Practical Problems in Astronomy as a Form of Inquiry-Based Learning

I. Conceptual Framework

Authors

  • Ivan Uteshev Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
  • Igor Bulygin Astro Space Center of PN Lebedev Physics Institute
  • Vladimir Fedorov Astro Space Center of PN Lebedev Physics Institute
  • Maxim Arkushin Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Keywords:

practical problem, inquiry-based learning, olympiad problems, uncertainty, research activity, research thinking, activity-based approach

Abstract

The article is devoted to a methodological, psychological, and pedagogical interpretation of practical problems in олимпиадной astronomy. We proceed from the premise that a practical problem should be regarded not as a supplement to the theoretical content of the discipline and not as a set of technical operations, but as a distinct form of learning activity. The aim of the article is to propose a conceptual framework for the analysis and design of practical problems. From a theoretical and methodological perspective, the paper examines the concept of a practical problem and its place among instructional formats, the role of uncertainty as a key characteristic of its content, the methodological principle of the priority of hypothesis over algorithm, as well as the psychological and pedagogical foundations of learning through inquiry-based activity. The proposed approach is aimed at identifying invariant elements of research thinking that retain their significance when the content of problems and the techniques of solution change.

Author Biographies

Ivan Uteshev, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Senior Methodologist at the Moscow Center for Pedagogical Excellence, Head of the Department of Astronomy at CTE School, Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Innovative Pedagogy, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Fundamental and Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Space Research, Lomonosov Moscow State University; teacher of the highest qualification category; national astronomy and astrophysics coach

Igor Bulygin, Astro Space Center of PN Lebedev Physics Institute

Laboratory Assistant at the Astro Space Center, P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Laboratory Assistant at the Sternberg Astronomical Institute, Lomonosov Moscow State University

Vladimir Fedorov, Astro Space Center of PN Lebedev Physics Institute

Laboratory Assistant at the Astro Space Center of the P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Supplementary Education Teacher at the Moscow Center for Pedagogical Excellence; student at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Maxim Arkushin, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Lead Specialist at the Center for the Development of Physics and Mathematics Education, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; Teacher of Physics at School No. 1574 and the Vtoraya Shkola Lyceum, Moscow

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Published

2026-03-20 — Updated on 2026-03-20

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How to Cite

[1]
Uteshev, I. et al. 2026. Practical Problems in Astronomy as a Form of Inquiry-Based Learning: I. Conceptual Framework. Astronomy Education. 1, 1 (Mar. 2026), 53–64.

Issue

No. 1 (2026)

Section

Student Research Activity

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ivan Uteshev, Igor Bulygin, Vladimir Fedorov, Maxim Arkushin

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