Nurturing the development of critical thinking based on universal cognitive attitudes, strategies and techniques

Introduction. The article investigates the problem of identifying universal cognitive attitudes and strategies of critical thinking in modern education. The aim of the research is to reveal the characteristic features of nurturing critical thinking based on universal cognitive attitudes, strategies and techniques. Materials and Methods. The article is based on works by D.Halpern, V.R.Rudgero and D.Levitin devoted to the development of basis of critical thinking. The research methodology includes general scientific method and comparing and reviewing foreign studies on critical thinking. Results. The authors have revealed the structure and the contents of the conceptual cognitive core of critical thinking, as well as such basic universal cognitive attitudes of critical thinking as conative and ethical ones. They include independence, mental flexibility and courage, observation and insistence, readiness for self-knowledge, meta cognition and planning, and confidence in the power of the mind. The authors summarize and classify the main skills of cognitive and logic techniques and strategies in critical thinking. The defined conceptual core of critical thinking includes universal cognitive attitudes and strategies which serve as emotional, intellectual and instrumental constituents for the development of effective techniques in fostering critical thinking within modern education. Conclusions. In conclusion the authors summarize the characteristic features of nurturing critical thinking based on universal cognitive attitudes, strategies and techniques.