Development of Scientific Skills via IYPT -- How does YPT participation lead to hard-skill development?

TL;DR

This study investigates how participation in the Young Physicists' Tournament (YPT) enhances high-school students' scientific skills by analyzing questionnaire responses from students and teachers, comparing YPT to regular classes and other activities.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the impact of YPT participation on students' hard-skill development, highlighting its unique role in physics education.

Findings

YPT participation significantly improves scientific skills.

Students report higher engagement and inquiry skills compared to regular classes.

Teachers observe notable skill development attributable to YPT preparation.

Abstract

The Young Physicists' Tournament (YPT) inspires high-school students to immerse themselves into an inquiry process closely resembling the real physics research. Using questionnaires' replies from the students and their teachers engaged in YPT, we investigated how the preparation for YPT contributes to the development of hard - scientific - skills of the students, and how it compares to regular classes and other activities.