The 2nd National Children's Symposium, which was carried out by Atatürk University Child and Science Education Application and Research Centre in partnership with Atatürk University Foundation Schools, was held at Nenehatun Cultural Centre.

The opening ceremony of the symposium was attended by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sözbilir, Vice Rector of Atatürk University, Erdal Karagülle, General Manager of Private Foundation Schools, Prof. Dr. Ali Sinan Bilgili, Director of Atatürk University Child and Science Education Application and Research Centre, and Deputy Director Dr. Lecturer. Member Esra Mindivanli Akdoğan, school administrators, teachers and many students attended the event.

In the symposium, where 57 students participated with 52 papers, the papers were prepared by primary, secondary and high school students. The symposium, which was largely attended by students from Atatürk University Foundation Schools, was also attended by students from different schools across the province. In the symposium, students presented their papers on the topics of Turkey 100 Years and Turkey in the Century, Technology of the Future, Values and Ethics and Local Culture.

Symposium Success from Students

The symposium, which was organised by primary, middle and high school students and the presentations were made by students, attracted great attention. This event, where students exhibited their research and presentation skills, was highly appreciated by the education community. Students who made presentations at the symposium had the opportunity to increase their self-confidence by improving their public speaking skills. Students who presented the papers they prepared to a wide audience reinforced their self-confidence with this experience.

Research and Analysis Skills Improved

Erdal Karagülle, General Manager of Vakıf Schools, stated that during the event, students developed their skills in collecting and analysing data by conducting in-depth research on the topics they had identified, and that this process also enabled students to acquire important knowledge and skills that they will use in their academic studies.

They had the opportunity to put forward their innovative ideas

Stating that the students had the opportunity to improve their problem-solving skills by evaluating the presentation topics from a critical point of view, Principal Karagülle said that the students who actively participated in the symposium became better equipped individuals by increasing their analytical thinking capacity and noted the following: ‘During the preparation and presentation stages of the symposium, students realised the importance of acting in cooperation through teamwork. Students who learnt to share responsibility and work in harmony through group work will be able to use these skills in their future lives. While preparing their presentations, the students used their creativity and had the opportunity to put forward their innovative ideas. This process contributed greatly to the development of their creative abilities. For our students who gained important skills such as academic writing, organising, time management and professional presentation skills, these skills will play a major role in their future academic and professional lives. While working on the symposium topics, students had the opportunity to explore and deepen their areas of interest. This will help them shape their future education and career plans.’

Social Skills and Cultural Awareness Increased

Finally, Erdal Karagülle, Director of Foundation Schools, stated that interacting with students from different schools contributed to the social and cultural enrichment of the participants and expressed that students increased their social skills and cultural awareness through such activities and thanked all participants, especially Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, who contributed to the organisation of such an important symposium.

The issues discussed at the symposium will be turned into outputs to be evaluated in the following process.

DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATION - 03.06.2024