The essence junior schoolchildren’s self consciousness

Abstract

The article reveals the essence of consciousness as the basis for the consciousness of younger pupils. It is noted that the problem of self-consciousness of younger pupils is currently relevant, and one of the important scientific and practical tasks of today. The purpose of solving the problem of the formation of self-consciousness among younger pupils is also disclosed. The author points out that the concepts of consciousness and self-consciousness are close but not identical. A variety of perspectives on the nature of consciousness, formulated by researchers and scientists, have been revealed. It turns out that the concepts of consciousness and self-consciousness contain various structural elements of the mental activity of younger pupils, which are based on the self-esteem and the esteem of one’s background. The levels of consciousness and their elements are stated. It is determined that consciousness directs younger pupils to a higher degree of ability to perceive information. It is said that the development of consciousness, as well as of self-consciousness of younger pupils, is a process that requires help from outside. The author determines that self-consciousness, which is based on consciousness, owing to the step-by-step formation from the first years of the study of a junior schoolchild at the general educational institutions, should be oriented to the following: self-analysis, self-esteem, awareness of one’s own experience, knowledge, motives, thoughts, ideals, morals, feelings and aspirations, anxiousness, emotions, thinking, interests, values, desires, needs, motives of behavior, cognitive attitudes, activities, ability to report in one’s actions, experiences, thoughts and feelings. It has been pointed out that, before becoming an important internal determinant and the mechanism through which the influence of the environment is transformed, self-consciousness itself arises under the influence of that environment. In order to evaluate their own behavior, the elementary schoolchild must first learn the relevant norms, rules, and learn how to evaluate their compliance by the other people; only on this ground – by comparing oneself to one’s surroundings – will he/she gradually learn to evaluate his/her own actions and deeds. The results of the present study showed that consciousness is one of the important factors of self-consciousness, its formation is possible through the following: language, motivation, pedagogical influence, family, activity, spiritual life, reflexive orientation, awareness of feelings and aspirations, mental actions, and attention. The analysis of studies in philosophical and psychological aspect has shown that consciousness is the basis of self-consciousness, one of the important factors in the formation of self-consciousness of younger schoolchildren.