Достигане до звездите: STEM дейност за учене, изграждане на увереност и повишаване на мотивацията у учениците
Reaching for the stars: A STEM activity for learning, building confidence, and boosting student motivation

Summary/Abstract: The article presents an innovative pedagogical practice that combines the setting of SMART goals with experimental STEM activities. In the spirit of Professor Dimitar Balarev’s ideas, the approach emphasizes the integration of personal development into science education. Students formulate individual goals and symbolically link them to the launch of a rocket, with the process simultaneously supporting the acquisition of scientific knowledge and the development of skills for self-reflection, self-confidence, and intrinsic motivation. The theoretical framework is based on goal-setting theory (Locke & Latham), self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci), as well as principles of constructivism and metacognitive learning. The method is implemented in three phases: goal formulation, experimentation, and reflection. Survey results indicate a high level of student engagement, increased interest in the subject matter, and clearer awareness of personal aspirations, while also highlighting differences in individual motivation. The practice is adaptive and interdisciplinary, offering a model for integrating scientific knowledge with personal development. Pedagogical recommendations and directions for future research are proposed.

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