The article presents a method of teaching object-oriented programming to students of the educational program «Computer Engineering and software» using the project method. The problem of the insufficient level of organization of the educational process in colleges, aimed at studying any kind of object programming, is investigated. In this regard, the important aspects that must be taken into account when constructing a methodology for teaching object-oriented programming, aimed at enhancing the cognitive independence of students, are described in detail. It is shown that the solution to this problem largely depends on the degree of achievement of the learning goals of students specified in GOSTiPO, as well as on the methodological guide to object-oriented programming, developed in accordance with the requirements of modern education. An analysis was made of the State Compulsory Standard for Technical and Vocational Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Model Curriculum and the Working Curriculum in the discipline "Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming" for students of the educational program "Computer Engineering and Software" and the teaching methodology developed on their basis. The purpose is to substantiate the methodology for teaching students object-oriented programming, which activates cognitive activity through the use of the project method and its practical application in the educational process. Methods: The methods of analysis, synthesis and deduction were used in the article. Results and their significance: The practical result of the analysis was the method of teaching college students object-oriented programming, using the project method, which is necessary for a more intensive development of cognitive independence. The practical significance of the results is to increase the efficiency of studying the discipline by taking into account the individual characteristics of students.