Development of Positive Motivation and Value Attitude of Primary School Students Towards Mastering Information and Digital Skills

Abstract

The aim of the study is to define the essence of developing positive motivation and value-based attitudes among primary school students (6–10 years) toward acquiring information and digital skills (the ability to search for information online and critically assess it; the ability to choose digital tools necessary for completing a learning task, the ability to select and use digital tools for online communication, and the ability to create and edit a digital product; netiquette skills and safe behavior online; skills in identifying device malfunctions and solving simple technical issues independently), as well as to explore and analyze the experiences of primary school teachers on this issue. The study employed the following methods: the method of studying scientific and pedagogical literature, analysis, synthesis, generalization, surveys, the expert assessment method, and the quantitative analysis method. Positive motivation among primary school students for acquiring information and digital skills is rooted in fostering both internal and external (positive) motives. These motives encourage students to develop key competencies such as searching for and evaluating information, selecting and using digital tools, interacting online, and independently identifying and solving basic technical problems. Primary school students’ value-based attitudes toward acquiring information and digital skills involve recognizing the importance of mastering digital information processing and online communication, as well as embracing the core values of a digital society. According to teachers’ experiences, most consider it essential to cultivate positive motivation and value orientations in students regarding information and digital skills. They actively support this development through various methods, including storytelling, discussions, leading by example, case studies, challenges, and collaborative digital activities. In their teaching, they primarily aim to foster internal motivation – or a combination of internal and positive external motivation – alongside key values such as knowledge, critical thinking, self-identity, ethics, responsibility, kindness, mutual respect, time management, well-being, and independence. Our research demonstrates that the development of positive motivation and value-based attitudes among younger schoolchildren toward mastering information and digital skills is a relevant issue, as reflected in modern scientific and pedagogical studies. Additionally, primary school teachers actively cultivate these qualities in students during lessons and extracurricular activities by implementing both traditional and innovative teaching methods within the context of primary education digitization.