Involvement of schoolchildren of Buryatia and the TransbaikalTerritory in scientific activities

¹ Transbaikal State University, Department of Sociology, Chita, Russia
² Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan studies, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Department of History and Culture of Central Asia, Ulan-Ude, Russia
³ Baikal institute of Nature Management, Siberian branch of Russian academy of science, Ulan-Ude, Russia

¹ Corresponding author: shapievaav@mail.ru

Abstract

The study is aimed at determining the factors of motivation for research activities among schoolchildren of the Republic of Buryatia and the TransbaikalTerritory. The employed sociological approach in the study made it possible to analyze the cognitive and social needs of schoolchildren in research activity, to assess the influence and role of social factors (conditions of social life of students) in the formation and content of motives for research activities of schoolchildren, and also to distinguish schoolchildren’s expectations and opportunities needed to implement research activities. When organizing research work with students, developing a scientific infrastructure in education, the issues of student motivation acquire particular relevance. Taking into account the high level of the influence of a scientist’s image on the choice of student science-oriented specialization, strengthening the positive image of a scientist in society becomes an urgent task. Since teachers are the key figures in attracting schoolchildren to research, it is necessary to give priority attention to the methodical and methodological training of teachers in the field of research activities, along with providing scientific infrastructure for schoolchildren. The experience of implementation of scientific and educational projects “Scientific Accelerator” in Buryatia and the Science Festival “NAUKA 0+” in the TransbaikalTerritory showed that the competencies and methodological approaches in the field of research activities that students master within the framework of projects cannot always be developed inthe further educational process. At the same time, an important factor in motivating students is meeting with scientists who act as carriers of advanced academic knowledge and also form a positive image of the profession among students. The results of the study can be applied in the development of standards and rules for the implementation of educational activities.