CRITICAL THINKING AS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF LEARNING ENGLISH BY STUDENTS OF THE MARINE SPECIALTIES

Abstract

This article rationalises the concept of «critical thinking» and describes how students of maritime specialisms can develop their critical thinking through English. We have determined the need to organise a conscious creative process of experiencing the world as a part of foreign language competence. The article outlines objectives, skills and abilities which we focus on in the process of developing critical thinking. It also points out the specific features of the process. Modern student has unlimited access to information, that’s why the task of a modern teacher is not only to transfer their knowledge, but to teach to analyze the information. Students should be able to discuss problematic situations, to clearly and competently present their opinions and ideas and consider and perceive other points of view, even if they do not seem right or rational. It’s important to develop both the strive to win and the ability to acknowledge mistakes. For students of maritime specialties, the ability to think critically is vital, because they need to make quick, independent, correct decisions in stressful conditions, predict possible consequences of each solution.We have designed and described activities that involve critical thinking skills at English classes, which can be used by teachers of English for specific purposes who help develop foreign language competence of seafarers.