IMPROVING PUPILS’ CONFIDENCE IN COVID-19 VACCINATION ON BIOLOGY LESSONS STUDYING THE THEME “IMMUNITY”

Abstract

The paper presents results of determination the readiness of 8th grade pupils for possible vaccination for the prevention of coronavirus infection, identifies the reasons for the negative attitude, potential refusals and the main “anti-vaccination” arguments. The motivational-value attitude approaches and methods to rise the trust in the achievements of modern medicine for the prevention of mass diseases in the framework of biology lessons when studying the theme “Immunity” are proposed. The formulated ideas are implemented in the form of the author’s project, the materials of which are intended for posting in free access and possible replication. The cognitive activity of the proposed project is based on principles of teaching in small groups, the use of lectures, discussions, role-playing game. Evaluation of the proposed approach application effectiveness to the formation of new beliefs for pupils revealed difficulties and limitations, which, among other things, reflects the general picture of the attitude of Russian society citizens to the problem of vaccination. The work is intended to raise controversial questions regarding the primary role of secondary school education in the formation of constructive beliefs and critical thinking, the fight against widespread misconceptions and myths, including with the aim of an adequate and responsible attitude to one’s own health and the safety of people around.