On the role of independent work in developing students' cognitive activity

A systemic approach to organization and monitoring of students' independent work is considered. Students' independent work is treated as a condition and a way of activating students' cognitive skills development. Some pedagogical conditions promoting effective organization of students' independent work in a higher school and successful realization of individual and differential approach to teaching students are suggested. Students' independent work is considered as a specific kind of instruction activity which involves motivation, goal-seeking, performing (executive) and controlling components.