Abstract:

The system of higher education is constantly changing. The aim of modern education is to prepare a professional who has knowledge not only in a certain area, but also knows how to defend and argue his position, justify it, have his own opinion based on the knowledge and experience. If necessary, this specialist must be able to question established points of view on the issue, be able to offer solutions to arising problems. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a student with a skill of critical thinking developed at a sufficient level.

Case-study method, or the method of specific situations, is a method of learning by solving specific problems or situations using active problem-situational analysis. The result of applying the method is the development of an algorithm for solving the problem.

The theoretical analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature on the research problem, the synthesis of scientific sources, generalization, observation, interviewing were the methods for studying the problem of using the case-study method, or the method of specific situations in the process of forming students' critical thinking.

The material for studying the problem was the overview of various approaches to the definition of the case-study method, or the method of specific situations in scientific, methodological studies, the identification of signs that reflect the characteristic features of the application of the method, as well as the results of interviewing teachers who successfully apply this method in the process of the formation of students’ critical thinking.

While writing the article, the following tasks were solved:
1. to consider the definitions of the term "case study";
2. to identify the characteristic features of the "case study" method;
3. to identify the conditions for applying the "case study" method;
4. to identify the signs of the formation of students' critical thinking using the "case study" method, the stages of its formation.

It is necessary to apply case technologies, taking into account the specifics of the groups of students, it also depends on the personal, professional capabilities of the teacher, the material and technical base of the university. Case technology, or technology of learning through activity, is an educational technology that is necessary at the present stage of higher education development. Thus, professional competencies can be formed effectively. This statement is based on the understanding that, firstly, students gain knowledge, and do not receive it ready-made; secondly, they gain experience through solving problem situations; thirdly, students have an opportunity to work with information that is constantly updated, finally, they learn to think logically, draw conclusions, argue their own point of view, defend their position, they develop critical thinking.

Applying the "case-study" method in the process of the formation of students' critical thinking, the university teacher helps to increase positive motivation of students to study, interest in the academic subject, understanding of the social significance of the future profession, the formation of a sustainable interest in the profession, the achievement of learning outcomes, and the development of professional competencies.

Keywords:

Critical thinking, higher education, case-study method, case technologies.