From idea to the product in a technical corner of children from 5 to 6 years old

Projektno učno delo je pomemben pristop poučevanja v predšolskem obdobju, saj z njim otroci že zgodaj spoznajo, da lahko z lastno aktivnostjo ugotovijo kaj novega. Čeprav je izvajanje projektnega dela v predšolskem obdobju zaželeno, je v večini vrtcev to ena izmed redkeje uporabljenih metod dela. Projektno delo je pomembno tudi zato, ker otrokom nudi možnost, da z njim izvajajo dejavnosti s področja tehnike in tehnologije, ki jih v vrtcu na splošno primanjkuje. Zaradi tega smo se v diplomskem delu osredinili na projektno učno delo ob izdelavi preprostih izdelkov iz kovinskih materialov v tehniškem kotičku v vrtcu. V teoretičnem delu je predstavljeno projektno učno delo, katerega značilnosti so opredeljene na podlagi strokovne literature. Opisane so tudi stopnje učnega procesa in različni tipi projektnega dela. V nadaljevanju je s strokovno literaturo opredeljena tehnična vzgoja v predšolskem obdobju. Predstavljena so tudi orodja, naprave in pripomočki, ki so primerni za delo pri tehnični vzgoji v predšolskem obdobju. Prav tako smo v teoretičnem delu opredelili materiale. Opisane in predstavljene so značilnosti lesa, papirja, umetnih snovi in kovinskih materialov. Poleg tega so na kratko predstavljeni tehniški kotički v vrtcu in varnost pri delu. Empirični del opisuje projektne dejavnosti, ki smo jih izvajali v vrtcu z otroki, starimi od 5 do 6 let. Opisan in slikovno predstavljen je potek izdelave izdelkov iz kovinskih materialov, ki smo jih naredili. Dejavnosti otrok smo ovrednotili s ček listo. Ob izvajanju dejavnosti smo ugotovili, da lahko večina otrok samostojno izdela praktično uporabne izdelke, in sicer od ideje do izdelka. Z anketnim vprašalnikom, ki ga je izpolnilo 46 pedagoških delavk v vrtcu, smo pridobili mnenja in razmišljanja pedagoških delavk o ustvarjalnih dejavnostih iz kovinskih materialov, tehnični vzgoji v vrtcu in uporabi projektnega dela. Raziskava je pokazala, da čeprav so vzgojiteljice seznanjene s projektno metodo dela, jo v vrtcu le redko izvajajo. Prav tako je raziskava pokazala, da se pedagoške delavke v predšolskem obdobju izogibajo dejavnostim s področja tehnike in tehnologije in predvsem dejavnostim ustvarjanja iz kovinskih materialov zaradi tehničnega neznanja in neznanja, kako rokovati s kovinskimi materiali. Diplomsko delo je namenjeno predvsem pedagoških delavcem v vrtcu, saj želimo z njim pokazati, da je projektno delo primerna strategija tehnične vzgoje v predšolskem obdobju. Prav tako želimo pedagoškim delavcem približati kovino in spodbuditi njeno uporabo v vrtcu.Project based learning is an important teaching method in preschool period, as through it, children get to understand they can learn new things via their own activity. Even though, project-based learning is desired in preschool period, many kindergartens do not employ it. Additionally, project-based learning is important, because it gives children an opportunity to carry out technical activities, which are also lacking in kindergartens. Due to that, we decided to focus our work on project-based learning with the making of simple products from metal materials in a technical corner in a kindergarten. In the first, theoretical part, project-based learning is presented. Based on the literature, we defined the project-based learning and its characteristics. Levels of the teaching process and different types of project-based learning were also described. Next, the technical education in preschool era was defined. We also introduced the tools, machines and accessories that are suitable for preschool children to work with. As well, we defined the materials. We described wood, paper, artificial materials and metals, and presented their characteristics. Technical corners in kindergarten and safe work were also briefly presented. Empirical part describes project activities, that we carried out in the kindergarten with children aged 5 to 6 years. The course of making of the simple products from metal materials was described in text and by graphics. We also evaluated children’s activities with the help of a check list. We found out that most children could independently make practically useful products from idea to product. With the help of a survey questionnaire, which 46 pedagogical workers completed, we collected the views and opinions of the kindergarten personnel on the activities with metal, technical education in kindergarten and the use of project-based learning. The study showed that even though the pedagogical workers knew what project-based learning was, they rarely employed it in the kindergarten. Additionally, the study showed that the majority of pedagogical workers avoid technical activities, especially those with involving metal due to lack of technical knowledge and metal handling knowledge. This work is aimed at pedagogical workers in kindergartens as with it, we want to show that project-based learning is an appropriate strategy for technical education in preschool period. Additionally, we want to draw the metal closer to the pedagogical workers so that it will be used more often