PROSPECTS FOR ACHIEVING THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENT THINKING IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO 7TH GRADERS

Аннотация

This article explores the potential for fostering independent thinking among 7th-grade learners within the framework of English language instruction, highlighting the pedagogical benefits of the case study method. The researchun derscores that independent thinking is a vital cognitive skill for contemporary learners, who must be able to analyze information critically, generate original ideas, and make informed decisions. The case studies developed for this study were rooted in real-life educational and communicative scenarios, prompting students to identify problems, discuss possible solutions, evaluate alternatives, and justify their conclusions. These activities not only activated analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills but also encouraged meaningful communication, confident expression of viewpoints, and effective collaboration among learners. The study indicated that the case study method significantly contributes to the development of learner autonomy and enhances motivation by linking classroom activities with real-world contexts. The article offers methodological recommendations for integrating case studies into English lessons for 7th graders and discusses the potential benefits of this approach in enhancing higher-order thinking skills.