Critical Thinking and the Development of Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in the Teaching of Magical Realism

Abstract

This article explores the concept of critical thinking and highlights its importance in the education of philology students, particularly through the lens of teaching literary genres such as magical realism. In the context of rapid social, economic, and informational changes, the modern labor market demands not only specialized knowledge but also the ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and adapt to new situations. These metacognitive competencies are central to what is defined as critical thinking – an essential skill of the 21st century.

Critical thinking is recognized as a core educational objective in Kazakhstan’s State Educational Standards, as well as in international frameworks such as the OECD and PISA. The growing need for professionals capable of independent reasoning and reflection underscores the relevance of this study. The article aims to analyze critical thinking as a fundamental academic and professional skill, and to identify effective pedagogical strategies for its development in philological education. The study systematizes theoretical approaches to critical thinking and examines established models, including those proposed by Bloom, Facione, and Kemp. Their strengths and limitations are assessed in relation to current educational goals. Methodologically, the research draws on psychological-pedagogical literature, normative documents, and scholarly works by authors such as Facione, Halpern, Ennis, and Iskhakov.

Special attention is given to teaching strategies that foster critical thinking, including debates, the Socratic method, and project- and problem-based learning. The integration of digital technologies in learning environments is also examined for its potential to support critical engagement.

In conclusion, the article presents a comprehensive approach to developing critical thinking in philology students, aimed at preparing competitive, adaptable, and independent professionals capable of responding effectively to the challenges of the contemporary information society.