Application of the CASE-STUDY method in the development of critical thinking of future specialists during foreign language learning

Abstract

The article deals with the mechanisms of developing critical thinking in future specialists of non-linguistic specialties by applying the Case-study when teaching a foreign language in higher education institutions (HEIs). The author analyzes the concept of critical thinking, the stages of its formation and development, and the impact on the thinking processes of future specialists. Based on the analysis of a training case, the dependence between the form of presenting the task materials and the effectiveness of involving students in completing the tasks and the level of uniqueness of the proposed chains of algorithms for solving a specific case are considered. Accordingly, it is proven that in the case of reducing the level of abstractness of the case and increasing the personalized personification of students with characters participating in the events presented in the case, the level of effectiveness of interaction within mini-groups increases and students' voluntary immersion in the issues of the tasks presented increases. It is also noted that the selection of partners for mini-groups plays a significant role, which is performed by the teacher or the students themselves at the initial stage of solving cases.

It was determined that the Case method is an effective means of developing critical thinking of future specialists in non-linguistic specialties in the process of teaching a foreign language, which allows the use of various variations of cases and modifier cards to complicate or simplify tasks and/or change professional orientation. It was found that during the critical comprehension of the situation presented in the case, the analysis of available resources and ways of their effective use to achieve the set tasks, students can generate standard, non-standard and unique algorithms for solving the case, depending on the stage of critical analysis of the situation and the existing knowledge, skills and abilities of students.