According to my experience education plays a crucial role in the development of society.
It is important to realize that our future is entrusted to the young people leaving
today's education system, and it is up to us, teachers, how to motivate, teach, inspire,
educate and guide them on the path. I believe that extracurricular activities can
play a crucial role. Of course, the personality of the teacher also determines the
development of students, but this requires incredible consistency and also the willingness
of students to accept. Teachers play a key role in education. They not only transfer
knowledge, but also inspire, mentor, and guide students, supporting their high school
research activities. By attending talent development programs, which is unique in
Hungary, students get more involved in scientific competitions, research, and TDK
[1] work. This contributes in the long term to choosing scientific careers and educating
the next generation in STEM fields. My experience supports the fact that even a small
success can turn an entire community in a different direction, and make them love
physics, love STEM. By conducting action research, I aim to prove the usefulness and
benefits of high school research work in developing students' various competencies
by supporting specific results. One of the positive impacts of talent management is
reflected in students' attitudes towards physics: the program makes the learning process
experiential and personal, thus increasing motivation and active participation.
Our students develop 21st century competencies such as problem solving, critical thinking,
they use digital tools, data analysis and scientific communication. The positive impact
of the extracurricular activities at TELEKI high school can be clearly established,
based on the feedbacks of the yearly hard work done.
Keywords: scientific student work, research activity, STEM, talent management, development
of scientific competence
