Features of the motivational sphere of modern Russian schoolchildren: content, age dynamics, the role of the educational environment

Introduction. In the context of the multi-vector value system characteristic of post-industrial society, the problem of educating the younger generations becomes relevant, which is inextricably linked with the development of the motivational and need state sphere of children. Taking into account the importance of motivation in the formation of the personality of children and adolescents, the study of the orientation, content, age specifics, as well as the role of the educational environment in the formation of motivational preferences of modern schoolchildren was conducted. Materials and Methods . The method "Tsvetik-semitsvetik" and its modified version were used in the work. The study involved schoolchildren of grades 1-3, 5, 9 and 10-11 in Moscow and the Moscow region. The total sample is 897 people. Results. Students of all age groups demonstrate an individualistic orientation of the motivational sphere. The content of motivational preferences of schoolchildren has age specifics: younger schoolchildren are focused on various material goods, the acquisition of new qualities and abilities; younger teenagers – on material goods, self-development, the desire for recognition, mutual understanding; high school students are focused on their "adult future", which reflects the peculiarity of their social situation of development. Modern schoolchildren of all ages are more focused on parents and the needs of the family than on their peers. Universal desires associated with an interest in solving the problems of a wide society are represented minimally in the motivational sphere of schoolchildren of all age groups. The educational potential of a modern school and the measure of its impact on the formation of the motivational sphere of students are limited by the contradictory conditions of the functioning of educational institutions. Discussion and Conclusions. The revealed features of motivational preferences of modern schoolchildren reflect the objective socio-cultural conditions of growing up in a post-industrial society focused on individualization and the values of personal consumption and generally correspond to the value orientations of the majority of modern adult Russians.