engleski

THE MEANING OF PRACTICAL WORK AND CRAFTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION

The value and appreciation of practical work and crafts in teaching have changed over time, and we can say that nowadays in elementary education this aspect is almost completely neglected and marginalized ; due in part to cancelling subjects based on practical work or to reducing the number of classes per week, such as was with Art education. Teaching activities should be aimed at acquiring various competences, skills and abilities pupils will need for life and work in the contemporary society. The competences which enable that are also gained through practical work or by learning-by-doing, because pupils need to be understood holistically, as neurological beings in development, where different approaches to learning affect positively motor and cognitive development. For the purpose of this paper, a pilot study was conducted to examine the experience of practical work and crafts exercises in pupils before, during and after the given assignment. The sample included pupils in the 5th grade (N=16), who have been performing different types of practical work and crafts such as knitting, embroidery, and sewing with their teacher, which started when they were in the first grade. The data was gathered by an anonymous questionnaire. Respondents who have a higher perception of self-efficacy before the task and positive attitude towards the task attribute less importance to the support of the environment during and after the task performed. On the other hand, good mood after the task performed and task satisfaction are associated with a greater need for the support of the environment after the task.

competency, contemporary teaching, learning, practical work and crafts.

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