Means of Optimising the Development of Critical Thinking of Students in German Universities

The issue of developing and optimising critical thinking among students is on the agenda when developing programmes for the improvement of higher education systems. This aspect has become particularly relevant in the European space, in particular in Germany, which is explained by the priority of educating students and the development of such important skills as rapid response to a problem, its effective solution, as well as cognitive flexibility of the individual in critical situations. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the experience of Germany in the context of using tools to optimise the development of students’ critical thinking, as well as to create recommendations for the development of the higher education system in Ukraine based on the results obtained. To achieve this purpose, the following scientific methods and tools were used in the course of the research: functional and dialectical approaches, method of logical analysis, synthesis, comparative analysis, analysis of scientific literature. The paper provides an overview of the general principles and scientific positions regarding the interpretation of the concept of “critical thinking”, its nature and features. A comprehensive analysis of the tools and mechanisms that are actively used at this stage in German universities for the development of critical thinking among students is provided. Positive aspects from the experience of this country are identified and a strategy for their implementation in the activities of Ukrainian universities is formed. The prospects for further research are the implementation of a comparative analysis of modern mechanisms for optimising the process of students’ critical thinking development used in universities of the United States of America and France. The practical significance of the study is conditioned upon the priority of its use in higher education reform in Ukraine and is also an important element in the development of methodological materials for teachers