Developing critical thinking of university students through the use of problem-oriented tasks

Critical thinking is a universal competency, especially in the training of specialists in technical fields and disciplines. Many studies are dedicated to the development of critical thinking; however, the issue of using problem-oriented tasks in this area is not sufficiently represented. The aim of the research is to systematize problem-oriented tasks for developing the ability to think critically among students of technical specialties. The study employed methods such as surveys, Watson - Glaser tests, theoretical analysis, and modeling. Levels of critical thinking among students of technical specialties were identified; a pool of problem-oriented tasks was modeled and systematized (including structured discussions, Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TIPS) methods, creation of digital AI projects, and text analysis related to their field of study). The conducted research reflects the assessment of the level of awareness about critical thinking and attitudes towards the necessity of its development among students of technical specialties, as well as the actual level of development of critical thinking of this category of students. The completion of tasks involves interaction with AI services: inVideo AI, Lumen5, haiper AI, Runway, Kling AI, Leonardo AI, Play.ht, Murf AI, Suno AI. Future research may involve comparing critical and systemic thinking among students of technical fields, as well as correlating the tasks for developing different types of thinking with types of problem-oriented tasks.