Algorithm for Developing a Reflexive Technique for Pedagogical Diagnostics of Students’ Problems in Self-Determination “School Onion”

Abstract

Background. In modern educational practice, there is a shortage of reflexive diagnostic techniques that could be used by any teacher interested in better understanding of their student. At the same time, the algorithms to develop such techniques for pedagogical diagnostics are not clearly presented.

Objective. The goal is to create an algorithm in order to develop a reflexive methodology for pedagogical diagnostics in educational practice (using the example of the "School Onion" technique).

Study Participants. The study involved 127 respondents aged from 11 to 54 years — secondary school students of grades 5–9, university students, and teachers.

Methods. The study applied the action research method. Narrative interviews, metaphorical visualization, associative experiment, content analysis and expert assessment were also used at various stages.

Results. An algorithm for creating a methodology for high-quality pedagogical diagnostics has been developed and described. It includes eight main stages ("steps"): from the awareness of the educational environment needs to the choice of a metaphorical image, testing on age-diverse samples, identifying limitations and resources for using the methodology. A reflexive technique "School Onion" for diagnosing school problems is proposed. Examples of testing this technique on respondents of different ages are given.

Conclusions. Our analysis allowed us to identify the chain of basic steps that can be used as an algorithm in the development of the author's qualitative methodology for pedagogical diagnostics. The prospects of using the methodology are related to the possibilities of analyzing and comparing the causes of school difficulties as stated by different subjects of the educational process: students, teachers, parents.