Scientific Research Activity of Students Pre-Service Teachers of Sciences at University: The Aspects of Understanding, Situation and Improvement

Abstract

The development of student abilities of scientific research activity (SRA) in the process of studies appears as a highly important area. In the course of studies, students not only increase their general competencies, acquire professional abilities and skills but also learn to conduct research. This does not mean that all students will build their careers in the field of scientific research in the future. The present life, labour market, the complexity of technology, etc. require at least minimum competencies in carrying out investigation. SRA should be universally stimulated and developed. Scientific research activity is not an entertainment but responsible, thorough work requiring a lot of self-independence. Such activity promotes student analytical thinking, the abilities of searching and using information are formed, they learn how to analyse the collected material, prepare reports, make research presentations, etc. The conducted qualitative research involved graduated students – pre-service teachers of sciences studying at Lithuanian universities. The research was conducted in January-February 2016 and based on the constructivist paradigm, suggesting that knowledge was not the final or uniform product. Teaching is an effective tool when students gain information thus stimulating active cognitive processes. The performed research has demonstrated that SRA questions remain crucial, the organization of such activity has specific weaknesses and improvement is not always carried out deliberately and purposefully, because the context, environment, conditions and requirements for education in general may differ. Improvement on SRA is not possible without empirical data based on the status. The research has revealed student understanding of SRA, its key strengths and weaknesses as well as allowed assessing the significance of such activity on the professional training of the pre-service teacher and on improving guidelines.