FORMATION OF CRITICAL THINKING IN STUDENTS OF NATURAL SCIENCE SPECIALITIES BASED ON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES: VIRTUAL REALITY, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, GAMIFICATION

Introduction. Critical thinking is a complex cognitive skill that is essential for success in a variety of domains, including science, engineering, and other STEM fields. It involves the ability to think clearly, rationally, and independently and critical thinkers are able to evaluate information critically, analyze arguments, and form sound conclusions. Traditional teaching methods are often not effective for formatting critical thinking. These methods can be not effective and do not provide students with opportunities to practice critical thinking skills. Innovative technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and Game learning (GL), have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of critical thinking instruction. The described innovative technologies activate and motivate students to study complex natural science educational components. Purpose. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential of innovative technologies to enhance critical thinking in science students. The study focused on three specific technologies: VR, AI, and GL. Methods. We used theoretical and experimental research methods. Theoretical methods such as analysis, synthesis, justification, comparison, generalization, systematic and periodicity of information. Among the experimental methods were such as a pedagogical experiment, namely observation, survey, approbation. Results. Students from these departments demonstrate the effectiveness of using innovative technologies such as VR, AI, and GL. The results of the experiment were determined by pedagogical observation, periodic surveys, questionnaires, tests at internal conferences, all-Ukrainian conferences, participation in seminars, writing publications, participation in scientific circles, etc. Originality. In the article, the authors developed a model for the formation of critical thinking based on innovative technologies such as VR, AI, and GL. For the first time, the methodology of forming students' critical thinking based on innovative technologies such as VR, AI, and GL described. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of research on the use of innovative technologies for formatting critical thinking. The study provides evidence that VR, AI, and GL can be effective in enhancing critical thinking skills in science students. Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that innovative technologies have the potential to be a guaranteed way to foster critical thinking in science education. These technologies can make learning more engaging and interactive, and they can provide students with opportunities to practice critical thinking skills in realistic and immersive environments.