Janusz Korczak for Autonomous Freedom of Holy Childhood
Jordan Kolev
South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.01
Abstract. This research is an attempt at an emotional reading of Janusz Korczak‘s humane and optimistic messages about the autonomous freedom of holy childhood. The aim is to actualize aspects on the way of life for „not yet grown up people“ in partnership with adults. The historical and pedagogical commentary is mainly on the nature of childhood, children's rights and the educational system in boarding school. In conclusion, it is assumed that Janusz Korczak and his children experimentally synthesized an original scientific-utopian alternative for a new „dormitory“ of Civilization – a legal society of autonomous freedom for true human feeling. правно общество на автономна свобода за истинското човешко чувство.
Keywords: Treblinka; doctor; King Matthias I; social pedagogue; orphan; child rights
Social-emotional Impact of Mathematics Teachers on Students‘ Motivation
Ivaylo Staribratov
Plovdiv University Paisii Hilendarski (Bulgaria)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.02
Abstract. In the present study, social-emotional factors in mathematics teaching are examined through the prism of motivational theory of self-determination. Various concepts of the influence of teachers’ emotional support on students’ motivation and their achievement in mathematics have been examined. The research found that social and emotional support from mathematics teachers is one of the significant factors positively influencing students’ internal motivation and confidence in solving tasks. Our research found out that social and emotional support from teachers in mathematics is one of the significant factors positively affecting students’ internal motivation and confidence in solving tasks. The study was conducted among first-year students at FMI Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The basis for this was to analyze their attitude on several motivational issues, one of which was the influence of teachers and their support for learning mathematics. The results showed that the teacher and his motivation directly influence the students. A highly motivated and well-prepared methodically and professionally teacher is the basis for a highly motivated student.
Keywords: motivation; mathematics education; social-emotional; teaching
Assessments of Teachers and Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities on Inclusion in Pre-School Institutions
Zagorka Markov
College of Vocational Studies for Teacher Education in Kikinda (Serbia)
Hadzi Zivorad Milenovic
University of Pristina – Kosovska Mitrovica (Serbia)
Biljana Jeremic, Radmila Zecevic
Univerity of Novi Sad (Serbia)
Milica Pavlovic
Primary school “Djordje Natosevic” – Novi Sad (Serbia)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.03
Abstract. In an inclusive context, all children learn and play in kindergartens according to their abilities and interests. Educators, professional associates and parents, as equal participants in the educational process, apply a series of procedures that encourage children’s development. The aim of this research is to identify the assessments of educators and parents of children with developmental disabilities and inclusive education and education in preschool institutions in general. The research was conducted in September 2023 on a sample of 58 educators and 48 parents of children with developmental disabilities who attended regular kindergartens in the Kikinda area (Serbia). Educators’ and parents’ assessments were examined using a combined instrument (Scaler – IPE) (a = .915) constructed for the purposes of this research. The results of the research show that educators have more positive assessments of general issues related to inclusion and the effects of inclusive education on children’s development, while parents have slightly more positive assessments than educators regarding the procedures applied in regular kindergartens to improve inclusive education. This confirms the general assumption from which the research started, indicating significant differences in the assessments of educators and parents of children with developmental disabilities about inclusion in preschool institutions. It is concluded that the inclusive culture has not yet sufficiently taken root in preschool institutions yet, which indicates the need to include educators and parents as actors in preschool education and training in joint training programs for effective action in inclusive preschool education.
Keywords: inclusive education; children with developmental disabilities; teacher’s opinion; parents’ opinion; кindergarten
Professional Training of the Social Educator – Individual Mentoring Program
Katerina Zlatkova-Doncheva
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.04
Abstract. This research presents the practical impact of mentoring programs in the preparation of “Social education” students (N= 64), who implement individual educational and informal work with children raised outside the family environment in residential care and at risk. Research methods include 4 scales measuring Acquisition of new skills and knowledge with 13 indicators; Difficulties with 12 indicators; Hands-on training with 5 indicators and Motivation with 9 indicators. The results of the survey demonstrate that the inclusion of students in the program increases their skills and professional training, confirming the main hypothesis of the study that professional training of social educators can be improved to a much greater extent with informal communication and the opportunity to get to know the children. This conclusion provides many guidelines for reflection and future analysis related not only to the practical training of educational staff, but also regarding the role and functions in general of the social educators, teachers insofar as only a specific educational activity is no longer sufficient to achieve good results with children at risk.
Keywords: training of social educator; mentoring program; higher education; social education; children at risk
The Specific Distortion of Reality in Children’s Drawing
Marina Teofilova
University of Veliko Turnovo St. Cyril and St. Methodius (Bulgaria)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.05
Abstract. A drawing of a child is an amazing way of visual communication in which colour has a dominant and primary importance. It represents a striving to learn about the universe in its entirety, a striving, nourished by the curiosity to know everything, so inherent in human nature, inspiring each new discovery and leading right back to the dawn of mankind. That is why many researchers of children’s drawings look into their objective core searching for the motives for the emergence and development of the pictorial activity in general. According to them, painting is genetically inherent in human species, and according to others it is a reflection of the external intervention of adults in children’s development. On this basis, the key issues are set related to the pedagogical intervention by adults in children’s education and development.
Keywords: children’s drawings; children’s development; pre-pictorial and pictorial period
Integrating Cooperative Learning in Distance Education for Methodology of Teaching Mathematics Course
Aleksandar Milenković, Jelena Stevanić
University of Kragujevac (Serbia)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.06
Abstract. Lesson planning and the development of pedagogical documentation constitute integral components of educators’ responsibilities in the Republic of Serbia. Within the framework of the “Methodology of Teaching Mathematics” course, future mathematics teachers address these aspects, particularly by formulating daily lesson plans for mathematics classes in primary and high school education. Considering the proven benefits of cooperative learning in enhancing student achievements and fostering their social skills, and mindful of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the delivery of the “Methodology of Teaching Mathematics” course due to the shift to distance education (which posed challenges due to the absence of direct collaboration during classes), a novel instructional approach that involves the integration of cooperative learning strategies was adopted. Through a qualitative analysis of written lesson plans produced by students who completed assignments related to lesson planning during and after engaging in cooperative learning within the context of distance education, it was evident that these students significantly outperformed their peers who worked independently.
Keywords: cooperative learning; distance learning; lesson plans; methodology of teaching mathematics
The Usage of Information and Communication Technologies in Education of Children and Pupils with Mental Disability
Lukáš Stárek, Jarmila Klugerová
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague –
Institute of Education and Communication (Czech Republic)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.07
Abstract. In last decade the Czech’s education have undercome significant changes. The information and communication technologies have crucial role in everyone’s life. Therefore, in education they have its place as well. The information and communication technologies support schools and their systems on many levels such as education, school management, and communication. Education of children with mental disability is life-long process. However, it is also the best possible form of therapy, socialisation, and inclusion into society. During education is crucial to use specialised didactics’ methods and tools to meet pupils’ individual needs. The information and communication technologies have significant role within school life. Plus, the information and communication technologies are part of schools’ educational plan. This article aims to highlight the information and communication technologies in education of and pupils with mental disability. Further, it will identify adequate technologies for the process, plus it will open several questions related to the topic. For example, the topic of inclusivity within specialised teachers’ competencies.
Keywords: competencies; inclusion; information and communication technologies; mental disability; modern technologies; pupils
School Bullying of Students with Different Sexual Orientations – the Challenge in Shadow of the New Century
Georgi Kostov
Agricultural University – Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.08
Abstract. For non-heterosexual students, school is a dynamic and unsafe environment. According to a report by the Open Society Institute - Sofia, in 2018 the frequency of hate speech against homosexuals doubled compared to 2016, thus one of the challenges of the 21st century, namely the bullying of LGBTI+ students, remains in the shadows and neglected. Reasons for bullying students of different sexual orientation can be upbringing at home, prejudice, wrong beliefs and perceptions and moral disengagement. Yet homophobia and LGBTI+ prejudice is a daily painful experience for many students around the world. This article aims to highlight the statistical relevance of the problem of bullying of LGBTI+ students, to analyze the most common reasons for bullying of sexual minority students, and to give importance to the problem in the hope of wider awareness of him.
Keywords: LGBTQ+, students; bullying; school; challenge; causes
Observations on the Attitudes of Teachers and Students towards the User Interface of Remote Learning Systems
Yordan Karapenchev
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-2.09
Abstract. The present article examines the attitudes of teachers and students towards the remote learning systems they use. The results obtained allow for commentary on the user experience (UX) encountered by students and teachers when working with these systems. The research methods include a combination of quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group) studies, based on which the most important characteristics that a digital remote learning platform must have to be effective and well-received by its users are identified. The article is the result of field research conducted at the Private Specialized High School Educational Technologies in Sofia. The research results indicate that for both teachers and students, criteria such as good graphic design, easy navigation, and the availability of interactive features contribute to a good user experience.
Keywords: remote learning systems; user experience; focus groups; teachers; students; web design
Art, Creativity, Education. Between the Brush and the Feather
Мagdalena Stoyanova
Sofia University
The collection "Art, Creativity, Education. Between the Brush and the Feather"1 was published within the framework of a project co-financed by the Culture Program of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo….
