The Future of Education

Background and Purpose: In an era of rapid information growth, the primary goal of education is shifting from factual memorization to the development of critical thinking and information literacy. This paper highlights the significance of introducing formal research methodologies to students in the third triad of primary school (ages 13–15). By engaging in structured research, students transition from passive consumers of information to active knowledge creators. This process is essential for fostering independence, perseverance, and a scientific mindset during early adolescence.

Methodology and Educational Framework: The presentation outlines the pedagogical framework of "The Slovenian Model of Research Activities," which encourages students to identify local problems and address them using scientific methods. The core of this approach is inquiry-based learning, where students, under the guidance of a mentor, formulate hypotheses, select appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods, and conduct empirical data collection. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between theoretical classroom concepts and real-world applications.

Case Study: The Happiness of Children in Celje: To illustrate this approach, the paper presents a student-led research project focusing on the subjective well-being of youth in the city of Celje. This case study explores how students investigated various dimensions of happiness, including social support, school climate, and urban living conditions. The project not only provided valuable data on local youth sentiment but also empowered the young researchers to engage with their community and propose actionable improvements for local quality of life.

Conclusion and Implications: The findings suggest that participation in research activities significantly boosts students’ self-confidence and communication skills. Furthermore, the case study of happiness in Celje demonstrates that when students research topics relevant to their own lives, their engagement and academic rigor increase. The paper concludes that fostering a culture of research in primary education is a vital investment in developing a proactive, informed, and analytical future citizenry.