In the modern educational space, a teacher’s professional competence can no longer be understood only as a set of subject knowledge, methodological abilities, and practical skills. It also includes a developed culture of thinking, the ability to analyze pedagogical situations, make reasoned decisions, interpret educational phenomena, and reflect on one’s own professional activity. In this context, the technology of developing critical thinking is considered one of the most significant directions in the training of future primary school teachers under the conditions of contemporary educational transformation. The article examines the theoretical foundations of critical thinking, its essential characteristics, pedagogical potential, and its role in the formation of professional competence among future educators. Particular attention is paid to the cognitive, personal, and methodological dimensions of this technology, as well as to the possibilities of its integration into higher pedagogical education. Based on the analysis of scientific studies, the paper systematizes approaches to understanding critical thinking as a pedagogical phenomenon that promotes independence, a research-oriented position, pedagogical reflection, and the constructive solution of professional tasks. In addition, effective ways of applying this technology in teacher training are described through specific examples, including dialogic learning, problem-based tasks, reflective exercises, and analytical work with educational material. The research findings demonstrate that instruction based on the development of critical thinking has a positive influence on the professional growth of future teachers, contributes to their intellectual development, strengthens motivation for self-improvement, and enhances the overall quality of professional training.

ASSENOVA N.S.

Candidate of pedagogical sciences, professor, A. Margulan pedagogical university, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan.

E-mail: AsenovaNS@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5507-3325

BAIMAKASHOVA N.M.

Master’s student, A. Margulan pedagogical university, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan.

E-mail: thenikosh@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4074-0801

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critical thinking, pedagogical technology, professional competence, primary education, future teacher, reflection, teaching methodology