Development of critical thinking of students of non-language schools when working with texts

Abstract

The article highlights the experience of developing critical thinking among students of non-language schools while working with texts. The views of scientists on the definition of this concept are presented (personal judgment on the authenticity, accuracy, character and value of what is studied in order to make reasonable decisions and conclusions; the ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and trends in order to implement the results of thinking activity into practice; the process of finding of answers to questions, which gradually generates new views on the subject being studied, etc.). The main functions of critical thinking are summarized. It is established that the development of critical thinking is facilitated by working with texts and performing appropriate exercises. It is found that in order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to organize work with the text as it follows: performing pre-text tasks; reading the text, exercises on understanding of the material and discussing one's own choices and experiences. To prepare students for work with the text, we consider it necessary to conduct preparatory work and emphasize new lexical units. First, we ask students to read the title of the text and express their own ideas what the text might be about. After that, we ask the students to explain the key words in the text. For example: “What does freshman mean? What is a challenge? What does respond mean? After the first reading of the text, we ask students questions to help them understand the main ideas of the test. After discussing the main points, we focus on the details. To do this, we offer students to answer the questions and complete the True/False exercise, fill in some tables, which contribute to the formation of students' ability to find the necessary information in the text. During the reading process, students must use their existing knowledge to reconstruct the content of the text. Answers to questions may not be found directly in the text; in order to answer, students need to analyze and find hidden information in the text. Working with the text during foreign language classes should not be limited to checking only the main ideas of the text. The work must be constructed to stimulate students to think critically.