| Abstract [eng] |
STEAM education inspires children to engage in creative activities, research, enriches their play experience, and should be integrated already at the preschool level, as this level provides the best return on an individual’s motivation and ensures his further development. The article discusses the LEGO education methodology and its benefits in promoting the learning of STEAM subjects. The research aim is to reveal teachers’ views about the development of STEAM skills of preschool children using innovative LEGO education methodology and tools. 12 pedagogues from preschool education institutions in Vilnius, Panevėžys and Telšiai participated in the study, during which pedagogues organized 10 educational activities with STEAM Park and Maker tools according to prepared plans. After each activity, pedagogues reflected on the benefits of the activity for the 4–6 years old children, their achievements, organizational successes, and difficulties. Discussing pedagogues’ reflections on the LEGO education methodology and the results of testing its’ tools allowed to reveal the unique benefits for the growth of children’s achievements such as teamwork, conflict management, leadership, problem solving, learning to learn. Pedagogues noted that the development of STEAM capabilities, active participation of children, learning through personal experience, and experimentation are emphasized. It is also remarkable that children willingly choose LEGO blocks during their free play, which shows the effectiveness and practical usefulness of this innovative methodology. |
