In the diploma thesis Rocket – inquiry-based learning I present the learning by research approach I carried out during a month-long kindergarten project. The thesis consists of two parts, theoretical and empirical. In the theoretical part, I presented what learning is, how preschool children learn, the importance of active learning, inquiry-based learning and project work. In the empirical part, I presented the project Rocket, which I based on the principles of closed type of research. I was interested in my role – the role of educator – in learning by research, the advantages and disadvantages of inquiry-based learning, and the impact it has on the motivation of children and the interaction between them.
I have found that such methods require the teacher to have more time to plan, be more flexible and respond to the ideas of an individual child. The children were extremely internally motivated and active throughout the entire project. The atmosphere in the group was pleasant and cooperative, and interactions among normally more reserved children were more prominent. Since children helped co-create the kindergarten day-to-day they felt more important, and at the same time, the knowledge they gained was more permanent.
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