Abstract
The ability to organize one's independent work is the key to successful professional activity in the future. The purpose of this study is to develop a system for organizing students' independent work, taking into account their individual characteristics and ensuring the required level of practical training. The research works in the context of the experience of students-future teachers of social sciences, humanities, and fine arts in the formation of their ethno-artistic culture. The main methods for achieving this goal were comparison, systematization of the obtained material, and applying critical thinking skills. An analysis of the experience of higher educational institutions in Europe and the United States was carried out; the essence, duration, and practical orientation of students' self-study were systematized. It has been determined that the organization of students' independent work can be divided into the following components: subject learning, practice-oriented learning, student research work. Keywords: Critical thinking; education reform; future teachers; humanities; independent learning