THE FORMATION OF RESEARCH COMPETENCЕ OF THE 7TH GRADE PUPILS BY MEANS OF THE SECTION “ANIMAL BEHAVIOR”

Abstract

The article highlights the problem of formation of research competences of 7th grade pupils by means of the school course of biology, in particular its section “Animal Behavior”.The role of observation among the methods used in biology is revealed. It does not require complex instruments and tools, and that is why it can be used with great success by pupils at school and become a mean of developing their research skills.The State Standard of Basic Secondary Education is analyzed in relation to the expected learning outcomes of pupils, where research competences are identified and united into groups: intellectual, practical, valuable, self-organization and self-control.Research competence formation program of pupils in extracurricular activities by means of the section “Animal behavior” is offered. The purpose of the program is to ensure the formation of research competence of 7th grade pupils based on awareness of the biological basis of behavioral reactions, knowledge of the mechanisms of animal and human behavior, behavior research methodology, mastering skills and abilities of research activities.Criteria are defined to assess the formation of research competence of pupils. Based on these criteria, the levels of formation of pupils’ skills of research competence are developed.The results of conducting a formative experiment on the development of the 7th grade pupils’ research competences by means of the section “Animal behavior” are highlighted. Ways of further development of the problem of pupils’ research competence formation taking into account the State standard of basic secondary education are outlined.It is found out that in the process of pupils’ research competence formation during the biology course mastering it is important to take into account the availability of forms and methods of research conducted by pupils; correspondence of the research topic to the age peculiarities and personal interests of pupils; pupils’ need for knowledge and understanding of the value of research activities. Keywords: 7th grade biology course, research competence, State standard of basic secondary education, section “Animal behavior”, observation as a research method, components of research competence, Research competence formation program.