SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL THINKING OF FUTURE PRIMARY EDUCATION TEACHERS

Introduction. Students, as future teachers, are expected to continuously improve their profession, as they are responsible for innovating in the education system. Studying at the university encourages future teachers to discover their potential through intellectual work, which is similar to scientific knowledge in the field of pedagogical science. The fact that the development, action and real change of a student's professional thinking are impossible without a lot of practice and its reflection shows higher pedagogical education in a new context and gives it a completely different dimension. Pedagogical practice creates conditions for students to acquire professional experience and the opportunity to professionally comprehend their pedagogical activities and introduce them to new pedagogical views. Only by understanding our strengths and weaknesses and our own thoughts, we can become professionals in our field. Critical thinking is crucial to self-reflection. It is an intellectually disciplined process of actively evaluating information obtained by observations and experience. The results of the international measurements of PISA (2003-2018) and PIIAC (2015) show that higher cognitive functions, especially independent, evaluative and critical thinking in school conditions (especially in Slovakia), are underdeveloped The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the level of critical thinking among first-year master's degree students in Primary Education in Slovakia. Methods. Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test was used. Tests are used in various fields, are a proven method and have played an important role in many studies. Test content is based on the cognitive-philosophical interrelationship of approaches to critical thinking and considers it as a multidimensional construct. The result of the study will be developed standards aimed at self-reflection of students in the master's teaching practice. Standards define what quality teaching looks like and encourage students to improve their practice. Originality. The results of the study will contribute to the discussion of current teaching practices in schools, help to form a highly effective educational culture, and improve student achievement and engagement.