METHOD OF DISCUSSION DURING LESSONS OF SURROUNDING WORLD LEARNING: THEORY, POSSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

Discussion in the process of teaching refers to a more sophisticated form of conversation, which is more frequently applied working with senior school learners. Problems rather than facts or phenomena are discussed. The question rises if the method of discussion is relevant in lessons of surrounding world learn-ing and whether it enables school learners to acquire knowledge, facilitates its memorisation or allows to arrive at solutions to urgent problems. The research involved 18 second formers, 15 school learners of fourth form and 13 students. All the groups of respondents discussed the same problem. Different roles were assigned to the participants in the discussion (a number of respondents represented heads of waste management company, whereas the rest assumed roles of residents of area where waste dump was being set up) and they involved in discussions of issues related to waste management and waste dump establishment. A considerable difference in the results of questionnaires provided to the participants before and after the discussion was observed. It is obvious that the respondents not only gained knowledge but also acquired a different perception and understanding of the problems analysed in the discussion. However, the comparison of all the results of the survey revealed a stronger educational role of the discussion teaching fourth formers. This confirms theoretical statements that this method is more effective with senior school learners. The group of students also found the discussion useful.