CRITICAL THINKING OF PRIMARY EDUCATOR STUDENTS THROUGH STEM TRAINING

Abstract

Critical thinking is one of the main key competencies that global educators must possess to meet the challenges of the constantly changing and dynamic educational space. To connect with the process of active reasoning, in which information is analyzed, reasoned conclusions are formed and informed decisions are made. In the context of education, the development of critical thinking is essential for the preparation of future teachers, especially for those who are training for primary pedagogy. You must not only learn to analyze and understand the teaching content, but also be able to create conditions and strategies that enhance critical thinking in your students. Although traditional education often focuses on memorizing facts and repeating established knowledge, modern educational requirements include the improvement of skills that allow students to apply knowledge in different contexts and solve real world problems. In this context, STEM education is one of the most effective approaches to developing critical thinking skills among students who will teach younger generations. This modern approach to education offers a rich set of methods and strategies that not only transmit knowledge, but also develop in future elementary pedagogical abilities to solve problems, conduct research, introduce innovations and demonstrate creativity and inventiveness. STEM is appropriate to emphasize the multidisciplinarity, practical application of knowledge and the use of technologies that are part of modern educational practice. Problem based learning and project based learning, which are characteristic of STEM disciplines, involve students in solving specific, complex tasks, while developing analytical and critical skills. These approaches require future elementary pedagogues to ask questions, analyze different perspectives, test claims and create informed conclusions, which are the basis of critical thinking. In addition, STEM education develops skills in collaboration, communication and computational thinking
all components that are considered to be successful in the implementation of critical thinking in practical pedagogical work. In addition to solving practical tasks and participating in team projects, teachers will learn how to work effectively with students, apply joint efforts and develop in them the skills of reasoned and independent thinking. At the same time, STEM, appropriate in educational technology, provides an opportunity for innovation and application of the new process, which make the learning more active and motivating for students. This article will examine how STEM education can support the development of critical thinking in students future primary teachers. In addition to analyzing various scientific studies and examples from practice, it will present methods and appropriate examples that can be used to use these skills in pedagogical training. It will explore and propose and have been the challenges of implementing STEM in this in Bulgaria, as well as the role of new technologies and innovations in the educational process. Finally, practical advice will be offered for integrating STEM approaches into the training of future primary school teachers, to help their professional development and prepare them to successfully transmit critical thinking to the best students.