DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH PROBLEM - BASED LEARNING IN ENGLISH LESSONS

РАЗВИТИЕ КРИТИЧЕСКОГО МЫШЛЕНИЯ ЧЕРЕЗ ПРОБЛЕМНО-ОРИЕНТИРОВАННОЕ ОБУЧЕНИЕ НА УРОКАХ АНГЛИЙСКОГО ЯЗЫКА

Ералы Аяулым

студент, Карагандинский научно-исследовательский университет имени Е.А. Букетова,

Казахстан, Караганда

ABSTRACT

This article explores ways to develop students’ critical thinking skills through the use of  problem-based learning in English language lessons. Critical thinking is an essential competency that enhances students’ ability to analyze, compare and make decisions. The problem-based learning approach encourages learners to think actively, express their opinions freely, and offer logical solutions to real-life situations.  The article describes examples of problem-based tasks, their impact on critical thinking, and specific features of their application in the classroom. There search findings show that this method increases student engagement and deep their thinking abilities.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В этой статье рассматриваются способы развития навыков критического мышления учащихся посредством использования проблемного обучения на уроках английского языка. Критическое мышление является важной компетенцией, которая повышает способность учащихся анализировать, сравнивать и принимать решения. Подход проблемного обучения побуждает учащихся активно мыслить, свободно выражать свое мнение и предлагать логические решения для реальных жизненных ситуаций. В статье описываются примеры проблемных задач, их влияние на критическое мышление и особенности их применения в классе. Результаты исследования показывают, что этот метод повышает вовлеченность учащихся и углубляет их мыслительные способности.

Ключевые слова:  критическое мышление; проблемное обучение;  ролевая игра; глобализация; информационные технологии.

Keywords: critical thinking;  problem – based learning; role – play activity; globalization; information technology.

Introduction. The modern educational system focuses on critical thinking, which is the most essential part of education. One of the main tasks has become that students not only receive knowledge, but also be able to independently  make decisions. In this context, the ability to think critically is considered one of the key competencies necessary in the 21st century. Critical thinking is a cognitive process aimed at in-depth analysis of the information received and making substantiated conclusions [1,157-160 pp].

Why should critic thinking be developed in English lessons? Citizens who master three languages ​​in accordance with the requirements of modern society are those who make a great contribution to the educational development of our country and participate in finding solutions to current global issues via critical thinking. Raising intelligent generations who not only know English, but also can think critically leads to great prestige in international relations. That is why English is also a subject that provides a great opportunity to develop students' cognitive abilities. Among them, problem-based learning is one of the effective methods for developing students' critical thinking. This method elevates the student from a ready learner to an independent seeker of knowledge. The article considers the ways of using problem-based learning in English lessons and its impact on students' critical thinking. The main goal of the article is to figure out effective ways to form critical thinking skills in primary school students by using problem-based learning technology in English lessons. The main task set was to describe the significance of the concept of critical thinking in a theoretical context and to reveal the essence of problem-based learning. The effectiveness of this method was determined by experimental examples.

Theoretical foundations of  the concept of critical thinking

Critical thinking is not just memorizing the information received in its principles, but paying attention to how it actually works and analyzing it in depth. If we explain the skill of critical thinking in simple words, it is the ability to think deeply to solve situations in the environment, determine cause and effect, weigh the pros and cons, and finally draw rational conclusions. A student who has developed this skill is a person who can clarify his conclusions with evidences and being -minded to the others' point of view [2, p. 272].

It mainly consists of three parts:

First, the student's personal thinking. As we know, cognitive ability begins in a person from birth.

Secondly, it is not just memorizing memorized rules and principles. For example, to develop a student's English speaking skills, the teacher asks him to talk about the main issues of the "globalization" process and gives him homework. But the student simply memorizes it, actively searching for it on the Internet. If they really understood it, analyzed it and summarized it in their own minds, students would understand that English is important for solving the problem, not just developing critical thinking. This process would not only develop critical thinking skills, but also encourage students to speak English quickly.

Thirdly, it is a good opportunity to generate ideas through critical thinking, that is, since it is human nature to want to learn and innovate.

Therefore, critical thinking is an ability that stimulates a person's desire to solve problems and to learn English. It plays an important role not only in the modern education system, but also in personal thinking and personal development.

Problem-based learning technology

Problem-based learning is a teaching technology aimed at developing students' active cognitive activity. This method develops students' thinking skills, creative pursuits, and critical thinking skills. Instead of providing ready-made information, the teacher creates a problem situation and encourages students to solve the problem on their own. And if we define what problem situations are, then it is the solution of a problem that has not yet been solved or has been found by students using their existing thinking skills [3, p. 203]. Features:

- Increases the activity and independence of students;

- Develops the skills of asking questions, making predictions, analyzing, and drawing conclusions;

- Contributes to the deep and long-term retention of knowledge;

- Develops creative and critical thinking.

The place of the problem-based learning method in the educational process:

- Problem-based learning is more effective than traditional reproductive learning, because it allows students not only to acquire knowledge, but also to search for and find knowledge themselves;

- Opens the way to master new knowledge through experience;

- The teacher is a guide, and the student is an active researcher;

- The learning process is based on interactive communication between the student and the teacher;

- Plays an important role in the formation of functional literacy, which is required by the updated educational content.

Ways to use problem-based learning technology in English lessons

Problem-based learning technology is an effective tool for developing students' critical and creative thinking skills and improving their communicative skills in English lessons, as proven by such qualified specialists as V.T. Kudryavtsev, I.Ya. Lerner, M.I. Makhmutov [4, pp. 10-14]. By using this technology, students not only receive language knowledge, but also learn to apply it in real life [5, pp. 203-206].

1. Debate activity

Topic: Is it better to study online or offline?

Purpose: To develop students' argumentative speaking skills.

Task: The class is divided into two groups: "for" and "against"; Each group presents its own argument; In conclusion, students express their opinion.

2. Problem-solving role play

Situation: You missed your flight in a foreign country. You don't speak the local language. What would you do?

Purpose: To develop language communication skills, to act in a real situation.

Task: Group discussion; Divide into roles and conduct a dialogue (for example: tourist - airport employee); After performing, share your opinion.

3. Text analysis and problem-solving

Text: Text about the environment (English)

Task: Clarify environmental issues from the passage; Discuss causes and solutions; Create a project: How can we make our school more eco-friendly?

Ways to enhance student activity:

1. Group work: Performing tasks together - allows each student to express their opinion.

2. Student freedom of choice: Giving students freedom in choosing a topic or role - increases motivation.

3. Interesting real-life tasks: Real-life topics such as traveling abroad, online shopping, and getting a job.

4. Use of information technology: Interactive tasks using Padlet, Kahoot, and Quizlet.

5. Peer assessment: Students evaluate each other's work and express their opinions.

In conclusion, critical thinking is the ability of students to analyse any factsand form their own point of views. Problem-based learning is an effective way to develop this ability. The study revealed the importance and effectiveness of problem-based learning technology in English lessons. This technology increases students' cognitive interest and paves the way for their active participation in the lesson. Solving situations, participating in discussions, and group work not only develop students' communicative skills, but also teach them to prove their opinions and think responsibly. In English lessons, these skills play a major role in developing students' language potential, forming their skills of speaking fluently, expressing opinions, and working creatively.

It was intended to offer several ways as recommendations to teachers, for example, it would be effective if teachers often include problem situations in their lesson plans and give students freedom of choice, because it is important to teach them to make decisions. In addition, if methodological guides and seminars are organized for teachers, practical effectiveness will increase. In conclusion, in the future, problem-based learning can be systematically used in elementary, middle and high school grades. This will be an effective for enhace critical thinking, especially in students who are eager to solve global problems.

References:

1. Esembekova Sh., Abadildaeva Sh. The development of critical thinking in English lessons//Science and education: problems and prospects. Proceedings of the International (correspondence) scientific and practical conference. –Praga, 2018. -157-160 pp.
2. Semenova A.P., Baigozhina Zh.B., Technology for the development of critical thinking as a means of forming communicative skills in foreign language lessons/languages of wisdom: materials of the international scientific and practical conference /A. Margulan Pavlodar Pedagogical University. Pavlodar: A. Margulan PPU, 2023. P.272.
3. Zhaitapova A.A.,Zhanatkyzy N., The effectiveness of problem situations in teaching a foreign language./current issues of ensuring the quality of higher education in the context of global changes. -2024. –№ 8. P.203.
4. Ataeva G.N., Gabdullina A.E., Formation of search skills of students through problem-based learning./SDU Bulletin: Pedagogy and Teaching methods. -2021. - №57. PP. 10-14.
5. Kudryavtseva T.V., Matyushkin A.M., Problem and programmed learning/"Soviet Russia", - 1973. PP.203-206.