PREPARATION OF FUTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR THE USE OF CONSTRUCTION SETS AS MODERN TOOLS OF STEM-EDUCATION

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the issue of preparing future primary school teachers for the use of construction sets as modern tools of STEM education. Based on a thorough analysis of scientific and pedagogical sources, it has been established that construction sets currently serve as one of the tools that can be effectively used in STEM education at the primary school level. They enable students to actively engage with learning material, develop spatial thinking, and acquire problem-solving skills. Through the opportunity to create various models and structures, learners can express their creativity and imagination. This study outlines the potential of using different construction sets in STEM lessons to develop students' skills in modelling, analysis, generalization, classification, measurement, as well as in performing cognitive and research tasks. Examples of effective STEM-based tasks using LEGO for young learners are proposed, including "Geometric World with LEGO," "Multiplication Table," "Sorting and Classifying," "Seasons," and "Ball maze," etc. It has been identified that electronic construction kits are gaining popularity in Ukraine and can serve as effective tools in STEM education. Effective examples for primary school include "Znatok Construction Set: First Steps in Electronics," "Znatok Construction Set: Light and Colour," etc. Special attention is also given to the use of robotic construction kits (such as LEGO Education WeDo, LEGO Education SPIKE Essential, Robot Master, etc.) as they help students understand the principles of construction, mechanics, and other technical aspects such as mechanics, electricity, and robotics. It is proven that the effectiveness of using construction sets in the implementation of STEM education in primary school largely depends on the level of professional training of the teacher. A future educator must possess not only general didactic and methodological competencies but also be knowledgeable in the field of STEM education, engineering thinking, basics of robotics, and have skills in working with technical tools and ICT.