Abstract
The article discusses new trends in higher education and educational technologies, focusing on the development of critical thinking skills. It examines various definitions and approaches to critical thinking, including philosophical and cognitive-psychological perspectives. The technology of critical thinking development is explored as a system of methodical techniques and strategies aimed at enhancing students' educational and cognitive awareness. The article also discusses the relationship between critical thinking and Bloom's taxonomy, highlighting the importance of developing critical thinking skills in language learning. It concludes by emphasizing the need to structure learning activities to target different levels of critical thinking, from acquiring knowledge to synthesizing information and forming conclusions.