THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING STUDENTS' INDEPENDENT THINKING IN PRIMARY SCHOOL "EDUCATION" LESSONS IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL SETTING

This article examines the role and importance of developing independent thinking in primary school “Education” lessons within a private school setting. The relevance of the topic is determined by the growing shift from reproductive instruction toward learner agency, critical judgment, reflection, and socially responsible participation in school life. Independent thinking at the primary stage should not be reduced to early abstract criticism; it is a pedagogically guided ability to ask questions, compare ideas, justify choices, draw simple conclusions, reflect on one’s actions, and respond to moral and social situations with growing autonomy.