The relevance of the investigated problem is caused by the need to improve the effectiveness of training students in higher education institutions through the development of educational technologies based on active learning methods. The purpose of the article is to reveal the mechanisms and content of the technology «Open quest study», which is directed to active assimilation of various competences by students through stimulation of their creative and cognitive abilities. The paper describes the technology of training, which is based on the idea of transition of student's cognitive activity, from reproductive to productive processes through the activation of their creative abilities. Theoretical base of the proposed technology consists of a synthesis of three ideas: the zones of proximal development, the student as a subject of educational activity, and constructivism in education. The given description of the technology, reveals the possibility of student's training through the stimulation of their cognitive and creative activity, describes the main stages and procedural elements of the use of the presented technology, shows the results of its testing, and describes the evaluation of its effectiveness. The practical significance of the work is determined by the developed and ready to use educational technology «Open quest study», including innovative means of teaching students in higher educational institutions.