摘要：AbstractThe present paper will present the influence of the critical thinking on the pupils’ development, on the one hand, and on the didactic activities, on the other hand. The research was performed by the questionnaire method, and the questionnaire was applied to 1,476 teachers from the preschool and primary school levels, respectively to 1,230 teachers from secondary and high school levels. The questionnaire was applied during February-May 2011 in Centru Region, Romania. During the research the method of the survey was used, due to its subordination to the objectives of collecting the data regarding a problem of general interest. This survey can be applied in two forms: questionnaire and interview-based survey. The first option - questionnaire-based survey - was chosen, due to the specific of the target group: teachers from pre-university education with university education or undergraduate education. During the research we identified the fact that the application of critical thinking methods based on the principles of active learning in class influences the pupils’ development rather in a public plan than individually, rather logically than intuitively, rather from multiple perspectives, than from one perspective. The research also revealed the fact that the critical thinking methods determined a change in the didactic activities; the group activities are used instead of the frontal activities, and they stimulate pupils to develop their team work, collaboration and communication abilities. In conclusion, through this study we reveal the role of the critical thinking in pupil's development, and the following elements are regarded: the increase of the trust in its own abilities, the active involvement in the accomplishment of didactic tasks, listening respectfully to others’ opinions, etc.
