PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING IN STUDENTS

This article discusses the psychological mechanisms that underlie the development of critical thinking among students. The study emphasizes that the ability to think critically is not an innate quality but a cognitive and emotional skill that can be developed through systematic psychological and pedagogical approaches. It focuses on the interaction between cognitive flexibility, metacognition, motivation, and emotional regulation as core factors influencing the growth of critical reasoning. The article also explores the role of teachers in creating an educational environment that fosters analytical and independent thinking. The research highlights that dialogic learning, reflective questioning, and problem-based activities significantly enhance students’ capacity for logical reasoning and decision-making.