Journal Plus Education

PERSPECTIVES ON INCLUSION. MINI RESEARCH CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE TRAINING PROGRAM ,,EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL FOR ALL”

2025-02-26T11:41:52+02:00

Recently, reforms and legislative initiatives in the field of
education place an increasing emphasis on providing equal
learning opportunities to all individuals. Education for all has
become a major priority of educational systems, being centered
on equity, participation and respect for diversity. As a trainer in
the training program entitled ,,Education in school for all”, I
undertook a mini-research on inclusive institutional cultures
during March 2022. The mentioned training program, approved
by OMEC no. 3189/ 07.02.2020, with a number of 25
transferable credits, was developed by the House of the Teachers
Body of Bihor County and aimed at the following skills: the
development and expansion of transversal skills regarding
interaction and communication with the social environment and
the pedagogical environment, assuming responsibilities on organizing,
leading and improving the strategic performance of
professional groups, self-control and reflective analysis of one's
own activity and others. The paper presents a mini-research
based on the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained
following the application of a questionnaire to one of the groups
of teachers who participated in the program "Education in the
school for all".

PARENTS' PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY BY CHILDREN IN A RURAL COMMUNITY – BIHOR COUNTY, ROMANIA -

2025-02-26T11:49:08+02:00

The access and use of digital technology by rural pupils are two very little explored issues in Romania. Research on these issues is sporadic, targeted and there is no sustained research over time - longitudinal research - to track the factors that determine changes in the use of technology by pupils in these environments. In an article published in 2021 we made a brief synthesis of the Romanian literature regarding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by students (Cosma, 2021). The studies showed an increase in access to digital devices, but also its use for different purposes. The most accessed devices were phone and laptop or computer, followed by tablet. The main online activities were school activities (reports, presentations, projects, homework, etc.) and entertainment activities (music, videos, video games, etc.). In the meantime, in Bihor county, digital equipment has been purchased through the funding lines opened for town halls and schools for this purpose. We mention here Rosia , Budureasa , Remetea etc. In Lazareni the project "Improvement of digital content and systemic ICT infrastructure in the field of e-education in Lazareni, Bihor County" was implemented in the period 20216 - 20227. This project purchased tablets for students, laptops for teachers and other digital equipment totaling 1.170.673,63 lei. The use of this equipment, however, is dependent on the teachers' competence to effectively use this equipment, applications and platforms, but also on the parents' support, motivation and perception of the usefulness of digital technology in the use of it by children. Through this study, we aim to analyze these issues: to explore parents' perceptions of the benefits and risks to which pupils are exposed when using information and communication technology (ICT).

ART AS EXPRESION OF FEELINGS FOR CHILDREN

2025-02-26T12:00:15+02:00

Art, as a sensory expression os sometimes characterized as a
therapeutic medium through which children articulate their
emotions. A prevalent notion in certain educational institutions
is that the sole justification for creating art is for pupils to
express feelings, rather than as an integral academic process.
Art is perceived as a cathartic process through which emotions
disclose their source. Traditionally, mathematics and literature
are conducted in the morning and hold significant importance in
the school curriculum. It is unsurprising that art is perceived as
an emotional outlet, particularly when children exhibit
diminished cognitive concentration. The arts, characterized by
an ambiance of joy and emotional expression, are a compelling
candidate for therapeutic intervention. We must acknowledge
that this is merely a supplementary role; nonetheless, if it serves
solely for emotional release, its significance aligns more closely
with psychiatry than with expressive art.

HOW TO INFER MATHEMATICAL SEQUENTIAL MEDIATION RELATIONSHIPS FROM NETWORK ANALYSIS

2025-02-26T12:04:15+02:00

This paper explores the statistical inference of mathematical
sequential mediation relationships through network analysis,
utilizing JASP for network modeling and SPSS Process Macro
(Model 6) for mediation analysis. Sequential mediation analysis
is particularly useful when dealing with highly complex
theoretical models or when no theoretical model exists, enabling
exploratory or confirmatory studies of specific mediation
relationships. Network analysis serves as a complementary tool
to identify potential pathways and interrelations within variables
before applying mediation models. The paper includes an
applied example within a study that uses an extended Technology
Acceptance Model (TAM) to identify factors promoting TAM
adoption among preschool teachers. The methodological
implications of combining sequential mediation and network
analysis are discussed, offering significant contributions to the
behavioral sciences.

BIBLIOMETRIC INSIGHTS ON EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF WELLNESS TOURISM: PROMOTING HEALTH AND CULTURAL AWARENESS

2025-02-26T12:40:18+02:00

The tourism and wellness sectors are combined in the
wellness tourism sector which can satisfy people's dual
requirements for travel and health and promote a healthy way of
life. (Y. Li & Wen, 2024). Wellness tourism provides physical,
quality-of-life, psychological, and environmental health
advantages (Liao et al., 2023). In an era of increasing stress,
wellness has transformed into a lifestyle of self-discovery and the
wellness tourism industry is growing at a pace (K. H. Chen et al.,
2013). This research aims to expand knowledge about wellness
tourism by exploring its structural dimensions and potential as a
multidisciplinary educational tool. By examining its integration
into educational frameworks, the study highlights wellness
tourism as a valuable resource for teaching sustainable
practices, cultural awareness, and holistic health principles.
Thus, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis of wellness
tourism publications by extracting the data from the Scopus
database. 495 documents were considered for final analysis
through biblioshiny and Vosviewer. Performance analysis such
as most productive authors, journals, papers, annual production
patterns, and science mapping such as bibliographic coupling,
world collaboration, co-citation analysis, etc was conducted.
The findings provide insights for researchers, educators, and
industry professionals to advance the field and incorporate
wellness tourism into academic curricula and training
programs.

MOTIVATION MUSIC INVENTORY RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY, FOR A ROMANIAN VERSION, IN A LARGE STUDENT SAMPLE

2025-02-26T12:42:59+02:00

The present study sought to investigate second time
the MUSIC inventory reliability and structure validity but, in a
larger sample. Published research using multiple samples
indicated that MUSIC inventory had excellent Cronbach’s
Alpha values for each scale and the structure validly was
considered acceptable by more authors, even there have been
found higher correlations between its scales. The hypothesis was
that the students' perceptions measured using MUSIC inventory
would prove the reliability and construct validity of the
translated version. The sample of this study consisted of a
voluntary group of 215 students, mainly enrolled in the Master's
Programs: Educational Management - first and second year and
Psychopedagogy of Early Education - first and second year. The
study had a cross-sectional design. The structure of the study is
similar to the previous one, with the intention to make their
results comparable. Also, the same statistical analyses were
performed: reliability analysis (Cronbach’s Alpha), factor
analysis and correlation analysis. Interpretation of results from
this study suggested that the hypothesis of the study was again
only partially confirmed, reliability was proved by Cronbach
Alpha coefficients to be excellent (between ,946 - ,970) for all
scales. Related to the construct validity of the inventory, results
not confirmed the theoretical structure. Due to high correlation
among all MUSIC items, inventory theoretical structure is
susceptible not working properly in all samples.

CURRICULAR DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY TO SUPPORT THE INCLUSIVE PEDAGOGY APPROACH

2025-02-26T12:46:07+02:00

This study aims to explore curricular adjustments that
support an inclusive pedagogy approach within university
settings, focusing on how learning objectives, teaching methods,
and learning activities can be adapted to meet the diverse needs
of students. The research examines the practical implementation
of these adjustments and investigates the challenges and
opportunities for fostering an inclusive learning environment. By
analyzing the experiences of both university teachers and
students, this study seeks to contribute strategies that promote
equitable participation and learning for all. The research untilizes
a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and
qualitative data to offer a comprehensive analysis. The
quantitative component involved administering two distinct
questionnaires—one for university teachers and another for
students—at the University of Bucharest, with 19 teachers and
54 students participating. The questionnaires, structured on a 5-
point Likert scale, collected data on the perception of inclusive
pedagogical practices. The qualitative component included indepth
interviews with five participant
analysis to identify key themes related to student learning needs,
inclusive participation, and classroom diversity. Findings from
this study highlight the importance of differentiated instruction,
collaborative work, flexible assessment, and the integration of
technology in supporting inclusive practices. The research
underscores the need for continued professional development for
autonomy and empowerment in an inclusive classroom. This
research seeks to provide valuable insights for developing
strategies that enhance inclusivity in higher education.

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES OF A MENTOR IN A TEACHING CAREER

2025-02-26T12:53:11+02:00

Mentorship within the teaching profession is integral to
fostering professional development, equipping mentees with
guidance, support, and reflective practices essential for their
growth. This article examines the critical qualities of effective
mentors, including empathy, integrity, advanced communication
skills, adaptability, and reflective practices. Empathy forms the
foundation of trust, while active listening deepens the mentormentee
connection. Integrity and authenticity enhance
credibility, inspiring ethical behavior in mentees. Effective
communication ensures the seamless transfer of knowledge and
facilitates problem-solving, while flexibility allows mentors to
provide personalized guidance. Reflective practice underpins
continuous improvement for both mentors and mentees,
solidifying mentorship as a collaborative and transformative
experience. These attributes collectively enrich the mentorship
process, equipping educators to navigate the multifaceted
challenges of the teaching profession.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS IN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA

2025-02-26T13:00:21+02:00

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the
application of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. AI is
currently used in many areas of education, including
administration in schools, learning adaptations, and expanding
the accessibility of education. Although AI has a lot of potential
benefits, there are obstacles that must be conquer before it can
be put into practice. This study examined the relationship
between AI and the teaching-learning process in education in
Nigeria, specifically focusing on undergraduates at Delta State
University, Abraka. A cross-sectional study approach was used
in this study, which obtained data from 437 undergraduate
students. A stratified sampling technique was used to select a
sample of the respondents. To analyze the data for the study, the
t-test, correlation, and linear regression analysis were
employed. This study demonstrated the robust and beneficial
relationship between artificial intelligence and the teaching-learning
process in education in Nigerian. However, there are
also difficulties with using AI in education. These difficulties
include students' excessive reliance on technology, concerns
about data security and privacy, unequal access, prejudice and
discrimination, technological difficulties, and the decline of
human values. The study concluded that in order to prepare their
students for the challenges of the AI revolution, Nigerian
educational institutions should educate and nurture their
students. The use of AI has the potential to improve teaching-
learning process, personalize learning to students' needs, and
boost administrative effectiveness in school management.
Ensuring fairness and inclusivity and the future of teaching in
the AI age are crucial when creating AI-based educational
systems.

SCHOOL DROPOUT AMONG ADOLESCENTS - SCHOOL SATISFACTION AND SELF-EFFICACY

2025-02-26T13:05:01+02:00

Dropping out of school is a topical phenomenon, being
considered not only an act of dropping out of formal education,
but also a risky behavior with multiple negative implications on
the psychological, social and economic development of
adolescents. Adolescence is a period of transition, characterized
by a series of biological, cognitive, emotional and social
changes. During this period, young people face a number of
challenges and the decisions they make can have a long-term
impact on the quality of their lives. Dropping out of school is thus
a significant threat to adolescents' well-being, both now and in
the future. School drop-out has a high incidence in many
societies and is an important indicator of the educational health
of a country. It affects not only the individual but also the
community, contributing to a cycle of poverty and social
exclusion. When students drop out of high school, this usually
has a negative impact both on their personal development and
on society, as they are exposed to an increased risk of
unemployment, health problems and social integration
difficulties. The aim of this article is to present the causes of
school drop-out among adolescents and to present statistically
the drop-out rates in different regions/schools, especially in
Romania. The average of the 27 EU countries has a 78.5%
school enrolment rate according to 2008 data, while our country
has a 78.3% share, respectively the early school leaving rate is
14.9% in the EU and 15.9% in Romania. As a result of the
analysis we can state that there is a strong link between the
variables participation in education and the early school leaving
rate, and a perfect link between the educational attainment and
the unemployment rate. In Romania school dropout rates
continue to rise, ranking first in the European Union in this
respect. Thus, as the Social Monitor shows, in 2022 the dropout
rate at the country level was 15.6% while the average at the
European Union level was 10% and has continued to decrease
in recent years.

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THEIR COMPETENCIES IN DESIGNING EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: CASE OF THE UNIVERISTY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

2025-02-26T13:10:15+02:00

Proficiency in research is a prerequisite for academic
achievement for postgraduate students. Even though research
writing abilities are crucial, the majority of students find it
difficult to complete tasks involving research. As a result, this
study looked at how postgraduate students perceived their level
of expertise when it came to creating instructional research. The
survey design used in the study was descriptive. The study was
guided by two null hypotheses and three research questions. A
sample of 300 post-graduate students, 157 of whom were male
and 143 of whom were female, was employed in the study. There
were 198 Masters and 102 Ph.D. students. The researchers
created the Students' Perceptions on their Competences in
Research Designing Questionnaire (SPCRDQ), which was the
tool used to collect data. Using Cronbach's Alpha, the
instrument's dependability was assessed; the result was a
reliability index of 0.85. The three research questions were
addressed using the mean and standard deviation, and the two
null hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance using
the t-test statistical method. The results show that students were
competent in some areas but there were areas in designing
educational research they need improvement. It also showed that
there was no discernible difference between the perceptions of
male and female students' design competencies. Nonetheless, a
notable distinction was found in the design of educational
research competencies between Ph.D. and masters students.

THE EFFECT OF ONLINE TEACHING ON STUDENTS

2025-02-26T13:14:35+02:00

The professional administration of student counseling plays
a crucial role in the formation and harmonious development of
students, particularly those who have experienced prolonged
periods of learning in isolation due to the online education
system. In our case, eighth-grade students who have undergone
this type of education require targeted psychological, emotional,
and academic support to reintegrate successfully into a
traditional learning environment. Through specialized
counseling programs, students can enhance their social
interaction skills, improve their emotional well-being, and
regain confidence in face-to-face educational settings.
Moreover, professional counseling helps identify individual
challenges, providing tailored interventions that facilitate both
academic achievement and personal growth. Addressing the
long-term effects of online learning requires a structured,
empathetic, and adaptive approach, ensuring that students
develop resilience, motivation, and a sense of belonging within
their school community.

DOMINANT ATTITUDES OF PRESCHOOL TEACHERS TOWARDS NURTURING, PROMOTING AND ENHANCING TRADITIONAL VALUES WITHIN THE INTEGRATED APPROACH TO PRESCHOOL EDUCATION

2025-02-26T13:20:47+02:00

During the preschool period, activities designed for children
should foster the initiation of friendly relationships based on
mutual understanding and the acquisition of traditional values
that promote togetherness and encourage individual
responsibility. This can be achieved by nurturing customs and
music, which, in this context, serve as natural channels of
communication. These practices help to instil behavioural
norms, strengthen connections, and promote mutual respect. In
this article, the authors analyse the dominant attitudes of
preschool teachers towards methods for promoting traditional
values in preschool-aged children within the integrated
approach to education. This is the primary focus of the
conducted research. The instrument used was a questionnaire
specifically designed for this study, titled Questionnaire on the
opinions of preschool teachers on promoting traditional values
within the integrated approach to preschool education. The
research sample consisted of 116 preschool teachers (N = 116).
The selected factors were interpreted as follows: Nurturing
traditional values through educational activities; Challenges
associated with activities/projects related to traditional values;
Development and strengthening of competencies for conducting
activities/projects related to traditional values and Local
community as a resource for promoting traditional values

ENHANCING ONLINE COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN EDUCATION:A REVIEW OF CURRENT DIGITAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

2025-02-26T13:29:35+02:00

This review article highlights the critical need to develop
online communication skills among both students and teachers
in the context of remote educational processes. The COVID-19
pandemic forced an abrupt transition to online teaching,
requiring teachers and students alike to adapt their
communication practices and enhance their digital
competencies. For some educators, this shift posed significant
challenges, as they were unprepared for the demands of online
instruction. Additionally, students from underprivileged areas
faced difficulties in participating effectively due to limited access
to necessary technology. This paper aims to outline the key
advantages and challenges of online communication in
educational contexts, while emphasizing the importance of
strengthening online communication skills for both educators
and students in light of current digitalization trends in education.
Developing these competencies will enable educators and
students to navigate digital environments more effectively,
fostering adaptability and resilience in an increasingly
technology-driven educational landscape. I believe that fostering
awareness and understanding of the need to develop online
communication skills is essential—not only due to the continuous
changes in the educational system and rapid technological
advancement but also to ensure professional readiness for future
challenges that may restrict face-to-face interaction with
students. Online communication is crucial for both teachers and
students, serving not only as an efficient means of information
exchange but also as a viable alternative to traditional
education.

INVESTIGATION OF INTERNET ADDICTION AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

2025-02-26T13:33:47+02:00

The study investigated internet addiction and interpersonal
relationship among undergraduates’ students in Nigeria. Four
research questions guided the study. The study employed
descriptive research design. The population consisted of
undergraduate students of Osun State university. Stratified and
simple random sampling was used to select 200 respondents
across nine (9) departments in two colleges. An adapted
questionnaire from Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and
Interpersonal Solidarity Scale (ISS) was employed for the study.
The results of the findings indicated that internet addiction is
moderate among undergraduates. The result also showed age,
level, course and religion do not significantly influence internet
addiction of undergraduates. However, gender significantly
influences internet addiction. The result also indicated that
personal relations, interpersonal relationship, means of surfing
the internet and place of residence does not significantly predict
students’ internet addiction. Finally, the result concluded that,
the more undergraduates become addicted to the internet, the
lesser the level of interpersonal relationship. It is thus
recommended that, internet addiction awareness should be
created among undergraduates in Osun State University through
seminars, workshops among others.

THE PARADOX OF DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY: GROUP - CENTERED EDUCATION AS A PATHWAY FOR DEVELOPING ESSENTIAL LIFE AND CIVIC SKILLS

2025-02-26T13:44:36+02:00

In an era defined by unprecedented digital connectivity,
individuals appear closer than ever; yet, true connection and
social interaction remain elusive. This paradox of digital
connectivity reveals that, while technology promises ease and
connection, it often deepens our reliance on comfort, creating a
barrier to genuine interpersonal interactions (Warschauer,
2003). Education today faces the immense challenge of
equipping the current generation with essential life and civic
skills in a digital landscape that offers minimal support for
developing qualities like empathy, collaboration, and resilience
(Guerrero Elecalde et al., 2024). Group-centered education
emerges as a response to these limitations, redefining the
classroom into a shared, socially interactive space that
prioritizes group dynamics, empathy, and teamwork over
individualistic learning paths (Desjardins & Wiksten, 2022).
Embracing technological evolution is essential, yet education
remains the key to a balanced world, where group-centered
education can act as a pillar for harmonious and balanced
development, fostering social and civic engagement critical for
today's learners (CERL Georgetown University, 2024). This
work demonstrates that a skilled educator can harness the
group’s potential remarkably, encouraging collaboration and
engagement that foster socially resilient individuals (Fink,
2014). By fostering cooperative learning and emphasizing civic
engagement, group-centered education reimagines the
classroom as a foundational community for cultivating critical
life and civic skills essential for students to thrive both personally
and socially. Research indicates that when effectively managed,
group-centered settings allow students to overcome
individualistic barriers and promote robust civic engagement
and collaborative problem-solving skills (Barron, 2003).

BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF BLENDED LEARNING: PERSPECTIVES OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS OF PRIMARY EDUCATION IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

2025-02-26T13:47:23+02:00

The study investigated the perceived benefits and challenges
of blended learning among pre-service teachers of primary
education in Ilorin, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive
survey research design. The target population consists of all preservice
teachers of primary education in tertiary institutions in
Ilorin, Nigeria, while the study sample consist of 400 pre-service
teachers randomly selected across four tertiary institutions.
Researcher self-constructed questionnaire titled: “Benefits and
Challenges of Blended Learning Questionnaire” (BCBLQ) was
used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two
experts in Teacher Education and Educational Test and
Measurement, while Cronbach Alpha reliability method used
yielded an index of 0.83. Mean and standard deviation was used
to answer the research questions, while Multivariate Analysis of
Variance was used to test the hypothesis formulated. The findings
revealed that blended learning is beneficial to teaching and
learning as it promotes collaborative learning and improves
learners’ engagement. It was also revealed that lack of suitable
infrastructure and access to technology is among the constraints
for the successful implementation of blended learning. It was
recommended that school administrators should encourage the
integration of blended learning to foster effective teaching and
learning.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT – AN OBJECTIVE IN UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

2025-02-26T13:49:50+02:00

The quality of assessment in university education depends, to
a considerable extent, on the professional training of teachers in
the creation of a system of practical-applicative strategies in
formative assessment, which is a valuable tool for adapting and
adjusting the teaching-learning process. Recently, formative
assessment research has gained considerable momentum. In the
context of post-modern education, assessment is expanding its
scope, moving beyond the end of the learning process and
actively integrating into it. Thus, the student becomes an active
participant in the learning and assessment process, taking on the
role of an actor in his or her own learning. Based on learning,
formative assessment plays an essential role in university
education through authentic feedback between teachers and
students. Formative assessment thus has two essential functions:
on the one hand, it helps to correct the teaching process in order
to reduce the difficulties encountered by students and, on the
other hand, it allows the teaching-learning process to be
adjusted.

SCHOOL LOCATIONS AND GENDER MODERATED VARIABLES ON TEACHERS’ QUALITY AS PREDICTOR OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

2025-02-26T13:55:05+02:00

Following the potentially informing educational policy and
practices across the globe, this study investigated school
locations and gender moderated variables on teachers’ quality
as predictor of senior secondary school science students’
academic achievement. Two research questions guided the study
while two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level. The
correlation survey design was adopted. The population of the
study comprised 2720 senior secondary two (SS 2) students
offering science subjects in all the public secondary schools in
Onitsha Education Zone. A Sample size of 408 SS 2 science
students offering biology, chemistry, data processing, physics
and mathematics in the Education Zone was drawn using
multistage procedure. Students Rating of Teachers’ Quality
(SRTQ), and the achievement scores which was obtained from
biology, chemistry, data processing, physics and mathematics
teachers’ grade book for 2023/2024 academic session from the
sampled schools were used as instruments for data collection.
The instruments were validated by three experts from Nnamdi
Azikiwe University, Awka. The reliability of SRTQ was
established using Cronbach alpha method. The reliability
coefficients of SRTQ was found to be 0.71. Both SRTQ and the
academic achievement scores of senior secondary school science
students offering biology, chemistry, data processing, physics
and mathematics were used as a method for data collection.
Coefficient R and R2 were used to answer research question
while regression ANOVA (linear and multiple) were used to test
the hypotheses. The findings from the results revealed that low
positive predictive value exist between teachers’ quality and
academic achievement in science subjects among urban and
rural based senior secondary school students. However,
teachers’ quality is not a significant predictor of the academic
achievement of urban and rural secondary school students in
science subjects. Low positive predictive value exist between
teachers’ quality and academic achievement of male and female
senior secondary school students in science subjects. However,
teachers’ quality is not a significant predictor of the academic
achievement of male and female senior secondary school
students in science subjects. From the findings it was
recommended that senior secondary school science teachers
should endavour to indicate other factors that can influence
students’ achievement in senior secondary school subjects more
significantly than teachers’ quality irrespective of students’
gender and school base. Base on the recommendation
conclusions were made.

VIRTUAL REALITY AS AN EDUCATIONAL TOOL IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

2025-02-26T14:01:16+02:00

The amalgam of contemporary educational challenges,
combined with the specificity of today's learners, requires
constant adaptation to innovative methods to meet their needs.
Today's generation, often referred to as "digital natives,"
requires personalized learning, based on a variety of modern
methods that stimulate their curiosity, develop their ability to
adapt quickly and, last, but not least, keep them motivated to
learn. With traditional methods becoming less and less
appealing to these learners, the future of education needs to be
reconsidered by integrating interactive approaches and
innovative technologies. While specific formal curriculum
activities can condition or limit the use of technologies that
create the premises for enjoyable and interactive educational
experiences, extracurricular activities are the appropriate space
to explore the use of technology in general, and in relation to the
topic of the article specifically, Virtual Reality. The use of virtual
reality (VR) as an educational tool in extracurricular activities
offers a transformative approach to student development,
providing immersive, interactive and practical learning
opportunities. This article explores the benefits and limitations
of integrating VR into extracurricular activities, providing
recommendations and examples for effective implementation of
this technology.

IMPACTS OF INDUSTRIAL DISHARMONY ON TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

2025-02-26T14:06:18+02:00

The issue of disharmony in Nigerian tertiary institutions has
become a significant challenge, affecting academic quality,
institutional stability, and national development. This paper
examines the various cases and underlying causes of disharmony
within Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of
education. Through a critical review of the literature and
empirical data, the paper highlights the adverse impacts of
disharmony, such as reduced academic productivity, a decline in
the quality of graduates, infrastructural decay, and loss of public
trust in higher education. The study argues that addressing
disharmony requires collaborative efforts between government,
management of institutions, staff unions, and students. By
promoting inclusivity, strengthening institutional autonomy, and
ensuring effective conflict management mechanisms, Nigerian
tertiary institutions can foster a more harmonious and
productive academic environment.

THE FORMATIVE DIMENSIONS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING

2025-02-26T14:09:55+02:00

Cooperative learning is a pedagogical approach that involves
pupils and students working together to achieve common goals
or accomplish group tasks. The efficacy of cooperative learning
as a pedagogical practice is widely acknowledged, with evidence
indicating its capacity to facilitate socialisation and learning
among students at all levels, from kindergarten to university, and
across diverse subject areas. The approach emphasises the
importance of pupils and students working together as a
unifiedteam in a collaborative and supportive environment. This
enables them to provide constructive feedback, enhance their
existing knowledge, engage in active and creative thinking, and
negotiate solutions collectively. When teachers structure
activities in small groups, pupils/ students are more interactive,
using more equitable communication so that ideas are shared
between group members and they develop more ideas to explain
the problem at hand. The fact that pupils and students interact
and work together not only enables them to learn from each
other, but also allows them to accept more autonomy over the
tasks they have to accomplish and the decisions they have to
make. Research also shows that students have a lot to learn when
they have opportunities to interact with each other, listen to what
others have to say, share ideas and information, ask questions,
critique others' ideas, and use the information to reason and
solve problems together.

ASSESSMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ DIFFICULTIES IN TRANSLATING WORD PROBLEMS INTO ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS

2025-02-26T14:12:35+02:00

The purpose of this study was to assess the difficulties
secondary school students encounter in translating algebraic
word problems into algebraic equations. This study was
conducted at Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State,
Nigeria. A survey research approach was employed in this study.
Two research questions were answered and one hypothesis was
tested in this study. The sample was 140 participants, selected
using stratified proportionate random sampling approach. The
data gathering tool was an essay test constructed by the
researcher and entitled ‘Algebraic Word Problem Test (AWPT)’.
The AWPT was validated by experts after which the inter-rater
reliability was determined using Kendall’s correlation of
concordance (W) which yielded reliability index of 0.81. The
findings indicated that students did not encounter difficult in
representing unknown variables with letters. However, students
had difficulties in: (i) generating linear algebraic terms, (ii)
creating linear algebraic expressions, (iii) equating two
algebraic expressions to obtained the require equations, (iv) in
generating the two distinct simultaneous equations as required
by the questions, (v) creating quadratic terms, (vi) generating
quadratic algebraic expressions, and (vii) creating and writing
the final quadratic equation. Gender had no influence on
difficulties encountered by students in translating word problems
to equations. Recommendations were made in light of the
findings.

EARLY EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR DEBUTANT TEACHERS

2025-02-26T14:17:06+02:00

The study focuses on the transition of debutant teachers from
theoretical training to teaching practice. It also identifies
significant challenges they face in their first career years and
examines the experiences of debutant teachers in their initial
teaching years, exploring sustainment opportunities, adaptation
methods, and support measures. The research investigates
resilience strategies developed by these beginner teachers,
which include stress management techniques and innovative
approaches to building relationships. It also proposes solutions
to enhance institutional support, which could enhance job
satisfaction and to retain debutant teachers within the
educational system. The primary methodological tool is an
anonymous questionnaire distributed online in the Cluj and Sibiu
counties, structured around four key areas: identifying main
challenges, exploring opportunities, analyzing adaptation
methods, and proposing solutions and recommendations in order
to support the integration and professional development of
teachers in their early career, in accordance to the needs of the
early education for children. Among the general conclusions of
the survey, it is highlighted the importance of mentorship and
both initial qualification and continuous training, addressing
specific topics such as communication with parents, managing
administrative tasks, and supporting children with special needs.
Therewith, the research emphasizes that a healthy
organizational culture, focused on collaboration and continuous
development, increases the efficiency of the educational process,
enhances the well-being of the school community, and reduces
the risk of early-career teacher abandonment.

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF COLLABORATIVE LEARNING APPROACH AND THE INTERPLAY OF SOME DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES IN LEARNING BASIC SCIENCE

2025-02-26T14:23:17+02:00

In recent pedagogical innovations aimed at enhancing
students' understanding of basic scientific knowledge, the
collaborative learning approach (CLA) has emerged as an
enterprising pedagogical approach. However, there has been
limited research attention on students' perceptions of the use of
CLA amidst its obvious benefits. For this purpose, students’
perception, toward the use of CLA in Basic Science was
evaluated. Using cross-sectional survey design and Social
cognitive theory (SCT), students learning behaviour and
perception were explained. Data have been collected through
questionnaires from basic education students. Descriptive
statistics were utilized to answer the research questions, while
hypothesis testing was conducted using independent sample ttests
and ANOVA at a 0.05 alpha level. The findings provided
evidence that students’ perception is generally positive towards
the use of CLA, & no significant difference in the perception of
male & female students was observed. The findings also provided
evidence that there is no significant difference between students’
birth order and their perceptions of CLA in the classroom.
Amongst all, the classroom setting & teacher relationship with
the students should be revisited to enhance equal participation
of males & females.

FROM LOCAL TRADITIONS TO DIGITAL STORIES TO CULTIVATE EMPATHY AND CULTURAL AWARENESS

2025-02-26T14:26:52+02:00

Integrating digital storytelling into cultural education is an
innovative approach to cultivating empathy and cultural
awareness among students. This study explores how children can
be actively involved in documenting local traditions and
transforming them into creative digital narratives. By combining
storytelling techniques with accessible digital tools, students are
encouraged to interact with community members, discover the
value of their cultural heritage, and develop essential emotional
and social skills. The results of the research highlight the impact
of these activities on empathy, collaboration and appreciation of
diversity. The findings underscore that such educational
initiatives not only enrich students' understanding of their
cultural roots, but also equip them with transferable skills
needed in the digital age. The paper emphasizes
of integrating active and creative methodologies into cultural
education in order to ensure a balanced socio-emotional
development and a deeper connection with cultural identity.

THE EFFECTIVE MATHEMATICS TEACHING: THE ROADMAP TO DEVELOPING PUPILS’ INTEREST AND UNDERSTANDING OF MATHEMATICS

2025-02-26T14:33:17+02:00

The study looks at the roadmap for increasing pupils' interest
in and comprehension of mathematics, which is a successful
method of teaching the subject. Because mathematics is so
important to our everyday lives, it should be studied by
everybody. Correct handling of mathematics necessitates having
effective teachers. One prerequisite for this effective teaching of
mathematics was the creation of a suitable classroom
environment. In the classroom, a welcoming environment is
necessary. The study examined successful methods of teaching
mathematics to foster students' interest in and comprehension of
the subject. Some of the literature looked at the efficacy of math
instruction. The study looks at successful math teachers and the
strategies they should employ to get kids more interested in the
subject. A review of certain studies on the effectiveness of math
training was done. The study looks at creative math instructors
and various approaches to using efficient teaching methods to
pique students' interest in math.

APPROACHING THE FEUERSTEIN METHOD THROUGH SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL INCLUSION OF ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISTIC DISORDER

2025-02-26T14:50:14+02:00

In the context of education aimed at inclusion and
personalization of the educational process according to
individual needs, implementing interventions that address the
challenges faced by adolescents with autism spectrum disorders
(A.S.D.) becomes essential. The Feuerstein Method, based on
cognitive modifiability, mediated learning, and instrumental
enrichment, together with Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination
Theory, outlines an integrative approach that supports the
autonomy, competence, and relational needs of adolescents with
A.S.D., while also contributing to cognitive function
development, social integration, and improvement in their
quality of life (Deci, & Ryan, 2017; Tudoce, Salime, Deloyer, &
al., 2023). Studies have shown that adolescents participating in
instrumental enrichment programs demonstrate significant
improvement in their ability to identify and manage emotions, as
well as in self-regulation, self-esteem, autonomy, and social
relationship skills (Bailey & Pransky, 2010; Dughi, 2022;
Runcan, Runcan, Goian, Nadolu, & Gavrila-Ardelean, 2020;
Todor, 2014).

PERCEPTION: FOOD CHALLENGES, OTHER FACTORS HINDER STUDENTS OF RURAL AREAS IN SOME SOKOTO NORTH-EASTERN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS FROM PROCEEDING TO HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

2025-02-26T14:52:33+02:00

This study investigates the factors affecting rural students'
progression to higher institutions in some local governments of
northeastern Sokoto, Nigeria. The findings reveal that 70.0% of
respondents attend school without food, while 30.0% bring food.
The majority (73.0%) agree that food insecurity affects their
education. Socioeconomic factors, including father's income and
education, also impact rural students' ability to pursue higher
education. Educational factors, such as access to educational
tools and school type, also play a significant role. Cultural
factors, including cultural background and perceived
importance of education, also influence rural students'
educational aspirations. The study recommends improving
agriculture in rural areas, providing more teachers and funding,
and addressing cultural ideals that may discourage education.
The findings have implications for policymakers and educators
seeking to promote equitable access to higher education for rural
students in Nigeria.

THE EFFECTS OF LIMITED ACCESS TO SPORT ON CHILDREN'S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL SOLUTIONS FOR INCLUSION

2025-02-26T14:55:10+02:00

Limited access to sport can significantly influence children's
social development, affecting their relationship skills, social
integration and emotional health. This article examines the
impact of economic, cultural and infrastructural barriers on
children's participation in sports activities. Through an analysis
of the literature and data collected from recent studies, the
negative effects of sports exclusion and educational solutions
that can facilitate inclusion are identified. The results highlight
the need to implement adapted educational programs that
integrate sport as a tool for social development. In conclusion,
the article provides practical recommendations for public
policies and educational frameworks, emphasizing the
importance of equal opportunities in access to sport.

FEEDBACK IN FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

2025-02-26T14:59:34+02:00

In modern didactics, assessment is perceived as a complex,
continuous activity, designed to take place in distinct but
interconnected stages throughout the educational process.
Formative assessment involves the constant monitoring of
outcomes throughout the instructional process, thus ensuring
progressive and well-structured learning in small sequences. An
important aspect of this process is the feedback that provides
useful information to students on their performance. In the
research that I carried out in the undergraduate program
Pedagogy of Primary and Pre-school Education, a number of key
elements were investigated that refer to the aspects of feedback
in formative assessment. The mode of investigation used in the
research was the survey, carried out using the questionnaire as
an instrument. A number of novel elements of the presence of
feedback in formative assessment emerged from the research.

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

2025-02-26T15:03:04+02:00

A significant issue related to social justice in higher
education is the lack of equitable access to quality education for
all individuals regardless of their socio-economic background.
This problem is rooted in issues such as rising tuition costs,
limited financial aid options, disparities in resources and
opportunities among different communities, and systematic
barriers that prevent marginalized groups from pursuing higher
education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
relationship between social justice and the management of
higher education. The research used a survey instrument and a
quantitative research design. Statistical techniques including
SPSS version 20.0, and SMART PLS software were used to
analyze the received questionnaire and test the hypotheses.
Social justice represented three distinct factors, i.e., affordable
education, safe and inclusive environment, and language
accessibility; management of higher education was indicated by
three dimensions, governance structure, quality assurance as
well and student service. The result also demonstrated the
validity and reliability of each factor. The findings show a
positive and strong relationship between affordable education, a
safe and inclusive environment, language accessibility, and
management of higher education. The study recommends that the
government should make education more affordable, necessary,
free, accessible, acceptable, and flexible enough to adjust to
societal changes. Also, should provide a safe and inclusive
environment as well as multilateral interaction to ensure
language accessibility. The study's conclusions show that
affordable education, a safe and inclusive environment,
language accessibility, and management of higher education
have a good and significant association.

DEVELOPING PEDAGOGICAL SKILLS THROUGH INOVATIVE STEAM EDUCATION METHODS FOR FIRST YEAR PRIMARY AND PRESCHOOL EDUCATION STUDENTS

2025-02-26T15:13:35+02:00

In the context of contemporary education, integrating the
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and
Mathematics) approach into the initial training of future
teachers becomes essential for developing pedagogical skills
adapted to current demands. This work explores the impact of
innovative STEAM-based activities on first-year students. By
integrating STEAM activities into the training of future teachers,
we will significantly contribute to the development of skills
necessary for a modern and efficient educational act.

VOLUNTEERING AS A PLATFORM FOR FUTURE CAREERS: HOW CIVIC ENGAGEMENT HELPS YOUTH BUILD THEIR PROFESSIONAL FUTURE

2025-02-26T15:30:59+02:00

Volunteering is often viewed as a noble act of giving back to
the community. However, it also serves as a powerful platform
for personal and professional development. This article explores
how civic engagement through volunteering influences the future
careers of young individuals, focusing on sociological and
psychological scales used to measure the impact on 55 students
from the Orthodox Theological Seminary in Arad, specifically
11th and 12th graders. The findings reveal significant benefits in
skill development, social capital, and career orientation.

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH VIRTUAL REALITY: EMOTIONAL REGULATION IN ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES USING THE LIMINAL VR PLATFORM

2025-02-26T15:51:31+02:00

This research paper aims to explore the integration of the
virtual reality (VR) along with the emotional journaling in order
to improve emotional regulation and also to reduce the selfharming
behaviors in a participant with severe intellectual
disabilities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The
intervention included three sessions using the Cosmic Flow
Scenario on the Liminal VR (ArborXR, n.d.) platform together
with daily emotional journaling based on Paul Ekman’s
universal emotions (Ekman, n.d.). The results highlighted major
improvements in emotional self-regulation, reflected in an
increased Emotional Balance Coefficient from 0.75 to 2.5 and
the termination of self-harming behaviors. The observations
underscore the potential of VR interventions in social work,
emphasising their scalability for broader application, in spite of
the challenges such as costs and accessibility. Future research is
needed to investigate long-term impacts and group-based
implementations (Yalon-Chamovitz & Weiss 2008).

MANAGING PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS IN STUDENTS. THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WORKER IN IDENTIFYING FAMILY RISK FACTORS

2025-02-26T15:56:29+02:00

Ganong, Coleman (2014) summarizes the evidence to answer the question: why use qualitative family research? Tthe authors mention only a few benefits of these studies, namely, exploring meanings, capturing relational processes. The study aims to highlight the importance of the complexity of the social worker's activity and the need to integrate psychological knowledge into professional practice, in order to improve the quality of social intervention. A case of psychosomatic disorder, selected through intentional qualitative sampling, very faithfully reflects a reality frequently encountered in school, namely that the school environment takes on the problems of the family and societal system through its students. The exploration of family relational processes, possible by integrating elements of family and child psychology, once again emphasizes the impact of the family environment on the child. The importance of providing the presence of social workers in schools, challenged to respond as documented, attentive and professional as possible to increasingly complex realities, is discussed.

MEANS OF TRANSFORMATION OF TRADITIONAL TEACHING METHODS AND INNOVATION FOSTERING THROUGH OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND NON-FORMAL ACTIVITIES

2025-02-26T16:00:58+02:00

Outdoor education and non-formal activities represent
transformative approaches in modern pedagogy, significantly
shifting traditional teaching paradigms and fostering innovation
within educational systems. This brief research, explores the
multifaceted benefits of integrating outdoor learning experiences
into conventional educational frameworks. The study examines
how outdoor education stimulates cognitive, emotional, and
social development, thereby enhancing overall student
engagement and achievement. By relocating the classroom
environment to natural settings, educators can leverage the
inherent curiosity and enthusiasm students exhibit towards
nature, promoting experiential and inquiry-based learning. The
research highlights several key areas where outdoor education
drives innovation: curriculum design, instructional strategies,
and assessment methods. It underscores the importance of
curriculum flexibility to accommodate outdoor activities that
align with educational standards while fostering critical thinking
and problem-solving skills. The paper illustrates how innovative
instructional strategies, such as project-based learning and
interdisciplinary approaches, are effectively implemented in
outdoor settings, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and
deeper understanding of subject matter. Additionally, it
addresses how alternative assessment methods, focusing on
holistic and formative evaluation, provide a more comprehensive
measure of student learning and development. Case studies from
Romanian educational contexts are presented to demonstrate the
successful application of outdoor education and its impact on
student outcomes. These examples reveal that students not only
perform better academically but also develop essential life skills
such as resilience, adaptability, and environmental stewardship.
The paper also discusses the challenges and barriers to
implementing outdoor education in the Romanian formal
educational system, including logistical, financial, and safety
concerns, and proposes practical solutions to overcome these
obstacles. The paper advocates for a paradigm shift towards
incorporating outdoor education as a core component of the
educational experience. It argues that by embracing the natural
environment as an extension of the classroom, educators can
cultivate a more dynamic, engaging, and innovative learning
experience. This transformation has the potential to revolutionize
students to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected
world. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing research and
policy support to sustain and expand outdoor education
initiatives, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to
benefit from this enriching educational approach.

SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

2025-02-26T16:06:07+02:00

Social expulsion of people with disabilities represents a
problem that is very frequently met in society, impairing their
optimal attendance in the activities of the society in which they
reside. According to speciality studies, to be a disabled person
equates to isolation, discrimination, vulnerability and abuse
aimed at their identity and self esteem (Glavan, 2020). The main
objective of any integrative activity is represented by a total
inclusion of handicaped people. To reach that goal, it is
necessary to resolve the social rejection received from society.

EXPLORING THE TOPIC OF SCHOOL DROPOUT. NARRATIVE REVIEW OF ACADEMIC LITERATURE

2025-02-26T16:09:38+02:00

School dropout is a significant problem area in many
European countries, including Romania, with serious economic,
social and educational implications (Gorghiu, et al., 2020; Popeducational
policies in the EU and Romania
that prevent school dropout. We used the ERIC and Google
Scholar search engines using the key terms school dropout,
policies, school dropout prevention. 21 articles were selected
and included in the narrative review. The study aims to identify
the determinants of school dropout and evaluate the measures
implemented to prevent it. The results indicate that policies that
include integrated measures, involving families, schools and
communities, are the most effective in preventing school dropout
(Sahin, Arseven, 2016).

ASSESSMENT OF TEACHERS' METACOGNITIVE AWARENESS. VALIDATION AND APPLICATION OF METHODOLOGICAL TOOLS, IMPLICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2025-02-26T16:13:46+02:00

The article presents methodological research in the field of
metacognition, centered on the pre-testing and validation of a
research instrument that will be applied in a cross-sectional
study on teacher needs analysis. The training needs analysis is a
part of the research of the doctoral dissertation "Development of
metacognitive skills of primary and pre-school teachers". Given
that in this research we intend to measure the level of
metacognitive awareness of teachers in relation to their
professional development and in order to approach the elements
of metacognition in a unified way, we considered it useful to
adapt two commonly used instruments for this purpose: the
metacognitive awareness inventory for teachers, after
Balcikanli, and the metacognitive awareness inventory for
adults, after Schraw and Dennison. These instruments were pretested
on a total of 195 primary and pre-school teachers. In this
article, we present the research background, the process and
results of the pretesting of the Adult Metacognitive Awareness
Inventory -MAI (Schraw and Dennison,1994), which was
adapted and developed according to the aims and context of the
doctoral research The variables of the methodological research
were defined and correlated according to the answers regarding:
a) significant differences between the factors influencing the
level of metacognitive awareness; b) obtaining positive and
significant correlations between the factors and the dimensions
of the MAI inventory. The obtained results were grouped in three
parts represented by: a) item descriptive statistics; b) results of
confirmatory factor analysis; c) descriptive analyses on
metacognition dimensions and elements of inferential intergroup
statistics. In this article, the results of the pretesting of the MAI
inventory by means of inferential statistics are presented in
detail. The statistical analyses confirm the validity of the adapted
instrument, according to the metacognitive awareness inventory
for adults - MAI (Schraw and Dennison, 1994), by its internal
consistency and its relevance in assessing the level of
metacognitive awareness of the subjects in the group of teachers
selected for the doctoral research.

USING COMICS AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING IMAGE COMPREHENSION AND LITERACY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

2025-02-26T16:21:22+02:00

The study documents from the perspective of literature review
on the concepts of literacy, multimodal text, comics, and image
interpretation. The education in our country has implemented a
series of reforms emphasizing the training of students, the
interest shifting from teaching to learning, with the student at the
center of attention as the main actor of the educational act.
Major changes were made in education policy, reorganizing
both the education system and the national curriculum. A new
term we find in the new curricula is multimodal text content, and
this rethought content helps to develop literacy.
Literacy is a new term in the literature and especially in our
country, it does not only refer to the ability to read and write, it
is much more than that; literacy also includes the skills
associated with understanding, interpreting and using written
information effectively in different contexts. For primary school
students, mutimodal text is beneficial because it fulfills several
functions simultaneously: informing, persuading, entertaining or
educating. Cu ajutorul benzilor desenate se dezvolta: abilitatile
de interpretare a unei imagini, imbunatatirea gandirii critice,
invatarea permanenta, comunicarea eficienta si nu in ultimul
rand, adaptabilitatea. Comics are a tool that plays a significant
role in the development of imagination, free expression and
understanding of images, all of which contribute to the
development of literacy by forming critical and competent
readers and communicators. Through the interaction between
literacy and multimodal text, a deeper and more nuanced
understanding of information is promoted, which is essential for
active and informed participation in contemporary society.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO STIMULATING INTEREST IN READING

2025-02-26T16:25:06+02:00

This study explores innovative methods to stimulate
primary school students' interest in reading, emphasizing
non-formal educational approaches. The research was
conducted over six months at "Aron Cotrus" Junior High
School in Arad, involving an experimental and a control
group. Various strategies, including literary cafés, book
review competitions, and interactive reading activities,
were tested. The findings highlight that non-formal
methods significantly enhance students' engagement,
reading skills, and overall enthusiasm for books.
Additionally, teachers involved in implementing these
approaches reported positive changes in their
instructional strategies and student motivation. The study
concludes that integrating non-formal reading
techniques into the curriculum fosters a positive reading
culture and improves educational outcomes.

HOW PRESCHOOL CHILDREN SPEND THEIR FREE TIME

2025-02-26T16:28:01+02:00

The research aimed to analyze how preschool
children spend their free time. Three research objectives
were outlined: identifying parents' perceptions of
preschoolers' free time, analyzing the locations where
preschool children spend their free time, and identifying
leisure activities for preschoolers, including analyzing
the gender perspective in choosing leisure options. The
participant group comprised 130 subjects, parents of
preschool children, who responded to a questionnaire.
The most selected leisure options for children were as
follows: "playgrounds equipped for children" (M=3.69;
SD=.703), "parks" in general (M=3.55; SD=1.086), and
"puppet theaters/places where children’s shows are held"
(M=2.90 SD=.939). Preferred free-time activities with
parents include: "playing various games with the child"
(M=4.30; SD=.920), "going outside to play with other
children" (M=4.18; SD=.952), and "taking walks or
going out in nature" (M=4.11 SD=.990). Outdoor
activities are favored by preschool children, regardless
of gender, while indoor activities complement these.