EVALUATION OF 1ST GRADE PRIMARY STUDENTS’ COGNITIVE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN DYNAMIC MODEL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN RICH OF TECHNOLOGIES ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This study presents the results of expert assessment of cognitive and personal development of 7–8-years-old students as a result of the implementation of educational project The First graders’ New Start“. The project aims to apply an innovative model of competency-based teaching and learning in rich of technologies environment with application of Dynamic Model of work in primary school. „The First Graders’ New Start“ is a project initiated, implemented, and supported by the government – Municipality of Burgas, Bulgaria. The expert evaluation is realized from Primary school teachers, who are involved in the project activities. The expert assessment is done according to the methodology „The Students’ Profile“ of Gilbruch (according to Dragolova, 2007). It is realized through long-term observation of the student by the teachers during the project work. 320 first-grade students from 17 schools in Municipality of Burgas, Bulgaria are evaluated. Data on the degree of cognitive and personal development of students are derived. The level of development of various skills that are important for this age and that are related to the objectives of the project are analysed. The adequacy of the expert assessment is compared with standardized methods of research. The conclusions correspond to the achievement of the goals defined within the Dynamic model of work during „The First graders’ New Start“ experiment.