Organisation of Independent Cognitive Activity of Students of a Specialised School in a Chemistry Subject Based on the Project Method

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined as follows: insufficient attention to the educational and research activities of students in the process of learning various disciplines, in particular, chemistry; weak implementation of the potential of scientific disciplines for the educational and research activities of high school students; the need to develop the technology of creating educational research environment for secondary school students studying STEM subjects. In the conditions of constant development of science and technology, computerisation of society, integration of education and science, the requirements for graduates increase: with sufficient theoretical knowledge, it is necessary to be able to apply them in various life situations, predict possible consequences of decisions made, demonstrate social activity, interest in scientific problems and initiatives. The purpose of the study is to develop, theoretically substantiate, and experimentally test the content and pedagogical conditions of educational activities of high school students in chemistry classes. As a research method, a systematic approach was used when considering the phenomena of current chemistry teaching in the context of modern education, and a method of comparing chemistry teaching in Kazakhstan and other countries. The result of the study was the concept of a project method, which is based on a focus on the result that can be obtained when solving a specific practical or theoretically significant problem. To achieve such a result, it is necessary to teach children or adults to think independently, find and solve problems, acquire knowledge from various fields, be able to predict the results and possible consequences of various decisions, and be able to determine the causes, relationships, and consequences. It was concluded that the use of the project method increases motivation, develops creative abilities, personal qualities, and improves the learning material and knowledge of basic research methods.