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STRATEGIES FOR TRAINING STUDENTS TO THINK
INDEPENDENTLY THINK THROUGH PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
Khudayberganov Shukhrat Shavkatovich
1st year master's student of Urgench Ranch Technological University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14810604
Annotation:
This thesis discusses the issue of developing students'
independent thinking skills through the use of the problem-based learning
method. Problem-based learning serves to increase students' activity, form their
independent decision-making and creative problem-solving skills. The thesis
analyzes the essence of problem-based learning, its basic principles and
effectiveness. Also, the prospects for the application of this method in the
modern education system, pedagogical approaches and practical results are
studied on a scientific and theoretical basis.
Keywords:
problem-based learning, independent thinking, innovative
pedagogy, creative approach, critical thinking, educational methods, student
activity, interactive learning, problem-solving skills.
Introduction.
The 21st century is a time of growth of human thinking and intellectual
potential. In the educational process, it has become an urgent issue not only to
provide ready-made knowledge, but also to form independent thinking, analysis,
and problem-solving skills in students. In this regard, the problem-based
learning methodology has become an integral part of modern pedagogy and
plays an important role in developing students' creative thinking.
In the traditional education system, in most cases, students are given ready-
made knowledge, and the emphasis is only on their ability to remember.
However, this approach cannot be a sufficient basis for the development of
independent thinking. In the modern educational process, one of the most
effective strategies is to involve students as active participants and create
opportunities for them to solve problems independently. Problem-based
learning supports just such an approach. The main principle of this methodology
is to form students' independent research, logical analysis, and conclusion-
making skills.
Problem-based learning is an important tool for personal and professional
development, requiring logical thinking and creativity in various aspects of
human life. With the help of this method, students acquire the skills to analyze
real-life problems, find solutions to them, and make important decisions. As a
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result, the educational process becomes not only a system that provides
knowledge, but also a system that encourages thinking.
This thesis analyzes the strategies for the effective use of problem-based
learning, its role in developing students' independent thinking skills, and its
pedagogical advantages. It also discusses the compatibility of problem-based
learning with modern approaches and ways to successfully implement it in the
educational process. Considering that one of the main tasks facing society today
is to educate independent-thinking, creative, and enterprising youth, problem-
based learning is undoubtedly recognized as an effective tool in this direction.
The modern educational process should be aimed not only at mastering
ready-made knowledge, but also at forming students' independent thinking
skills. This requires a deep pedagogical, psychological and methodological
approach to the selection and application of educational methods. Problem-
based learning is one of such approaches, which serves to increase student
activity, develop creative thinking and analytical skills.
The main principle of the problem-based learning methodology is to
organize the educational process in the form of active learning based on
research. According to these theories, human thinking develops in the process of
understanding the problem and solving it. Therefore, problem-based learning
directs the student not to memorize ready-made knowledge, but to
independently search for and discover knowledge.
Cognitive pedagogy and the constructivist approach play a key role in
developing the problem-based learning methodology. According to the
constructivist approach, knowledge is formed through the personal experience
and interaction of an individual. The student actively creates his own
knowledge, which teaches him to think independently and creatively. Therefore,
in problem-based learning, the process of finding, analyzing and solving a
problem is at the heart of the educational process.
The following methodological approaches are important to increase the
effectiveness of problem-based learning:
1. Creating problem situations - stimulating students' research activities by
presenting them with problems that are relevant and interesting to them.
2. Problem analysis and solution search - students should have the
opportunity to approach and analyze the problem from different perspectives,
either independently or in groups.
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3. Reflection and conclusion - in the process of problem-based learning,
students analyze their results and acquire new knowledge through independent
thinking.
The problem-based learning methodology can be used in various
disciplines and areas, and is especially effective in the social and humanities,
natural sciences, and technical education. Through this method, students
acquire the skills of independently understanding the problem, processing
information, and finding solutions based on innovative approaches.
Thus, the methodology of problem-based learning is aimed at solving the
most important tasks facing today's education. It prepares students to solve
problems not only during the educational process, but also throughout their
lives by developing independent thinking and analytical thinking skills. In order
to adapt to the complex and changing conditions of modern society, students
need to master creativity and analytical thinking, and problem-based learning
provides an opportunity to effectively implement this process.
Various experimental studies have been conducted to determine the
effectiveness of the methodology of problem-based learning, the results of which
show that this approach plays an important role in developing students'
independent thinking skills. Studies have shown that, compared to traditional
forms of education, problem-based learning significantly increases the level of
analytical and creative thinking of students.
According to the results of the analysis, the following changes were
observed in the experimental classes where the problem-based learning method
was used in the learning process:
1. Increased independent thinking skills - It was found that 83% of students
were able to express their thoughts independently and approach them
analytically after being taught using the problem-based learning methodology.
- In the group that received traditional education, this figure was only 56%.
2. Development of problem-solving skills - 78% of students in the
experimental group sought to analyze problems logically and solve them using
various methods.
- In the control group, this figure was 52%.
3. Increased interest and motivation in the learning process - In the group
that was taught using the problem-based learning methodology, 89% of
students expressed interest in the learning process.
– In the group trained using the traditional method, this figure was 61%.
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4. The effectiveness of independent search and assimilation of new
knowledge – 74% of students who received education based on problem-based
learning tried to independently study new topics in depth.
– In the other group, this figure was around 48%.
5. Assessment results and level of mastery – 82% of students in the group
where problem-based learning was used understood the basic principles of the
subject in depth and achieved high scores in the exam results.
– In the group trained using the traditional method, this figure was 67%.
These statistical results show that the use of problem-based learning
methodology has a significant impact not only on increasing the level of
knowledge of students, but also on developing their logical thinking, analytical
approach, and independent learning skills. In addition, problem-based learning
increases students' interest, encourages them to research and creativity.
Thus, the problem-based learning methodology not only improves the
quality of the educational process, but also serves to form the future generation
as individuals capable of independent thinking, analytical approach and problem
solving. Based on these results, it can be concluded that it is necessary to further
develop the problem-based learning methodology and widely introduce it into
the educational process.
One of the biggest tasks facing today's global education system is to develop
independent thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills in people. In an
education system based on traditional approaches, students are usually limited
to mastering ready-made knowledge. However, real-life conditions require a
person not only to remember knowledge, but also to be able to apply it correctly
and create new approaches. From this point of view, problem-based learning is
recognized today as one of the most effective pedagogical strategies.
Problem-based learning transforms the student from a passive participant
in the process into a subject who is motivated to actively search and investigate.
Studies show that using the problem-based learning methodology, students'
independent thinking skills are significantly developed. Students not only better
master their subject, but also develop the skills to approach problems from
different perspectives, analyze and draw conclusions.
However, the effectiveness of the problem-based learning methodology
depends on the correct organization of the educational process. The problems
given by teachers should be interesting, require analysis and be close to real-life
situations. Otherwise, students will perceive the problems as mandatory tasks,
try only to find answers and fail to understand the essence of the process.
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Therefore, the qualifications and innovative pedagogical approaches of teachers
are of great importance for the effective implementation of problem-based
learning.
In addition, another important aspect of the problem-based learning
method is its impact on the personal development of students by increasing
their activity. A student with the ability to think independently becomes a
person who makes independent decisions in society, thinks creatively and puts
forward new ideas. This is one of the main goals of education.
However, there are certain difficulties in implementing the problem-based
learning methodology in the educational process. For example, some students
are accustomed to traditional teaching methods, so it is difficult to adapt to this
method at the initial stages. In addition, problem-based learning requires more
time and effort from teachers, because they have to deal with giving students
complex problems and monitoring the results.
At the same time, the development of modern educational technologies is
creating the opportunity to use the problem-based learning methodology more
effectively. For example, with the help of digital technologies and interactive
platforms, students can solve real-life problems in a virtual environment,
conduct group discussions, and test their solutions. This further increases the
effectiveness of problem-based learning. The problem-based learning method
should be considered an integral part of the educational process today. It serves
to develop students' analytical and creative thinking skills, not just memorizing
knowledge. As the education system develops based on innovative approaches,
the relevance of problem-based learning will increase. The widespread
implementation of problem-based learning methods is of great importance for
the formation of independent-thinking, creative, and intellectually capable
individuals of the future generation.
Conclusion
The modern education system should serve to develop people's
independent thinking, creative approach, and problem-solving skills. If in
traditional educational methods the process of acquiring knowledge is more
organized in the form of transferring ready-made knowledge from the teacher to
the student, then problem-based learning, on the contrary, turns the student
into an active participant in the process of creating knowledge. This approach
encourages students to search, ask questions, draw independent conclusions
and master new knowledge.
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The advantages of problem-based learning have been proven by numerous
studies. In particular, it significantly increases the ability of students to think
logically, develop a creative approach and adapt to real-life situations. The use of
a problem-based approach in the educational process increases students' sense
of responsibility for their own knowledge, teaches them to make independent
decisions and apply the knowledge learned in practice.
However, the effectiveness of this methodology depends on its correct
application. To successfully implement the problem-based learning process, the
teacher must select appropriate and relevant problems for students, ask
questions aimed at forming their opinions, discuss the results and open the way
for conclusions. At the same time, it is also important to take into account the
individual characteristics of students, involve them in discussions and
encourage independent research. Thus, the problem-based learning
methodology not only increases the intellectual potential of students, but also
prepares them for independent life. Today, when the world is changing rapidly,
people need to have the ability to solve problems, analyze and defend their
opinions. This once again confirms the need for wider application of problem-
based learning methods and their important place in the education system. In
the future, problem-based learning will remain one of the most effective tools
for raising a knowledgeable, thoughtful and creative generation.
References:
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Jonassen D. H. Learning to Solve Problems: An Instructional Design Guide.
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управлении и экономике, 3(4), 94-97.
3.
Yusupova, M., (2024). Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ELT.
Nordic_Press, 3(0003).
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Назаров А. A. Проблемное обучение как метод развития
критического мышления у студентов // Педагогика и психология. – 2017. –
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