development of analytical thinking in junior schoolchildren plays a crucial role in their cognitive growth and academic success. This study investigates the psychological aspects affecting the development of analytical thinking at the primary school level, focusing on the cognitive challenges, age-related characteristics, and the individual differences that shape a child’s ability to think analytically. The study aims to identify key psychological factors that influence analytical thinking and provide recommendations for enhancing the educational practices to support this development. A combination of research methods was used, including literature analysis, surveys, and interviews with teachers and parents, alongside a controlled psychological experiment. The results of the study revealed several important findings. First, the initial level of analytical thinking in young schoolchildren was found to be relatively low, with significant difficulties in areas such as logical reasoning, analysis, and information synthesis. Psychological factors such as attention span, memory, and self-control were identified as key challenges. The study also highlighted the lack of specialized methods for fostering analytical thinking in the current educational practices. However, the experimental implementation of a targeted educational program showed a marked improvement in students' analytical thinking abilities. The experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in both high and moderate levels of analytical skills, accompanied by a reduction in the number of students exhibiting low levels of thinking abilities. The practical significance of this study lies in its contribution to improving teaching methods for developing analytical thinking skills in younger students. The findings support the need for a more structured and interactive approach to teaching, integrating critical thinking exercises and modern educational technologies. It is recommended that schools focus on enhancing cognitive skills such as memory and attention, incorporate more interactive and game-based learning methods, and involve parents in the educational process. These strategies will ensure that students develop stronger analytical skills, which are essential for their academic performance and long-term cognitive development.