Category Archives: 2017 / Nr.1 & 2 / LXV

RP 2017-2

THEORETICAL APPROACHES

SELF-REGULATION RESEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

SELF-REGULATION RESEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW  Violeta Maria CARAGEA, Lucian VOINEA, Miruna Luana MIULESCU
Full article | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract: Self-regulation in school contexts is a subject that caught the attention of researchers from many disciplines. Educational neuroscience is an emerging research field aiming to bridge the neuroscientific knowledge and methodology with those of more consecrated research disciplines investigating learning and education, like psychology, sociology or education. Our paper investigates recent empirical studies exploring self-regulation in preK-12 educational contexts and which were identified as educational neuroscientific literature. As a result of an extensive search and filtering process conducted in conformity with the systematic review methodology, we found five articles that passed the predefined filtering criteria. Our findings suggest that this type of literature appeared mostly in the last decade with the occasion of new neuroscientific methodologies allowing conducting non-invasive advanced brain studies. The main self-regulation elements these studies focus on are academic motivation, attention orientation, self-perception on own mental abilities and behaviours, cognitive and emotional engagement in learning, social and task-related behaviour regulation. The methodologies used consisted mainly in self- or others-reported questionnaires, behavioural measures evaluation, academic performance measurement, computerized testing of cognitive abilities, physiological measures recordings (e.g. saliva or blood samples, heart rate), electroencephalography (EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The samples included in the reviewed articles vary from preschool to primary, middle and high school students, comprising 376 participants in total. The reported research outcomes are rather limited but they also offer optimism regarding the possibilities to use neuroscientific methods for investigating self-regulation in an educational context. Various aspects regarding limitations of this type of research are discussed.

Keywords: educational neuroscience; school context; self-regulation; systematic review.

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INTERCOMPREHENSION IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASS Andreea-Manuela COJOCARIU
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Abstract: The concept of intercomprehension is now part of the lexicon of the Didactics of Languages or of the vocabulary of those who reflect on teaching and learning foreign languages in the context of promoting the plurilingualism of European citizens. Intercomprehension is one of the current concerns although it has not yet really entered school and university institutions. It is in the state of experience, project or training and yet there is abundant material and intense reflection on this subject. Intercomprehension is considered practical worthy of being tried and for this reason there is a pedagogy and didactics of intercomprehension. My objective regarding intercomprehension is to investigate the interest, the possibilities and the modalities of a better awareness of the contact of languages in the classes of FFL (French as a Foreign Language).

Keywords:foreign languages; intercomprehension; plurilingualism

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REFERENCE POINTS IN CURRICULUM DESIGN: GEOGRAPHY AS A SCHOOL SUBJECT Octavian MÂNDRUŢ
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Abstract: This study is theoretical and exploratory. It aims to describe a reference system which should determine or influence the decisions for the new curriculum design. The example of geography as a subject matter (or, in a wider perspective, of a field of study called “Geography – Environmental Studies”) reveals specific elements resulting from the characteristics of the interior structure. The reference system may be altered, reduced, amplified, categorized or adjusted with respect to other subjects or fields of study, that are at least similar. The example of the “vertical” curriculum of Geography (grades V – XII) relies upon a system of outcomes (competencies) in progression (according to levels and ages) and it depends on the time horizon of the design. Consequently, different options might come out within the process. Nevertheless, the curriculum depends a lot on the paradigm of its design: with a scientific dominance (with a likely minimal individual human insertion) or with a subjective touch, as a result of some individual or group opinions which are more or less justified.

Keywords: competences; curriculum; environmental studies; fields of study; geography

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ANALYSIS OF THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE STUDENTS’ STRESS Angelica MIHĂILESCU
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Abstract:The present paper aims at drawing attention on the stress levels students are exposed to in the educational environment. The study into the students’stress is insufficiently explored, and it can open new research directions in education given the general interest for the improvement of the school climate and effectiveness. In order to briefly present this topic we carried out document analysis and review of research that looks into the stress factors in education either as a study focus or in a wider perspective. Among these we highlight the fear of error, assessment and exams, public speaking.

Keywords: public speaking; assessment; stress factors; stress in education; fear of error

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RESEARCH RESULTS

GUIDANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: NEEDS AND PRACTICES | Oana GHEORGHE, Mirela ALEXANDRU
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Abstract: Dezvoltarea societăţii aduce astăzi o transformare continuă a conceptului de carieră, concept ce sparge bariere de gen şi de cultură. Debutul în carieră poate fi anevoios, iar nevoile tinerilor sunt dinamice, de aceea consilierea pentru carieră este un domeniu ce evoluează continuu, adaptându-şi strategiile, metodele şi mijloacele la grupul ţintă. În acest articol, s-a analizat relaţia dintre serviciile de consiliere pentru carieră, disponibile în cadrul universităţii VIA University College, din Danemarca, şi nevoile specifice ale studenţilor. De asemenea, am intenţionat să atragem atenţia asupra importanţei dezvoltării serviciilor pentru carieră, aceste servicii putând sprijini studenţii să îşi dezvolte atât competenţele profesionale, cât şi pe cele transversale, care să le permită să se adapteze mai uşor şi mai repede frecventelor schimbări apărute la nivelul pieţei muncii. Ideea realizării unei platforme on-line prin intermediul căreia să li se ofere studenţilor servicii de consiliere pentru carieră poate fi preluată şi adaptată contextului românesc.

Keywords: carieră; consiliere; nevoi ale studenţilor; piaţa muncii

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UKRAINIAN EXPERIENCE OF ENHANCING SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ FINANCIAL LITERACY AT MATHEMATICS LESSONS | Nataliia VASYLIUK
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Abstract: The article covers the role of financial literacy in the country’s economic growth, reveals the essence of the notion and significance of financial literacy, highlights the main results of studies that determine the level of financial literacy of the population of Romania and Ukraine. The main steps to improve the level of financial literacy of the citizens of both countries are listed. The Ukrainian experience of developing financial literacy of high school students during mathematics lessons is underscored. The author suggests the recommendations and certain examples of tasks for raising the level of financial literacy of high school pupils in the process of teaching mathematics.

Keywords: financial literacy; lessons of mathematics; mathematics training; problems of financial content

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TEATRUL ÎN ŞCOALĂ. O INIŢIATIVĂ EDUCAŢIONALĂ PENTRU VIITOR Sylvia ROTTER, Ciprian NIŢIŞOR
Vezi articolul | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to highlight experiences and benefits of drama in education that have been developed through the project „The National Educational Initiative – Drama in education”. The project was carried out in 2014 in Romanian secondary schools by the Vienna Theatre for Children Association. The initiative addressed to children, teens and teachers alike. The starting point of the project lies in the research and methodology that were developed within the “School for Life” initiative of the Vienna Theatre for Children in 2008. The focal point consists in exploring the impact of play in education and learning. The two projects that are mentioned in the paper identified and evaluated the skills of the children and youth who got involved in the drama activities. The results showed cognitive, emotional and interpersonal progress in acquisition.

Keywords: Das Wiener Kindertheater; drama in education; educational initiative; theatre for children

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THE SCHOOL – FAMILY EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP Maria-Livia GÂRŢU
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Abstract: The study brings to attention the issue of parenting and the school-family partnership, namely the case of young students, given the fact that their education raises more and more serious problems to their parents. They are entirely responsible for educating their children up to the school age. When the children start school, the responsibilities for their education are divided between family and school. The school-family partnership means effective communication, clearly-defined tasks, homogeneous actions for the benefit of the child; parents must be considered as active participants in the school education considering the fact that they know their children the best. In the past years, parenting programs are more successful than ever, by means of which educators teach parents how to raise their children with respect to positivity – Appreciative Parenting. According to it, several types of parental support are delivered: individual counselling, coaching, group counselling, parenting courses, support groups. In order to form positive behaviours in children, both parents and educators need four elements: love, availability, direction and dosage.

Keywords: school – family educational partnership, parenting programs, appreciative parenting, child behaviour

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FULL ISSSUE 

RP 2017-1

THEORETICAL APPROACHES

THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, PERSONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL BASIS OF THE CONCEPT OF LIFELONG LEARNING | Mihaela-Viorica RUŞITORU

 Full article | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract: At the dawn of the new millennium, lifelong education is proving to be a rich academic concept and a widespread political slogan. Yet, can one include such a vast notion in a simple definition? In this article, we have hypothesized that lifelong education is produced today by a range of national, European and international educational and political actors. The qualitative analysis of the interviews revealed that lifelong education resembles a chain whose main links comprise five poles: economic, social, personal, educational and political. This approach will be complemented by other revealing elements discussed in the article.

Keywords: lifelong learning, training, learning, European Union, international organizations, discourse analysis

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TEACHER COMPETENCES: TOWARDS A DEFINITION FRAMEWORK | Oana Rica POPA, Norica Felicia BUCUR

Full article | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract: Taking into consideration the multiple facets of the competence concept, as well as the evolution of competence-based education, this paper aims at providing a potential starting point for drawing up a competence framework for Romanian teachers. After pointing out to the difficulties related to defining these competences, we attempt to give a concise outline of the trends existing in this field at international level, with a special focus on European Union recommendations. The Romanian specialists’ opinions are also briefly introduced, so that we could list the perspectives of defining this framework, given our national context.

Keywords: competence, teacher competences, competence framework for teachers

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THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE | Lilia PETRICIUC

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Abstract: The concept of communicative competence has been the essence of numerous studies for over 50 years. Despite this, it still represents an attractive topic of research for many professionals both due to its importance and because of multiple confusions created by various interpretations of its meanings. The aim of this article is to throw light on some theoretical aspects that apply to the communicative competence, its components as approached in several models as well as teachers’ role and responsibility in its holistic development through selecting adapting and offering relevant educational materials.

Keywords: communicative competence, component model, CEFR, holistic approach, relevant teaching materials

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RESEARCH RESULTS

WELCOME TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION! | Cristian RĂDUCANU

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Abstract: This article is dedicated to the specific problems of young Roma who are confronted in schools with a false equality of opportunities in education and a type of positive discrimination which does not help. Starting from the historical, social and economic background of this group, a few personal arguments of the author are expressed, formed on the basis of his long experience in mixed classes of Romanian and Roma pupils. The paper contains a proposal, a few activities applicable to this ethnic group. At the end of the article, the author brings some recommendations for improving the performance of young Roma and the relationship with these youngsters for a pleasant, balanced, relaxed school climate, based on those cultural values understood and accepted by the Roma.

Keywords: inclusive education, intercultural education, discrimination, integrated curriculum, learning style, school partnerships, Roma

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 MOBILE LEARNING IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES | Diana COJOCNEAN

Full article | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract: The article focuses on how foreign language teachers could use mobile learning in formal and informal learning environments. One of the key aims of the article is the focus on defining the pedagogy of mobile learning in the context of foreign language teaching and learning through the use of mobile learning tools during the foreign language lessons but also in informal learning contexts, encouraging learner autonomy and involvement in the learning task. Thus, the article presents how language teachers could try mobile learning based activities during foreign language lessons and outside the class, using students’ own devices through the implementation of a Bring Your Own Device Policy (BYOD) within foreign language lessons.

Keywords: mobile learning, pedagogy, foreign language teaching, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), Apps, language skills.

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CLASSROOM COMMUNICATION. AN INTERVENTION PLAN IN COMMUNICATION BOTTLENECKS | Ahmed KHALID

Full article | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract: Educational process requires an analysis and investigation of communication components, and in deep investigation of the communication in the classroom including interaction between students and teacher, sources of bottlenecks, the manner of expressing them and ways to optimize educational communication. Teaching communication efficiency is improved by several factors, of which, if they occur, may reduce differences what the teacher intends to provide to students and what they eventually capture or understand. These factors depend on the personality of the teacher, student personality, psychosocial and environmental context. Assuming that stronger influence of the teacher on students can be achieved by identifying and removing barriers to communication, the article aims to emphasize the origin of communication bottlenecks and propose a plan to improve communication in classroom.

Keywords: teaching communication, efficient communication, strategies of communication, distortions in communication

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THE INTEGRATION OF A PROBATION TEACHER. A RESEARCH IN THE ROMANIAN SCHOOL | Irina IORDAN

Full article | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract: The research proposes to capture the moment of debut and the adaptability of the teachers in the Romanian school, to highlight the professional and relation problems, to capture the trainee teacher reaction with the school culture and what the school coming in the welcome at his needs, if it admit the validation the assumptions launched, for who the initiated theoretical formation isn’t ensure a good professional adaptation and integration, the practice aspects are often absent from students training.

Keywords: Beginner teacher, professional integration, school culture, status and social role

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OUTLINE OF AN OPTIONAL COURSE ON VALUES EDUCATION FOR PRE-SCHOOL AGE | Mihaela-Anca JOARZĂ

Full article | Abstract&Keywords

Abstract:Within a stimulating, value-rich environment, the child’s receptivity is paramount. It can be modelled as early as the preschool age, with the contribution of kindergarten, family, and the community. The article summarizes a proposal of an integrated optional subject of values-based education for the higher grade level. Its achievement falls within the endpoints of pre-school education itself, which envisage the cornerstone underlying the character of the individual in the making.

Keywords: axiological education, value, valorization, preschool age, curriculum for axiological education

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EDUCATION AGENDA 

„DEMOCRATIC SCHOOL GOVERNANCE FOR INCLUSION: WHOLE COMMUNITY APPROACH”  – A PROJECT IMPLEMENTED WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE | Andreea-Diana SCODA

Full article


PROMOTING EQUITY THROUGH COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE: REFLECTIONS, ACTIONS, IMPACT – DISSEMINATING PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IAEVG 2016 (1) | Speranţa ŢIBU

Full article


VOCATIONAL TRAINING THROUGH NON-FORMAL METHODS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT ORGANIZATIONS | Alina CIOBANU, Silviu COBZARU

Full article


MOVE-ME PROJECT– LANGUAGE COURSES TO SUPPORT STUDENT MOBILITY | Mihai IACOB

Full article


BOOK REVIEWS

SORIN MITULESCU (coord.), SCHOOL BULLYING: RESEARCH, POLICIES, RECOMMENDATIONS (Violenţa şcolară: cercetări, politici, recomandări). Bucharest, Afir Publishing House, 2016, 133 p., ISBN 978-973-7714-80-0 | Manuela MANU

Full review


JOHN HATTIE. ÎNVĂŢAREA VIZIBILĂ. GHID PENTRU PROFESORI (Visible learning for teachers: maximizing impact on learning, 2012, Routledge). Translated by: Cristina Dumitru, Bucharest, Trei Publishing House, 2014, 408 p. ISBN: 978-606-719-058-8 | Irina Mariana GEANĂ

Full review


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