(CZ) Užití orientačního grafického testu při psychologické diagnostice školní zralosti
(EN) The Use of an Orientation Graphic Test in Psychological Diagnostics of School Maturity

Instigated by foreign literature we have set ourselves the task of contributing to the improvement of pre-school examinations. We have gathered and studied the material dealing with both theoretical and practical aspects of the problem of maturity for school attendance. Thus we have also become acquainted with the most important tests which are being used for this purpose. In selecting testing material we have proceeded from the results of our previous research work, according to which the most important sources of getting to know a child’s psychology are the child’s graphic manifestations and performances. Therefore we have decided to use A. Kern’s test and worked out a modification of his three tasks: 1) drawing of a man’s figure, 2) imitation of handwritten letters and 3) copying a group of ten dots. By means of this orientation test we have examined 596 children (through the intermediary of children’s health centres of the District National Health Institute, Prague-Eeast). In comparing the test results with the attainment of the children in the first year of their school attendance we have found a statistically very significant relationship (P = 0,001) .between the school maturity grade attained in the test and pencil handling, initial adaptation to the school environment, the marks after the first half-year and the marks in Czech, arithmetic, the arts and handicraft at the end of the school-year. The research is planned for five years. The result of its first stage will be used to improve the practice of complex pre-school examinations in the above-mentioned district and their applicability will be verified in other areas as well.