The development of independent thinking and decision-making skills during adolescence is a critical factor influencing students’ academic progress, social adaptation, and personal maturity. This article examines the effectiveness of contemporary pedagogical methods aimed at fostering autonomy in thinking and responsible decision-making among adolescents. The study synthesizes insights from international and local scientific publications, drawing attention to the cognitive, emotional, and social mechanisms underlying independent thought processes. The article concludes that interactive, student-centered, and inquiry-based pedagogical approaches significantly enhance adolescents’ cognitive engagement and ability to make well-reasoned decisions.

Independent thinking; decision-making; adolescence; pedagogical methods; inquiry-based learning; critical thinking; student-centered education.

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