The integrated approach to the development of the research skills of middle school pupils in the process of chemistry learning

Abstract

The implementation of the research approach has been considered as a means of the development of key and subject competencies, abilities and skills of pupils of the middle school in the whole in the process; a percentage range is indicated of results of diagnostics of components of research skills of middle-class pupils at chemistry lessons. Basic key components in the structure of the research skills and abilities are identified: cognitive, active and self-regulating. To assess this potential, a comprehensive system of educational and learning tasks in a certain sequence has been proposed, according to the formation of research skills as both special and subject. Subject skills include applying different mental actions, the clearly defined stages of further work, ability to predict the results of the experiment, to prove own opinion and ability to organize own work for the communication in the team. The special tasks include to plan a short-term experiment; to analyze and argue the proposed hypotheses; to draw conclusions upon the experiment results. According to the results of the research, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the insufficient level of formation of research skills, the development of which more depends on the ability, skills and capacity of the teacher, as a qualified professional, who possesses qualities to organize educational and research work, is able to manage the educational process. Three directions of development of research skills of pupils have been developed and implemented, the basic stages of the educational process organization directed to skills formation are determined, complex system of exercises have been implemented, which corresponds to requirements of research training and helps to form appropriate skills of pupils for process of studying chemistry. As a result of joint work in the achievements of program, key and subject competencies, results of training within various kinds of research activity of pupils have been shown. Key words: research skills, key and subject competencies, ability, skills and capacity, complex system of exercises