Your child told you that he was going to do research work. You would not be surprised if he was a student. However, he is still in elementary school. Of course, you have a lot of questions. For instance:
- why do you need research work in elementary school;
- what is she like;
- how the process is organized;
- what role adults play in this process.
What is elementary school research
The purpose of modern education is to "teach the child to learn." A variety of pedagogical approaches and technologies (including research in elementary school) seek to develop in a kid such qualities as independence, initiative, ability to cooperate, social activity and responsibility. From the point of view of the state standard of education, in elementary school the foundations of universal methods of educational actions, self-education skills are laid. Currently, a variety of educational technologies have been developed in pedagogy to maximize the child’s creative approach. There are two ways a child can acquire knowledge - reproductive and productive. In the first case, the child receives knowledge from adults, in the second - through independent development. The research work of students is a search-driven activity that leads to the discovery and knowledge of the new and is a powerful tool for the development of the baby. In a word, solid pluses.
What skills do students develop in research?
So, more details. In the process of writing a research paper, the child becomes the subject of instruction. What to expect results? In practice, the baby learns:
- be aware of learning objectives;
- generate ideas;
- find non-standard solutions to problem situations;
- make hypotheses;
- observe and conduct experiments;
- independently control their work;
- evaluate the quality of their work.
In general, teach children to science from an early age. You will not regret. And the guys will definitely thank you in the future.
Terms of organization of research work
The organization of a successful research or project work is not an easy task for a teacher. A creatively thinking teacher should create an atmosphere of cooperation between schoolchildren and adults, ensure the creative growth of the child. Full-fledged research activity is possible if the teacher has implemented the following conditions:
- The motivation of the study is determined. The student should see the meaning of his creative activity, the possibility of realizing his talents and abilities.
- A working creative environment has been created. The teacher should encourage the pursuit of creative search, to maintain cognitive interest among students.
- A comfortable psychological atmosphere was created in the team. In conducting research activities, the teacher constantly creates an atmosphere of “success situation” for each student. Each child needs to be given the opportunity to believe in their strengths and realize the success of their activities.
Forms of design and research activities
The next moment. The research process is carried out by a student under the guidance of a teacher. With its organization, the application of several forms of activity is possible. It:
- study lesson on the topic of work;
- short-term studies (express studies) on the topic during the lesson;
- observation and description of the results.
Student Research Algorithm
Consider the order of organization. For the organization of children's research work, a consistent implementation of the following steps is required:
- Choosing an interesting and useful topic.
- Search for hypotheses, possible solutions to the problem.
- Gathering the necessary material.
- Analysis of the data obtained, generalization.
- Collective presentation and protection of results.
What follows from this? The research work of students of the first or fourth grade must be drawn up and correctly presented. Thus, the child understands the social significance of his scientific experiment.
By the way, the best research work of elementary school students can be used for the portfolio of the teacher with the next confirmation of qualifications or portfolio of the student. And also for exhibitions and competitions. In the latter case, the students are awarded certificates and diplomas for the best research work. In the future, these points can be taken into account when a graduate enters a university.
What you need to know for research
And finally. Incredibly important is the choice of topics for children's research in elementary school. What to consider? The most important thing:
- the theme should captivate the child;
- The theme should be feasible;
- The topic should be of practical use.
What to look for? The topics from the sections "The World Around", "My Family", "Pets", "The Beauty of Our Language", "Secrets of the Universe", etc. are best suited for research in elementary school. Everything is at the discretion of the teacher and the child. To collect data on the research topic, the guys can offer:
- to think about what is already known on this topic;
- write important information from books, newspapers and magazines;
- learn and record information received from others;
- use television;
- use the internet;
- to carry out observation and experimental activities under the guidance of adults.
There are many tasks. And a very important point is the involvement of parents of primary school students in research. But adults should not take up the project themselves. Their function is to help with advice, information, and support the child’s motivation.
We draw conclusions. Participation in the design work:
- contributes to the formation of a broad worldview of the child, broadens the horizons;
- inculcates the skills of universal methods of educational activity;
- gives an impetus to independent development;
- inculcates skills of self-organization and self-control;
- develops student activity, strengthens a sense of social responsibility.
Children come to primary and secondary, high school to study, which means to teach themselves. Conducting research activities allows you to get the maximum effect in this process.