Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala

Victims or Attackers? Deconstructing the Mediatic Image of Migrants at the Romanian-Serbian-Hungarian Border with the Use of Multidimensional Instruments

Lucian-Vasile Szabo — 2024-03-01

This study innovates the way in which digital ethnography techniques can be applied in the analysis of complex phenomena, in this case the wave of migrants and refugees at the border between Romania, Serbia, Hungary and Ukraine, in the last two years (2021 - 2022). Thus, we regard this paper as an example of multidimensional education for both students and practitioners of media studies that struggle to address broad, transdisciplinary topics. The present research aims to present a multidimensional approach of the manner in which journalistic materials portray people who have arrived at the border between the three states in their attempt to travel further to the countries of Western Europe. Our methods consist of non-participatory content analysis on some communication products in the mass media from Great Britain and Romania, sentiment analysis and critique of professional practice. We used digital ethnography to reveal interesting data for a comparative analysis of the way different types of migrants are portrayed in British and Romanian media. The comparative analysis was conducted by using data provided by Dchipher Analytics and ZeList Monitor, ensuring a high degree of confidence in the results.

Disparities in School Performance in Romania. A Geostatistical Analysis of Baccalaureate Results between 2015-2022

Victoria Buza — 2024-03-01

This study analyses the evolution of the main indicators of students’ high school performance at the high school graduation exams (Romanian Baccalaureate) from a geographical perspective. Both participation and pass rates fluctuate depending on the type of high school, gender and place of residence. Behind these quantifiable characteristics there are significant disparities in (in)equality of educational opportunities influenced by the questionable efficiency of the education system in providing quality education to every student, regardless of their parents’ financial background. Although the upper cycle of secondary school (11-12th grades) is not legally compulsory, successful graduation is essential for the economic, social and cultural insertion of the future adults in a functioning society. The lack of performance of some high schools and vulnerable groups of students, who face problems of accessibility, motivation, opportunity, and financial support, as well as the worrying numbers of exam absentees, must be brought baccalaureate to the permanent agenda of the policy makers, not exclusively during the exam period. The complexity of the official data from 2015-2022 has allowed the geostatistical analysis of school performance, highlighting the deep discrepancies within the system, specifically between urban and rural students, the administrative and economic hierarchy of the locality and the prestige of the high school attended. The insights of this analysis can be used to identify optimal solutions to enhance the research about educational disparities.

Social Inclusion Attitude, an Insight among Teachers from Disadvantaged Areas

Gabriel MARES — 2024-03-01

The concept of social inclusion is about accepting diversity and acknowledging the need to find solutions and mechanisms to meet the specific particularities of all types of people. The issue of social inclusion was particularly relevant in the past century context and it has maintained its topicality in the social-economic and political context of the 21^st century. The present research is a analysis of the attitude of a group of secondary school teachers on next research topics: self-evaluation of knowledge about social inclusion; self perception regarding its importance and its impact on the school and local community; their perception of social inclusion; their opinions about the causes of social exclusion and the identification of effective strategies and best practices in facilitating social inclusion. The aim of our approach has been to identify the perspective of the teachers working in high schools from disadvantaged areas, especially in the rural ones, in order to identify some supporting models and to find future paths of specific intervention. We believe that our approach can lead to the identification of effective tools for the cooperation and collaboration between the pre-university and university levels for planning activities related to teacher training on inclusive education and equal opportunities, and for being able to facilitate the access of disadvantaged students to all kinds of education.

Implicit Theories in Relationship with Social Judgments and Aggression Behaviors. Evidence Starting from Carol Dweck's Theoretical Framework

Adina-Petronela Vechiu — 2024-03-01

Implicit theories of personality fall under social-cognitive theories and underlie studies that have examined the perspectives, beliefs, and judgments that people make about certain phenomena or behaviors. Although the theoretical model of implicit beliefs was originally categorized as theories about the self, the authors Dweck and Leggett (1988) extended it, applying it to the fild of social judgments about the characteristics of other people. In the present paper we aim to illustrate children's and adolescents' entity and incremental beliefs about aggression. In accordance with this purpose, we conducted a theoretical foray into implicit theories and their implications in the area of social judgments in an attempt to capture how implicit beliefs about aggression are projected into the social interactions of children and adolescents. We believe that our remarks and findings can be important resources for educational factors in the effort to improve the effectiveness of programs to prevent aggressive behaviors and attitudes in children and youth.

Examining the Effect of Perceived Social Support on Student Mental Health in Somaliland

Şengül Başarı — 2024-03-01

The aim of this study, conducted in Somaliland, was to explore the relationship between perceived social support and students' mental health, specifically focusing on stress, anxiety, and depression. This research has been conducted in a correlation quantitative design. In the context of the challenges and opportunities university students face, this research sheds light on the vital role of psychological well-being. In Somaliland, where official health statistics are scarce and mental health is often overlooked, this investigation addresses an important gap in understanding. This study, conducted in Hargeisa, delved into the impact of perceived social support on students' mental health. Employing a correlational quantitative design, data was collected from 366 students in both public and private universities using Google Forms. The findings unveiled a robust, albeit inverse, relationship between perceived social support and stress, anxiety, and depression levels among students. One crucial recommendation stemming from this research is the inclusion of mental health education and awareness activities in the curricula of all educational levels. These findings underscore the pressing need to prioritize mental well-being in educational institutions, setting a foundation for students to thrive academically and socially. In a world where academic pressures and social dynamics continue to evolve, nurturing the mental health of university students is an investment in their future success and overall well-being.

The Prerequisites of Introducing School Social Workers in Romanian Educational System

Polixenia Nistor — 2024-03-01

Worldwide professional agencies or associations define school social worker as the professional that assists students with socio-emotional challenges and makes a linkage between school, home, and community services. A school counsellor is different than a school social worker, by guiding students in academic, career, and personal development, supporting those in navigating school-related challenges, but also helps them planning their future. In Romanian school environment the school counsellor somehow supplies the school social worker’s attributes, as within the schooling institutions organizational chart there is no specific place for the school social worker’s job.

In an attempt to diagnose a current situation of what the school social worker represents as a professional in connection with Romanian educational system, we developed a brief analysis of the professional grounding of the domain, starting from key concepts such as “school social work”, the “educational role of the social worker”. The results of the search for such keywords showed us that there is a lack of data on this subject in the Romanian background. What we identify at the level of schooling units is the school counsellor.

The purpose of this work is to bring a better theoretical knowledge of the need for the professionalization of the school social worker in the Romanian public educational sphere. Moreover, the article may be the start of an empirical larger research on the topic, in order to bring to public awareness the usefulness of a social worker at the level of each educational institution. The analysis is of a theoretical nature and is based on the educational-welfare practice models from Romania and USA.

Enhancing Resilience in Primary Education: Addressing Societal Challenges and Fostering Holistic Student Development

Simona Gabriela Ciucă — 2024-03-01

This study explores educational resilience in primary education, focusing on how teachers can effectively nurture this crucial trait amidst rapid societal changes and an information-rich environment. Utilizing qualitative focus group discussions with ten primary school teachers, the research examines four key themes: student-teacher dynamic, peer influence, family and community engagement, and school environment.

The findings reveal that while teachers recognize the importance of building resilience in students, they face challenges due to curriculum demands and resource limitations. Teachers expressed a desire to foster empathetic relationships, positive peer interactions, and engage families and communities but often found these goals hindered by systemic constraints.

This research underscores the need for a holistic approach to education beyond traditional academic learning. It highlights the need for professional development, strengthened school-community partnerships, and educational policy reforms that prioritize comprehensive student development. The study concludes that fostering resilience in primary education requires addressing classroom practices and systemic barriers, aligning with contemporary resilience theories and emphasizing the need for classroom interventions to support students' overall well-being and competence.

Investigating Correlations between Subjective Satisfaction with Body Image and Selected Personality Characteristics in Gender Adolescents with Attractive Face

Dominika Doktorová — 2024-03-01

Body image just during adolescence is influenced not only by the media, but also by family and friends, and related to this, the adolescent must learn to cope with society's demands on body image. This study examines the relationships between facially attractive adolescents' body image dissatisfaction and personality characteristics. The research population consisted of 185 face-attractive students from different types of high schools, including 89 girls and 96 boys with an average age of 18 years. We used the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire EPQ-R and Stunkard Silhouettes and questions designed by us regarding satisfaction/dissatisfaction with different body parts to collect data. We found that there was no significant relationship between body image dissatisfaction and neuroticism, psychoticism. A significant negative relationship was found between body image dissatisfaction and extroversion.

A Systematic Literature Review on Improving Quality of Master Programs through (re)Designing Teacher Training

Cristina Dumitru — 2024-03-01

Master’s education is dynamically evolving worldwide. As M-level programs play a crucial role in improving job prospects for university graduates, our review focused on how a well-designed master's program could train candidates to become proactive and goal-oriented learners as well as practitioner-teachers. The methodology employed in this study was a systematic literature review (SLR) of academic articles that centered on M-level programs. The literature search process involved several stages, including identifying relevant studies for thematic analysis, evaluating their quality, pinpointing patterns and significant results, and discussing the extent of consensus across the research questions posed. The total sample of this SLR comprised 81 studies. Three main typologies were prevalent: theoretical and qualitative studies (n=45), case studies or comparative case studies (n=18), empirical studies (n=14), and a mixed-method approach (n=4). The majority of articles suggested innovative perspectives on M-level program development and delivery (60.94%). Another significant portion of the studies (22.22%) presented experiences or comparative analyses of best practices in M-level programs. A smaller number (17.28%) involved presenting empirical data on the impact of master’s training on students’ satisfaction or their motivation to pursue a master’s program. Thematic analysis confirmed recurring themes on innovative approaches to (re)designing M-level programs and providing comprehensive data systematically, emphasizing the urgent need for universities to (re)design improved programs (also at the master's level) and services to meet the demands of the current and future labor market.

Pandemic Emotional Impact on Academic and Professional Worries while Controlling for Satisfaction with Life and Perceived Social Support

Mihaela Radoi — 2024-03-01

In this article, we test the associations between the Covid-19 pandemic’s emotional impact and academic and professional worries among social work students when controlling for life satisfaction as a part of subjective well-being and perceived social support. Therefore, we aim to test the controlling variables’ role as mediators in explaining how academic and professional worries can be reduced. The survey was conducted in Romania in 2021 on a sample of 329 students attending full-time courses in the field of social work, both bachelor’s studies and master. The study was cross-sectional but considered a causal orientation for the variables (i.e., past pandemic emotional impact – present social support and satisfaction with life – future academic and professional worries). The findings showed that although life satisfaction does not significantly determine academic and professional worries, perceived social support has a significant direct effect. Indirect effects indicate a decrease in academic and professional worry when controlling for perceived social support alone and while controlling for both perceived social support and satisfaction with life. Additionally, our findings show that students who were less emotionally impacted by the pandemic effects had no worries about their capacity to continue or complete their studies or their employment perspectives.

Strengthening Students’ Proficiency in Digital Technologies and the SMART Society

Yuliia Semeniako — 2024-03-01

The relevance of the article is that nowadays digital technologies are an effective means of differentiation and personalization of educational activities, they change the face of today’s education, turning it into the top rank of human capital investment in the digital age. The shift to digital education requires the collaborative effort of instructors, administrators, and learners to create and meet educational goals, using data analysis to provide individualised learning plans for students. The article is devoted to the issue of formation of digital skills in the learning process of students. The concept of digital literacy and digital skills, as well as the classification of digital skills is considered. The author proposes indicators and criteria for assessing digital skills, as well as theoretical and practical training of students, presented in the form of several modules. The choice of research methods is conditioned by the peculiarities of studying informatization and digitalization, as well as the peculiarities of using up-to-date information technologies in the educational process. The following methods were chosen: analysis of psychological, pedagogical and methodological literature, descriptive method, method of generalization, system-structural analysis, method of interpretation and semantic reconstruction of pedagogical sources.

Students’ Perceptions on Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Liliana Mâță — 2024-03-01

Virtual environments allow teachers to approach the teaching process inclusively and creatively, to facilitate the effective transfer of learning and to support student learning with new technologies regardless of various barriers. The hereby study evaluates the students’ views concerning the virtual delivery of courses during their learning process taking into consideration their former face-to-face teaching-learning experience. It was based on the theoretical part which included typical aspects of online teaching and learning are presented and the most recent studies in this area are reviewed. Following previous research, we aim to develop an innovative model of successful online teaching and learning in higher education. A questionnaire-based research methodology was designed for 355 students at a university in the North-Eastern region of Romania. The questionnaire with closed-ended items was used for assessing students’ attitudes on the online teaching activity. The results indicate students’ preference for online courses, as well as a number of significant differences, depending on the study specialisation or form of education. Any future changes to online teaching and learning in universities should also take into account students’ and teachers’ views on this particular issue. Such an approach should allow us to see whether and how effective the use of virtual teaching environments can be for both students and teachers in higher education (HE).

Digitalization of Educational Activities at the Municipal Level

Nadiia Kulchytska — 2024-03-01

The article examines the activity of the municipality from the point of view of the education management system in modern realities, namely in the conditions of digital transformation of society and its life, in particular, digitalization of educational activities. The main advantages and disadvantages of the digitalization of education are analyzed and presented. In the context of the research, the theoretical, normative and legal aspects of the current educational activity are presented, as a key link in solving problems of any nature for the benefit of the local population, in particular at the municipal level. In conclusion, the priority directions of the development of education management in the conditions of digitalization are given, which should effectively influence the optimization of organizational and management processes in the field of digital transformation, as well as the active penetration of digital technologies into the educational process of various educational organizations.

The article reveals the effectiveness of information and communication technologies in municipal educational institutions training future specialists. In the context of the implementation of the research goal, the role of digitization as a factor in the implementation of educational activities in the process of training specialists in the economic field is studied. In the modern conditions of the development of the information society, there is a need for fast and high-quality calculation of economic indicators. It is this need that prompts the widespread use of software accounting methods. Digitalization has absorbed various fields of human activity.

Realization of Spiritual Potential in the Sociocultural Space: the Philosophy of Education

Svitlana Repetii — 2024-03-01

The relevance of the article lies in the fact that the development of Ukrainian statehood, implementation of reforms in education and development of civil society is impossible without the development of Ukrainian spirituality. The process of globalization of today's society has a huge number of global problems associated with the obstacles to achieving harmony between man and nature, underestimating the development of each individual as unique, playing a crucial role in creating a special spiritual atmosphere, in revealing the creativity of life. Spirituality in the socio-cultural space should be understood as "man in man", as a quality of man, characterizing the motivation of human behavior, the process of his self-knowledge and the choice of life goals. The highest value of human existence is the human person. The notions of human qualities that allow full self-expression in the service of universal human interests are analyzed. Philosophy of education notes that the main purpose of human development is not only the satisfaction of needs, but also self-development, the full disclosure of the intellectual and cultural abilities of man. The article deepens the concept of the spiritual potential of today's mass culture in the current philosophy of education; reveals the ways of formation of spiritual potential in the postmodern space; outlines the quality of time in the socio-cultural space of postmodernism.

The Use of S. Khoruzhyi's Ideas of Energetic Hesychasm in the Educational Strategies of Postmodern Society

Vitalii Ihnatiev — 2024-03-01

Through the prism of the study of the theology of Hesychasm the authors of this article consider the philosophical work of S. Khoruzhyi as a present-day system of non-classical pedagogical paradigm. On the other hand, this paradigm is a philosophically framed historical tradition of Orthodox ontological experience of human existence, which in our time has gone beyond the end of history. Moving beyond confessional boundaries into a universal philosophical meta-anthropological project provides a heuristic effect for the construction of spiritual pedagogy as well as for its synergy with the educational strategies and spiritual practices of the common man of the postmodern era.

The authors sought to identify the basic intentions of religion and postmodern consciousness, and to characterize S. Khoruzhyi's theosophical paradigm in terms of its unconscious and unintentional correlation with the social philosophy of pedagogical of postmodernism. For this purpose we used comparative typological and meaningful methinks, as well as elements of hermeneutics and intertextual analysis.

As a result of the study the authors formulated a number of conclusions and results. The most general one defines the peculiarity of S. Khoruzhogo's narrative, in which the philosopher not only insists but also systematically embeds Hesychasm in the context of the post-non-classical philosophical and pedagogical paradigm. In essence, S. Khoruzhyi forms an alternative to the classical philosophical paradigm, which (even despite the author's formal objections) is open to a horizontal postmodern dialogue and constructed in a personal Hesychasm practice " bottom-up" from -because of "human energy".

The Role of Teaching Foreign Languages in Developing Intercultural Competence

Nataliia Oberste-Berghaus — 2024-03-01

In the contemporary global landscape marked by intensified cross-cultural communication, the proposed research explores the critical role of teaching foreign languages in fostering intercultural competence. Recognizing the indispensability of cultural sensitivity in the world distinguished by diversity, the study delves into the transition within German as a foreign language (hereinafter – GFL) teaching from a focus on communicative competence to the pursuit of intercultural communicative competence. The investigation underscores the importance of equipping learners with competencies extending beyond linguistic proficiency, encompassing sociocultural understanding and universal practices. The former employs a comprehensive review of literature and research findings to reveal the multifaceted dimensions of intercultural competence, including cultural knowledge, communication skills, awareness, empathy, and adaptability. Examining effective teaching strategies, such as integrating authentic materials, fostering learner autonomy, and providing reflective learning opportunities, the study emphasizes the transformative role of educators in creating meaningful intercultural learning experiences. However, challenges in teaching intercultural competence are acknowledged, including limited exposure to authentic contexts, cultural biases, and the need for inclusive classroom environments. The study advocates for continuous professional development for educators, offering insights into potential solutions and future directions in foreign language education. In conclusion, the research highlights the pivotal role of foreign language education in developing intercultural competence and calls for ongoing collaboration among educators and researchers to overcome challenges and advance the field. The prospects for further study involve experimental research on teachers’ and learners’ practices in developing intercultural competence in GFL classrooms. This study contributes substantially to the discourse on intercultural competence, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance global citizenship through language education.

Participation in the Context of Developing Pupils' Leadership Qualities on a Humanistic and Democratic Basis

Mariia Hrynova — 2024-03-01

How can the leadership qualities of students be developed on a humanistic and democratic basis so that the next generation of citizens can continue the democratic development in Ukraine? This question is at the center of the presented article.

The literature shows that a democratic leadership style has a positive impact on working atmosphere and coexistence if it is characterized by the skills of emotional intelligence such as teamwork and cooperation, conflict resolution and if a leader is characterized by active listening as a key strength based on a respectful attitude towards human rights and democracy. Leaders do this in order to achieve outcomes in the process of interpersonal interaction that are mutually beneficial to the social group. In order to underpin this foundation, the article goes on to discuss the concept of participation, a principle that forms the basis of democratic leadership and which must therefore be taken into account and placed at the center of the education of children and young people in formal and non-formal education. The literature makes it clear: democracy has no reason to exist without participation, but at the same time participation must be presented in a very differentiated way. A specially developed diagram illustrates that the transfer of power simultaneously means the assumption of responsibility by the person being led. The consequence for the school is that future leaders must have the opportunity to experience active participation experiences. This has an impact on the selection and further training of teachers already addressed in Ukraine.

Investigating the Relationship between Metacognition and STREAM Education in Science: An Exploratory Study

Lavinia Șuteu — 2024-03-01

Metacognition and STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering and Math) education are indisputable in today’s informational society for both personal and professional development. The current study aims to investigate the potential relationship between these two variables. Although there is not yet a substantial theoretical background that integrates both concepts into a coherent perspective, research on this topic can provide relevant insights on how to analyze and incorporate these concepts into a consistent theoretical and empirical paradigm. For this purpose, 3^rd year students who are preparing themselves to become primary and preschool teachers participated in the study. They were given an online link to a self-reported measure of metacognition in science (the MAI scale) and an assessment task that measured how well they integrate STREAM knowledge with science-related topics. Data analysis revealed a significant relationship between metacognition and STREAM knowledge in science education. Moreover, it seems that metacognition is a significant predictor of STREAM knowledge. The results of this study are highly valuable in the context of the scarcity of research on this topic, being a starting point for the development of a theoretical perspective to explain the metacognition - STREAM education relationship.

Determining the Changes in Psychomotor Behavior of Adolescents with Special Needs

Valentina Ștefănica — 2024-03-01

The research focuses on the development of physical, cognitive and social components in 28 adolescents (12-14 years old). They are students of two institutionalized centers of Romania. The first one is the "Sfântul Ștelian" Inclusive Education School Center of Costesti, Arges(CC-12 subjects). The second one is the "Sfânta Filofteia" Inclusive Education School Center of Ștefănești (CS-16 subjects). This research aims to identify the individual particularities in the psychomotor behavior of adolescents with special needs (SEN). The subjects were included in personalized psychomotricity programs without compromising the effectiveness of these ones. The specific needs of each individual child were taken into consideration. Primary data were obtained by comprehensively analyzing the psychological records of subjects and evaluating their motor development and physical condition. Scientific instruments used: Optojump Next optical system for movement analysis; Witty SEM intelligent semaphore; Sensamove balance miniboard and Tanita body composition analyzer. Finally, the results from the two centers were compared through statistical-mathematical analysis. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and, as appropriate, the Independent sample t-test and Mann-Witney U test were used. The results of the psycho-pedagogical records highlighted that the socio-demographic variables had relatively similar characteristics in the two institutionalized centers. Regarding the analysis of the psychomotor component, the comparisons between the groups distributions revealed statististically significant differences in only 18.7%. The combined results showed that psychomotor interventions can be similarly applied in the two centers, using the same program. The intervention program and the experimental results of its application are the subject of another research.

Reconsidering Intercultural Component of Foreign Language Learning in the Result of Russia-Ukraine War (Ukrainian Perspective)

Oleksandr Pasichnyk — 2024-03-01

According to the generally accepted paradigm culture is considered an indispensable element of language learning process. Analysis of modern didactic materials and textbooks shows that target culture is presented in both explicit and implicit way. Authors insist that shaping students’ intercultural awareness cannot be limited to students’ exposure to another culture. Real intercultural approach also involves students’ ability to present their home country and culture. For this purpose it is essential to determine elements of students’ native culture which are to be incorporated in language learning process. Analysis of cultural patterns utilized in language learning proves that it offers a variety of everyday and touristic topics but omits the problems of wars and conflicts which are pertinent to many countries. The full-scale Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has challenged educators in Ukraine to reconsider approaches to cultural representations of home country. Authors claim that current war has significantly transformed the image of Ukraine as well as the global agenda, and showcase this with relevant examples. Due to these facts it has become impossible for students to present their home country through the prism of peaceful relations and omit the problem of war and its implications. For this purpose authors specified war-related topics which are relevant to national curriculum and can be potentially incorporated in the content of foreign language learning. In order to find out educators’ attitude towards incorporating war-related problems in national curriculum the authors have questioned over 300 teachers from various parts of Ukraine. The obtained data clearly shows that most educators support the idea of integrating war-related topics as they have a potential to showcase the problem of human values, inter-personal relations and cultural dimensions.

STEAM Education - An Effective Approach to Achieving Sustainability in Higher Education

Alina Suslenco — 2024-03-01

The present study represents a scientific foray, aimed at elucidating the role and indisputable contribution of STEAM skills in higher education, skills that are extremely necessary for educational actors in the era of postmodern education. The aim of the research is identification of the implementation directions of STEAM education applied in higher education institutions. In the preparation of this paper, we used qualitative research, content analysis of the reports of higher education institutions in the EU that allowed us to analyze the practices they use in the cultivation and foundation of STEAM skills. In addition to this, the Global Innovation Index repot and the Human Capital index were analyzed, which allowed us to elucidate the main challenges that the Republic of Moldova faces in capitalizing on human potential, in the generation and implementation of innovations. In conclusion, we can mention that universities, currently, must remodel their management system, adapt their curricula, in order to base new skills - STEAM skills, which help higher education institutions to focus on a new education - STEAM education, a digitized education, focused on the integration of innovation in the didactic activity, on national-regional-international cooperation in order to train competitive young people on the labour market, young people with a culture of innovation, young people who will contribute to the promotion of sustainability at the society level.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Museum Education in Virtual Environment with 360° Videos

Didem İşlek — 2024-03-01

This study aims to evaluate the impact of virtual museum applications incorporating 360° videos on student achievement levels. In this context, a specialized educational environment was designed using 360° videos in a museum education course, and the effects on learning achievements were examined. Additionally, students' perceptions of the developed environment were assessed. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research engaged both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The sample consisted of students majoring in elementary education (N=32) and preschool education (N=29). The quantitative data collection process followed an experimental model with a post-test control group and a randomized design. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews reflecting student opinions. The research findings indicate that virtual museum applications positively influence student achievement levels, particularly noting an enhanced interaction with applications incorporating 360° videos. Moreover, qualitative findings support that students perceive such museum education activities positively, indicating a positive impact on the learning process. Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are proposed for the effective implementation of virtual museum education with 360° videos: Firstly, design virtual museum activities that align with learning objectives and actively engage students. Secondly, it is crucial to instruct students in navigating virtual museum environments using 360° video technology. Additionally, efforts should be made to provide accessible virtual museum experiences for all students. Future research endeavors may delve into a more detailed exploration of the long-term effects of 360° videos in virtual museum education on student learning and engagement. Furthermore, researchers could broaden their perspective by integrating virtual museum education with other teaching formats, such as field trips and hands-on activities.

The Problem of Professional Burnout among Workers of Social and Pedagogical Sphere in the Conditions of Implementation of Information and Communication Strategy of Education

Olesia Koropetska — 2024-03-01

The article presents a theoretical analysis of the problem of professional burnout among social workers in the postmodern society. The concept of the “emotional burnout” and the “professional burnout” is generalized as a common state of exhaustion in the physical and mental sense, which is caused by intense and steady stress. It is noted that burnout syndrome manifests itself in a depressed state, accompanied by feelings of fatigue and devastation, feeling of futility of his professional activity, rejection of activity both professional and domestic.

To achieve the goal, a general scientific method of theoretical analysis of philosophical, sociological, psychological and pedagogical scientific literature was used in the study. To achieve the goal, the study used the general scientific method of theoretical analysis of philosophical, sociological, psychological and pedagogical scientific literature. The realities and prospects of implementation of strategic objectives of the Communication Strategy of the Ministry of Education and Science for 2023-2030 (On approval of the Communication Strategy of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for 2023-2030, 2022) were substantiated, which should undoubtedly correlate with the effectiveness of the work of a socio-pedagogical worker, to prevent the strengthening of the trend of professional burnout, in particular: the formation and implementation of public policy to ensure decent working conditions of the specialist of socio-pedagogical sphere to ensure the sustainable functioning of the areas of education and social work during wartime; implementation of updated digital educational environment; development of digital competencies to ensure stable communication in the context of socio-pedagogical interaction. In the context of the theoretical study of professional burnout among social workers, causing a syndrome of professional burnout. It is expressed in a reduction to a minimum of self-control, rejection of oneself as a professional, dysfunctional dynamics of the workplace, extreme activity, degradation in social and personal communication, feeling of loneliness both at work and outside of it.

The analysis of methods of professional burnout is presented and the diagnosis of professional burnout among social workers is considered: the methodology of Agapova (2004) (based on the diagnosis of emotional burnout level according to Boyko) (enables systemic and detail analysis of the degree of severity of twelve symptoms of burnout syndrome, taking into account the components that they relate to); the methodology “Psychological burnout” in the work of the system “human – human” (developed by Vodopyanova, Starchenkova, 2008). Guided by the development of K. Maslach and S. Jackson, it allows to investigate the main components of a psychological burnout syndrome, such as: exhaustion emotionally, loss of personality, leveling of professional abilities.

Educational Experiences of Children and Youths in Foster Care: A Multidimensional Approach

Oana-Elena Radacina — 2024-03-01

In the context in which school education can be a source of support for the social integration of children and youths in the welfare system, their educational experiences become relevant. This article pinpoints the school experiences of 65 children and youths in the special residential care system in Romania, with references to several numbers of international studies. Educational experiences are described through a multidimensional approach, from a psycho-emotional, pedagogical, and relational perspective. Based on the perspective of institutionalised children and youths, feelings and emotions related to school, perceptions of the educational act and climate, educational needs, as well as relationships with peers or teachers are explored. The research methods used were mixed; we used both the questionnaire-based survey and the interview. The research results suggest that the voices of institutionalised students need to be heard and valued. These are important resources for restoring the right of these children and youths to a fair education.

Fostering Critical Reading and Research Skills in Medical Students through English for Careers Classes

Oksana Dudina — 2024-03-01

This article investigates the impact of integrating critical reading and research skills within English for Careers classes on the development of these competencies among second-year medical students. By examining various strategies and activities that can be implemented within these classes, the study aims to cultivate these competencies effectively. The theoretical background supporting this approach includes constructivist theory, experiential learning theory, and the Community of Inquiry framework.

The research procedure involved second-year medical students from the Medical Faculty of a Medical University, with participants divided into a control group and an experimental group. A well-structured and tailored curriculum was designed to integrate critical reading and research skills within the English language learning context. Pre- and post-assessment instruments were developed to measure students' critical reading and research skills. The results showed a significant improvement in these skills among the students who participated in the English for Careers classes compared to the control group. The study demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of the experimental group in various measures of critical reading and research skills, including reading comprehension, research article evaluations, and critical analysis.

The findings highlight the effectiveness of integrating critical reading and research skills within English for Careers classes in fostering the development of these competencies among medical students. By equipping students with these skills, they are better prepared to provide evidence-based patient care, contribute to medical knowledge, and stay updated with advancements in their field. The article emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive learning environment that promotes active engagement, critical thinking, and the acquisition of essential reading and research competencies.

Opportunities and Challenges in Using the “Community of Inquiry” Model in Teaching Ethics

Iulia Grad — 2024-03-01

Philosophy for children (P4C) is an area that has experienced impressive growth in recent decades, proving to be a highly valuable resource in children's development. Studies demonstrate its significant impact on the development of logical thinking, critical reasoning, imagination, and fostering openness to dialogue and collaboration. While there are various perspectives and methods in the field of philosophy for children, a common element among them all is the centrality of the concept of dialogue. P4C serves as a paradigmatic example of what dialogical education represents. The underlying assumption of this paper is that the specific practices of philosophy for children provide valuable methods and perspectives that can be useful in teaching ethics in communication and ethics in general, particularly for students without prior training in philosophy. Recognizing the potential challenges and the need for context-specific adaptation, this paper seeks to illustrate how the integration of the models used in P4C practices, such as the communities of inquiry, into communication ethics education, can provide a promising and innovative approach to fostering ethical and critical thinking in students.

Humor Use in Speech and Language Therapy in Romania

Carolina Bodea-Hațegan — 2024-03-01

Humor, as part of our lives, is also extremely important in different professional settings. Speech and language therapy (SLT) sector is addressing both children and adults with specific language disorders or with non-specific language disorders, secondary to different syndromes or disabilities. In the SLT area, humor is a way through which therapy sessions can be easily introduced, it being an intrinsic modality of approaching children and adults. This article illustrates the data collected in the first Romanian study regarding humor use in the SLT sector, focusing on the way humor is perceived by specialists, but at the same time on the participants’ needs regarding the enriching of the SLT field with more materials both digitally born and/or printed. This study presents extended descriptive data that help us consider humor as a vital element during speech therapy sessions, independently of the professionals’ age, gender, experience and to create a collection of data regarding humor use in speech therapy for future therapeutic effective interventions. Thus, the most relevant collected data are as follows: of the 210 participants in this research just 12 (5.7%) responded that they do not use humor in their professional sector; 94.3% use humor in language disorder therapy activities; 39% use humor in every therapeutic session; more than 68% of participants use verbal humor during their sessions; 199 (94.8%) say that therapeutic materials with humorous content are mainly presented in traditional format (physical material resources); 129 responded they use humor (61.4%) in virtual format too - (digital resources); 68 % of the participants strongly agree/agree that a humor assessment tool is necessary for the effective use of humor in language disorder therapy.

National Project "Gymnastics game", a Playful-physical-emotional Pathway in Kindergarten and Primary School

Miriam Scarpino — 2024-03-01

International bodies recommend the daily practice of physical activity from developmental age, emphasizing the priority of enhancing levels of motor-sport activity (Who, 2015; 2020). In this sense, physical and sports education in the school setting represents an educational opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of Health Enhancing Physical Activity. The aim of this contribution is to present the national project "Gymnastics Game" promoted by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) and The Italian Gymnastics Federation with the purposes of: facilitating a lifestyle-oriented healthy, cognitive and relational approach from kindergarten onward; preventing deviant behaviour; and developing both useful problem-solving skills facing with a creative approach and adaptable and transferable skills to everyday life.

The pilot project, implemented in all regions of Italy's national territory, involved No. 40 schools, a total of 222 classes, 4500 pupils attending sections 3-4-5 years of kindergarten and the first and second classes of primary school (6-7 years old), with an additional 285 classes that only received the educational kit without being able to participate in the pilot project. The initiative involved the active participation of curricular and support teachers of the affected classes, 40 FGI specialists and families. The pathways guidelines have started a nationwide comparison aimed at developing research and educational-methodological innovation in physical and sport science, improving over the years, participation in motor and sports activities and opposing the early abandonment.

Changes in Somatic Indicators, Body Posture and Health-Oriented Fitness among Younger School-Age Female Pupils

Elena Bendíková — 2024-03-01

Background and Aim of Study: Currently, we are observing a worsening trend in the field of health-oriented fitness and postural health of the school population. The aim of the research was to compare and expand knowledge in the areas of monitoring somatic changes, indicators of health-oriented fitness, motor performance, and body posture among 10-year-old female school populations. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of ????n=292 female pupils, with n=150 from 2012 and n=142 from 2022 at the elementary school in Žilina (ZA), Slovakia. An ex post facto study was applied. Standardized methods of measurement and testing applicable for school practice were used to obtain data. Differences between groups of female pupils were examined using the Kruskal-Wallis H-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. To determine the effect size and measure the difference in average values, Cohen's d and r were used. The differences found were evaluated at the (p<0.05) level of statistical significance. Results: When comparing the average body weight of female pupils from ZA in 2012 and 2022, we found a significant difference (p<0.05) (H=4.87, p=0.02733) in favor of female pupils from 2012. The same finding in favor of female pupils from 2012 was recorded when comparing the average body mass index (BMI) (H=4.8182, p=0.02816), as well as in evaluating the average health-oriented fitness using the Ruffier test (H=13.1965, p=0.00028). The Beep test was also used to evaluate the endurance abilities of female pupils, where current ZA female pupils in 2022 showed significantly worse results (H=5.752, p=0.01647). Similarly, we also observed significant (p<0.05) worse findings in overall body posture among female pupils from ZA in 2022. Conclusion: On the basis of our findings, we consider the current state of body weight, posture, health-oriented physical fitness and endurance skills in younger school-aged girls to be unsatisfactory and health-threatening. It is necessary to further deal with the stated facts and look for preventive measures. These findings indicate a declining and deteriorating trend in health-oriented fitness in relation to body weight, body posture, and endurance abilities.

Investigating the Possibility of Implementing Kayak-canoe and Rowing Topics in the School Curriculum for the Danube Delta Area

Gabriel Murariu — 2024-03-01

Rowing and kayak-canoeing are water sports that are not among the top preferences of young people in Romania and are not included in school programs, even if sports performances have been achieved in these disciplines on an international level. The purpose of the study is to question physical education teachers from the Danube Delta area, regarding the possibility of including these sports in the school curriculum. The work methodology is specific to cross-sectional studies, by applying a questionnaire structured on 3 dimensions (utility, accessibility and attractiveness). The study group consists of 50 teachers, at the level of which 3 independent variables were defined (gender, teaching degree and length of service). The results identify the following causes that can limit the implementation of these activities: problems related to the material base, the limited involvement of teachers in the promotion of these sports disciplines at the level of schools and local decision-makers, low participation of young people in kayaking-canoeing and rowing activities (as variants of active leisure). However, very good values are obtained regarding the favorable effects of these sports for the level of fitness, body harmony and the fulfillment of the skills in physical education programs, so they can be a viable alternative to other classic sports activities. We did not report significant differences between the opinions expressed by men and women. However, we note the superiority of the scores for the teachers of the Under 20 years career group, at the level of the items of all 3 factors, with some significant differences compared to the Over 20 years career group, so younger teachers are more confident and open to the implementation of kayak-canoeing and rowing in the school curriculum.

Self-Esteem, Self-Concept and Academic Performance in Middle-School Students According to their Sport Context

Samuel Honório — 2024-03-01

Introduction: Academic performance is favored in students who practice sports with body contact and develops an increasing value in self-concept when a comparison is established with those who don’t are engaged in sports without body contact. Methods: This study aimed to analyze and relate variables of self-concept, self-esteem and other variables such as aerobic capacity (VO2 max), handgrip strength and academic achievement, within the modalities that they practiced, with and without body contact. 132 middle-school students between 10 and 11 years old (69 boys and 63 girls) who attended the 5th and 6th grades participated. Results: It was found a mean level of behavior, physical appearance, school competence, social acceptance and higher academic performance in the group without body contact. A T-test was applied on self-concept variables, self-esteem, aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and academic performance, and the Mann-Whitney test on physical appearance variables and handgrip strength, finding only differences in the behavior variable, with a value of α = 0.014. A linear regression analysis was also presented in order to identify the best predictors of academic performance Conclusions: The practice of sports with body contact promotes a significant increase in behavior levels, compared to students without body contact, however the practice of this type of sports doesn’t show higher levels of self-esteem and academic performance, once compared to other students practicing sports without body contact. The best predictors identified were global self-concept, school competence and aerobic capacity.

Increasing the Level of Physical Activity Intensity with Child-Designed Games and Creativity of 6-8 Year-Olds during Gymnastics Lessons in Physical Education

Tanja Petrušič — 2024-03-01

Higher levels of physical activity (PA) during physical education (PE) are important for 6- to 8-year-old children because it can improve their physical health, cognitive skills, academic performance, and social development. The purpose of the study conducted was to determine the effects of incorporating child-designed games and student creativity while waiting for teacher supervision during gymnastics lessons in PE on the quantity and intensity of PA among 1st and 2nd grade students. The sample included 91 1st and 2nd grade students (53 boys) from a Slovenian school. The sample included 91 1st and 2nd grade students (53 boys) from a Slovenian elementary school, of whom 48 (age = 6.8 ± 0.7) participated in the experimental teaching program that included child-designed games and student creativity, while 43 (age = 7.0 ± 0.6) belonged to the control group where traditional teaching continued. They were taught three gymnastics elements that had to be supervised by the teacher: the squat jump on the vault box, the backward roll, and the cartwheel. The results of the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test showed statistically significant differences between groups (EXP vs. CON) in terms of light PA (LPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) for all three gymnastics elements taught: the squat jump on the vault box (LPA: p=0.001; MVPA: p=0.001), the backward roll (LPA: p=0.001; MVPA: p=0.001), and the cartwheel (LPA: p=0.002; MVPA: p=0.001). Statistically significant differences between groups in terms of vigorous PA (VPA) did not occur for any gymnastics element: the squat jump on the vault box (p=0.462), the backward roll (p=0.833), and the cartwheel (p=0.636). The results show the effectiveness of incorporating child-designed games and student creativity to reduce inactivity while waiting for teacher supervision and to increase the amount of LPA and MVPA in 1st and 2nd grade elementary school during gymnastics lessons in PE.

Evaluation of Sports Achievements of Participants in Cheerleading Competitions by Rationalizing Refereeing

Tetiana Synytsya — 2024-03-01

Cheerleading is a popular sport that is developing and increasing the number of fans. Cheerleading is a subjective sport and therefore it requires a lot of attention. The aim of the study is to investigate, identify and scientifically substantiate effective ways of rationalizing the refereeing of cheerleading competitions. 105 cheerleading judges took part in the study. Based on the results of the survey, an experimental group of judges of II and III categories was formed, which consisted of 73 young judges (hereinafter referred to as novice judges), who were involved in the experiment. Among them, 35.6% have the II judge category, 64.4% – III. Among novice judges, 23.3% have 3 years of experience as judges, 42.5% – 2 years, the rest – 31.2% – 1 year. The conducted questionnaire of cheerleading judges showed that certain difficulties arise in the judging process: distraction of own athletes and their parents, judges or competition organizers (72.6%); a large number of athletes in the team (up to 24), a significant number of numbers in one nomination (11.0%); long and loud music (8.2%); violation of hygiene requirements (weak or significant lighting, unventilated room, draft, etc.) (8.2%). In addition, there is a need to store the performances in memory, for a qualitative assessment of all competitive performances. As a result of the conducted research, methodical recommendations were developed, as well as developed evaluation symbols and marks for use during competition that will help judges to qualitatively and fairly evaluate competitive performances; remember performances and correctly distribute participants.

Combined Methods for Developing the Specific Strength of Women Long Jumpers U18

Horatiu Calfa — 2024-03-01

Background and Study Aim. It is well known that neuromuscular electrostimulation and plyometric exercises positively influence the gain of explosive force in the lower limbs. The combination of plyometric method and electrostimulation begins to gain a positive trend, being included in the modern training of athletes due to the important gain of explosive force. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of combining plyometric and electrostimulation methods in specific training for the development of lower limb muscle strength in long jumpers.

Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 15 women's long jump athletes, age category 18 years ± 1,622, with an average weight of 50.80 kg ± 3,932, height of 165.87cm ±3,292 and foot plant of 39.00 ±1,254. The group carried out the experimental training program for a duration of 12 weeks, with means specific to the two methods, three times a week, lasting 60 minutes. It was assessed: horizontal speed on the last 10m of the run up, 1 RM (a maximum rep for a squat); vertical jump; flight time and performance achieved in the competition. The maximum repetition for a squat was tested with the GykoRePower system, the vertical jump was determined with the OptoJump Next system, and the performance in the test was recorded during the competition. The vertical jump, the average value of power used to develop the explosive force and the length of the jump were evaluated. The recorded data on the muscle profile of the subjects were analyzed with the SPSS statistical analysis program

Results. The statistical analysis performed with T-student obtained significant differences between the two tests of the experiment group (p ≤ 0.001): 1RM registers a progress of 10.476 kg with a progress rate of 18.07%, optimal load registers a progress of 3.627 kg with a progress rate of 8.93%, vertical jump achieves a progress of 4.567 cm with a progress rate of 16.09% with a flight time progress of 0.03833 s with a progress rate of 7.39%, and the speed on the last 10 m of run up progresses by 0.5234 s with a progress rate of 6.79%. Subjects recorded a progress for competition performance of 36.467 cm compared to the initial test with a progress rate of 8.50%.

Conclusions. The research results are objective arguments that highlight that a specific training based on combining plyometric method with electrostimulation determines significant improvements in the development of explosive force of the lower limbs in long jumps with positive effects on sports performance for long jumpers.

A Theoretical Perspective on Understanding Ethical Principles in Sports

Veronica Mindrescu — 2024-03-01

Physical education as well as sports is human activity that supports holistically the development of individuals. Sport is recognized as an individual activity that provides the opportunity for self-knowledge, self-expression and fulfillment of personal achievement. Sport support skill acquisition and demonstration of skill, a joyful life, a well-being state and a good health. Moreover, sport also involves us in a collective effort to pursue human excellence, giving us the real opportunity for social interaction. Followed by discipline, sport becomes a source of pleasure, but more than that, sport brings inspiration to individuals, brings them together through their cultures and differences, for a common purpose, thus creating bonds where previously there were social divisions. Besides all its attributes, from a social-constructionist paradigm, sport can contribute to the prosperity of society and can stimulate friendships between nations, at the same time calling for co-responsibility. Starting from responsibility as a social value, we thus understand how sport is the environment responsible for the application of rules and for adherence to moral and ethical values, such as respect for the dignity of the person, in a reciprocal way, solidarity, equity, fairness, transparency.

The present paper comes to briefly approach, from a theoretical point of view, the importance of ethics at the level of sports, and to highlight those ethical values (through a selection of ethical principles) on which the sport practice is based, through the lens of international specialized literature.