Under the Surface: Social-Pedagogical Analysis of Traits of Culture of Poverty among Young People in Relative Poverty
Silvia Varbanova, Maria Petkova
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.01
Abstract. The article presents the results of the second stage of ongoing study, part of the research program under the project “Nowadays culture of poverty – dimensions and spread among young people”, within the SUMMIT project of Sofia University. The research aims to explore traits of culture of poverty among young people in relative poverty. It was carried out through a survey, focus groups and single-case analysis. The identified traits are systematized in three main groups: Goals and time perspective; Improving qualifications - a real aspiration or defensive motivation in refusal to act, and Comfort of financial security without autonomous action. Recommendations for educational practice are presented in search of change.
Keywords: culture of poverty; case study, autonomy; defensive motivation; continuing education
Competence for Social Pedagogical Practice: What Do Students Tell Us?
Maya Tcholakova, Marina Pironkova,
Aleksandar Ranev, Yana Staneva
Sofia Univerity St. Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.02
Abstract. The introduction of the competency-based approach in universities in Bulgaria is part of the higher education reform linked to the creation of competencе profiles. Involving students as partners in the process of defining the competencies to be mastered for their effective self-realization in the profession helps achieving this task. Aim: exploring students’ opinions regarding the basic competencies inherent to and necessary for the social pedagogue to develop during academic training. Instruments: questionnaire and focus group. 114 undergraduates in Social Pedagogy participated in the survey. 20 undergraduates participated in 3 focus groups. The processing of the survey data was done using frequency and quantitative analysis, and the transcripts of the focus group discussions were subjected to content analysis. Results: Students identified a set of personal, social, and professional competencies as highly necessary and important to emphasize in their training. The results will be used to reflect on and modify the curricula in the direction of competency-based learning.
Keywords: competence; competency based education; social pedagogy; student participation
“Learning Through Research” аs а Strategic Direction оf Modernization оf Higher Education
Tetiana Franchuk,
Lesia Ruda,
Svitlana Myronova
Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohiienko National University (Ukraine)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.03
Abstract. The article presents the results of a study of the problem of implementing the “learning through research” formula in the system of higher education. In particular, it is about clarifying its essence in the context of the transition to new educational standards, which are positioned as a set of competencies necessary for effective work in the future profession. It is proved that the research component is directly related to the processes of development of innovative education, formation of an individual educational trajectory of professional development of a specialist. Attention is focused on the need to purposefully improve the level of competence of the teacher in a given area, to increase his or her ability to organize research-based learning. The article analyzes the results of the confirmatory experiment, which made it possible to identify an insufficient level of understanding of the formula and a low level of research use in the educational process. Based on the generalization of theoretical material on the problem and the results of the confirmatory experiment, the positions that form the basis of the training course for the professional development of teachers in non-formal education are highlighted. They can also serve as a platform for self-education in this area for both teachers and students.
Keywords: learning through research; quality standards; strategic directions; professional development; research; competence
Multimodal Communication in Physical Education Classes
Cristiana Lucretia Pop, Cristina Filip
Bucharest University of Economic Studies (Romania)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.04
Abstract. This study examines the special aspects of communication in physical education and its managerial implications in teacher-student interaction. Understanding different types of communication improves the quality and effectiveness of teaching physical education. Multimodal communication involves using various methods and codes to engage students effectively in physical education and sports activities. These methods include speech, intonation, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, proxemics, body movements, and posture. These communication means are used in varying proportions during different lesson moments for organising, demonstrating, motivating, coaching, and providing feedback. The teacher’s mastery of a rich repertoire of communication means can facilitate the achievement of physical education objectives for all students. This is even more necessary as young people become increasingly sedentary and less involved in physical activities.
Keywords: soft skills; motivation; team spirit; physical activity
Applying the Competency Approach and Intersubject Connections in an Extracurricular Reading Lesson for the Legend Genre
Anna Georgieva
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.05
Abstract. The article presents an approved concept for the implementation of two extracurricular reading lessons with third- and fourth-grade students. The competence approach is applied, and the activities in the lesson integrate knowledge and information studied in the study of various subjects: Fine Art, Man and Society, Literature (reading). Visual images (photo, picture, map) are perceived and analyzed, knowledge about rulers from the First Bulgarian Kingdom is updated, as well as names of settlements in North-Eastern Bulgaria. In the extracurricular reading lesson, folklore and author‘s texts from the literary genre of legend are perceived and analyzed. The actors are named after Bulgarian rulers or the legends tell about a natural object in Bulgaria (locality, “Krali Marko‘s step”, etc.). Students are encouraged to conduct independent research to get to know their native region and other parts of Bulgaria better.
Keywords: legend; Krali Marko; reading book for 4th Grade; bulgarian rulers; extracurricular reading
Educational Aspects of the „Orff-Schulwerk“ Music Pedagogical Approach: Application of a Model for Education of Students – Future Teachers
Marian Angelov
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo – Vratsa Branch
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.06
Abstract. The purpose of the present work is to present educational contexts and the specifics of the “Orff-Schulwerk” music-pedagogical approach, which will serve as a basis for developing and testing a model for teaching students of pedagogical specialties regarding the improvement of their musical competences and music-pedagogical skills. The concept of the model includes activities and forms of work, adapted according to the musical learning possibilities of future teachers. By comparing an experimental and a control group from the conducted empirical pedagogical research, implemented on the basis of the “observation” and “expert evaluation” methods, results are achieved that indisputably confirm the tested hypothesis: if in the training of students of pedagogical specialties, applied model based on the “Orff-Schulwerk” approach, it will have an impact on improving the quality of music education of future teachers by encouraging the development of their music-pedagogical skills and performance achievements.
Keywords: musical abilities; educational approach; Orff-Schulwerk; competences
Parental Control and Use of the Internet Among Elementary School Students
Marina Matejević
University of Niš (Serbia)
Nedeljko Milanović
University of Kragujevac (Serbia)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.07
Abstract. The aim of this article is to determine the connection between parental control and the use of the Internet by students in the younger grades of elementary school. Descriptive statistics and methods of statistical inference were used in the research. The research subjects were third and fourth grade elementary school students (N=212). The findings show that parents control boys significantly more online than girls. The calculated Pearson correlation coefficient between behavioral control and Internet use control shows that there is a positive correlation (r=0.500) that is statistically significant (r<0.05), while there is no statistically significant correlation between psychological control and Internet use control. The results of our research indicate the importance of parental behavioral control and the need for the school to provide adequate support to parents as part of a program for parents to adequately implement parental control, so that parents understand what problems arise from permissive upbringing and inadequate guidance of children’s development.
Keywords: parental control; behavioral control; psychological control; internet use
STEAM Competences in Primary Stage Students
Ilona Sulichka
Trakia University - Stara Zagora (Bulgaria)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.08
Abstract. STEAM education is being built as a new concept, as an innovative variant of competence-oriented education. Due to its integrative nature, it has the opportunity to unite the cognitive goals of certain educational subjects in primary school and outline their practical significance. In this sense, STEAM education organizes an educational environment in which the parallel paradigmatic innovation in education develops, namely, competence formation. This article examines the interdisciplinary nature of STEAM education and the possibility to develop interdisciplinary competencies in elementary school students in this environment. One of the main competencies emphasized in this type of training is the “Collaborative Problem Solving” competency. By organizing a special simulation project-oriented environment and by constructing a complex research methodology, it is possible to trace the processes of formation of this competence. Empirical results obtained from one of the tools that measure the personal-motivational effect in the formation of this competence in a STEAM organized educational environment are presented here. Conclusions and generalizations are made about the conceptual and practical significance of STEAM interdisciplinary training at the initial stage.
Keywords: STEAM learning; entry level; collaborative problem solving
The Integration of STEM Education and Educational Escape Rooms in Primary Education – a Prerequisite for Innovative and Engaging Learning
Mariya Aleksieva
Burgas Free University
Irina Mishkova-Yotova
Trakia University - Stara Zagora (Bulgaria)
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.09
Abstract. In the contemporary educational context, the integration of STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and educational escape rooms offers unique opportunities to enrich the learning process in primary education. STEM education encourages interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and technological literacy by connecting various disciplines and helping students see the application of scientific knowledge in the real world. Educational escape rooms, on the other hand, use game elements for active learning and collaboration, developing students‘ social and communication skills. This study examines the scientific rationale for STEM education and the principles of educational escape rooms while analyzing the relationship between the two approaches. The results show that combining these methods can be key to developing the skills necessary for success in the 21st century and for addressing the challenges of misinformation and fake news. The integration of STEM education and educational escape rooms in primary education provides an innovative and engaging way to develop complex skills and knowledge in young students.
Keywords: STEM education; еducational escape room; primary education stage; gamification; innovative education; 21st-century skills
Study of the Multiplication of Natural Numbers by a Single-Digit Number – Analysis of the Current State in Mathematics Textbooks for Fourth Grade
Antoniya Dobreva
University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”
https://doi.org/10.53656/ped2025-5.10
Abstract. The latest reform in primary mathematics education took place in 2017, when seven textbook sets for compulsory education were approved based on the mathematics curriculum for the fourth grade of primary school. The aim of this publication is to present the theoretical foundations that form the basis of the methodology for studying the topic: Multiplication of multi-digit numbers by a single-digit number and their implementation in the current mathematics textbooks for the 4th grade in the primary education stage.
Keywords: primary mathematics education; division of natural numbers by a single-digit number
