METHODS OF DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING OF STUDENTS IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING MATHEMATICS

Introduction. The article analyzes the most important soft skills of the 21st century. Critical thinking tops the list of these skills. Therefore, one of the most important tasks of modern education is to teach students to think critically. To carry out this process, it is necessary to identify adequate and effective means. Purpose. The aim of the article is to show the possibility of purposeful raise and development of critical thinking of students while studying mathematics; to demonstrate the means of implementing this process. Methods. Theoretical analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization; empirical observations, questionnaires were used. Results. Mathematical issues are one of the most important and significant means of raise and development of a variety of skills, abilities, competencies, including critical thinking of students. The following tasks are worth considering: 1) issues in which the incorrect solution was made. The task for students is to show the first step where the mistake was made. Explain why this is a mistake and solve it correctly. It is recommended to offer this type of task at different levels of education; 2) for students of general secondary education «Make a mistake in solving»; for students of higher pedagogical education «What mistake could your students make in solving the problem? How could this mistake be prevented?». In the process of solving such problems, it is advisable to consider two types of errors: computational and logical (conceptual). And ask applicants to answer the question: Which incorrect answer is more correct?; 3) a system of questions after studying a new topic, which promotes the development of critical thinking by understanding the applicants of essential features, their essence, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a particular mathematical object. Examples are given for each type of task. Conclusion. Critical thinking is one of the most important soft skills of our time. Mathematics as a subject has a high potential for the formation and development of critical thinking in educational institutions. It is needed to start this process as early as possible and continue it as long as possible. Systematization and commitment are essential. Equally important are the means of rise and developing critical thinking, including the tasks in which one must either find a mistake or anticipate what it may be; a system of questions. The described means of developing critical thinking help to improve the attitude of students to the study of mathematics. Thus, the number of those who had to study mathematical analysis has the following attitude: very negative attitude decreased by 2%, negative  decreased by 12%, indifferent decreased by 11%, positive  increased by 20%, active increased by 5%. Further research may be undertaken in the following areas: impact of the development of critical thinking on the educational achievement of students; establishment of dependence between the level of development of critical thinking and the level of systematization of acquired subject knowledge and skills.