In the master’s thesis we ascertained how students of the ninth grade of the primary school with a special program with a lower educational standard understand the concept of war and what kind of perception do they have about different wars. The concept of war was properly presented to students in a concrete educational process as a part of Social science classes during which we enabled them to deepen and widen the understanding of the concept.
In the theoretical part we presented the meaning of teaching history in primary school with a special program with a lower educational standard and the meaning of discussing the theme of war with the students of the ninth grade of the primary school with a special program with a lower educational standard. In the following part the process of developing concepts and also methods for teaching them are described. We also defined critical thinking and described critical thinking skills thoroughly, which were encouraged with students while forming the concept of war.
In the empirical part we applied the oral evaluation of knowledge with predetermined questions, with which we conducted what are the perceptions of students of the ninth grade in the primary school with a special program with a lower educational standard about war and what does the concept of war mean to them. By applying the method of action research in the learning process of Social science, we added learning methods that stimulated the activity and encouraged students' independence. By using authentic assignments, such as preparing a poster and interview and a role play, and the method of fieldwork we wanted to improve the development of the concept of war and at the same time encourage and observe the progress of students' critical thinking. Action research involved three steps, which encouraged students to develop more independent and active learning and critical thinking.
The results of the research showed that students have troubles defining their point of view and also struggle to ask questions, which would trigger higher cognitive processes. However, students improved critical selection of the sources and self-evaluation skills. In addition, the final examination of the concept of war showed that they widened and deepened the understanding of the concept and also revealed a greater degree of empathy and the ability to see a situation from a different point of view.
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