First focus group completed! How do teachers and children like to see the use of a robot in the classroom?
For the SOROCOVA project we are developing robots that help children in primary education with arithmetic. In the first phase, we take stock of how schools currently teach arithmetic and how a robot could support teachers in this. For this purpose, several focus groups with teachers and children were held in October and November. They looked at the problems teachers face, the materials they use, how they help children and in which setting the robot can best be used. Adaptive teaching, step-by-step explanations and social support were considered particularly important by teachers. Children were specifically asked when math instruction is fun for them, how they prefer to get help, and how they want the robot to talk to them. For the latter question, we asked children to fill out a comic book poster. They had to think together in pairs about how the robot would talk to a child who had found the sums difficult, boring or who had done the sums well. And that led to many beautiful, funny and sometimes touching stories and drawings. One thing is certain: if it were up to the children, the robot would not be boring! Preferably he makes the sums funny, plays music, does a dance as a reward. More results will follow…
