bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMATION OF VALUABLE-SENSITIVE BASES OF THE PEDAGOGICAL PROFESSION IN THE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Bugaychuk Tatyana , Khodyrev Aleksandr , Когiakovtseva Olga
Published: May 2018

The authors of the article present a study of the features of the value-semantic bases of the activity of students of a pedagogical university of 1 - 5 courses, describe the dynamics of the phenomenon studied during the training. The authors comprehend the relevance of this problem in the context of modernizing pedagogical education. Based on the leading principles of the concept of professional development of personality, the authors describe one of the components of professional identity - value, the features of the crisis of the third year and the leading terminal and instrumental values during the professional training of students in the university.
EXPLORING ICT EDUCATION AT MASTER LEVEL IN THE CONTEXT OF ADVANCEMENT OF DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM: THE CASE OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Ahrens Andreas , Gruenwald Norbert , Zascerinska Jelena , Zakirova Gulnara , Yefimova Irina , Kakabayev Anuarbek , Melnikova Julija , Aleksejeva Ludmila
Published: May 2018

In order to achieve the aim of Kazakhstan’s progressive development of the digital ecosystem, higher education sector has to harmonize ICT study programmes in accordance with updated professional standards and industry requirements for preparation of specialists. As competencies and skills permanently change, competencies and skills are to be enhanced lifelong. The purpose of the paper is to explore ICT education in the context of advancement of digital ecosystem underpinning empirical analysis of ICT education at master level in Kazakhstan and elaboration of a new research question. The method of the study is exploratory case study. The case study was carried out in December 2017. The findings of the empirical study reveal that a combination of Data Science and Information Security emerge in the context of the advancement of digital ecosystem in Kazakhstan. The new research question has been formulated: What are core courses of the hybrid study programme that combines Data Science and Information Security at master level? Directions of further research are proposed.
THE ORGANIZATION OF WORK OF STOROZHISHCHENSKY CORRECTIVE COLONY SHELTER OF THE SMOLENSK PROVINCE IN THE CONTEXT OF I.F. GERBART'S IDEAS
Authors: Kozhemyakina Elena , Senchenkov Nikolay
Published: May 2018

In article the organization of teaching and educational work of Storozhishchensky corrective colony shelter of the Smolensk province opened in 1894 in the context of the ideas of the outstanding German scientist-teacher Johann Friedrich Gerbart is considered. The analysis of labor, religious and moral, physical, esthetic training of children of colony of a shelter taking into account psychology and pedagogical installations of Gerbart is given. Authors have presented experiment of colony shelter on training of pupils for independent life in society. In work also teaching and educational work of the agricultural lowest school of the 1st category opened at colony shelter is also analysed. At this school labor education of the children who are in colony shelter was carried out. Here pupils acquired knowledge, abilities and skills necessary for them for further life in society. In article the mode, training programs, methods, forms and means of labor education at agricultural lowest school of the 1st category in detail reveal.
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF TEACHER COMPETENCIES
Authors: Šteinberga Airisa , Kazāke Dace
Published: May 2018

Significant changes in the society of the XXI century determine the changes in the education system. Nowadays the challenge of promoting child development is important. Teaching subjects does not give a generalised idea about nature, society and people in general. Teachers need new competences to move to logic of human development in education. The article analyses teacher’s communicative, self-cognition and cognitive management, methodological and organisational function that are united and contribute to the balanced development of pupils, therefore, in accordance with these functions, it is necessary to acquire the corresponding competences. By analysing theoretical literature, the article reveals the structure and content of these competencies.
TEACHING CONTENT OF TECHNOLOGY IN POLISH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Authors: Grzegorzewska Maria Katarzyna , Noga Henryk , Migo Piotr Pawel , Małodobry Zbigniew
Published: May 2018

In view of the reform that is currently taking place in Poland, as well as changes in the content of the education curriculum, the authors of this study present contents of two selected curricula for primary schools technology in polish school. The study of research is content of curricula created by publishing house (WSiP) and Nowa Era. The school’s task is to prepare pupils for adult life, and therefore, bring the ability to create by themself a friendly environment. In each school there are such subjects, to which students participate more willingly than others - this situation can be used to reflect what affects their state of affairs. Comparing teachers opinions about the curriculum developed by Nowa Era and WSiP, it should be stated that the curriculum developed by the WSiP publishing house according to the opinion of the surveyed teachers has an advantage over the analogous program Nowa Era in the following areas: transparency, clarity, exhaustion topic, availability for the student.
AN INVESTIGATION ON THE VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING VALIDITY – SIMULATION OF GARMENT DRAPE
Authors: Lapkovska Eva , Dabolina Inga
Published: May 2018

Achievement of desired garment form is essential in the development of clothing design, which depends on properties of its raw material - mainly fabric. Virtual prototyping can serve as a tool for assessing the form and fit of garments before real production and deciding whether to make changes in ease values, pattern cut or fabric parameters. The aim of the study is investigation of reliability of virtual prototyping results using Modaris 3D (Lectra) due to influences of changeable fabric parameters on garment drape effects, as well as verifiability with three-dimensional (3D) scanning (Vitus Smart XXL®) of real products. For the research half-circle cut skirt designed in appropriate size for standard figure dummy. Skirt virtually simulated on mannequin which previously scanned and imported into the system. Properties of three different types of fabrics examined in a material testing laboratory according to requirements of relevant standards. Skirt virtually tried-on defining fabric properties by gained testing results and afterwards made from real fabrics, put on the dummy and scanned. Drape effects of the various virtual prototypes and real product scans compared, both in the CAD system and the scanning system (Anthroscan) using cross-sections and their measurements (depths and diameters of folds, circumferences). Fabric parameters has an influence on the reliability of virtual prototyping results in terms of accuracy of parameters determined and put into the system. Cross-sections with measurements reveal differences between virtually sewn and real skirt drape configurations.
CO-PRODUCTION OF INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SERVICES – A THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Authors: Kobylińska Urszula
Published: May 2018

Co-production is currently one of the pillars of the public sector reform around the world. The potential of this concept is increasingly recognized in the design and improvement of public services in cities. Co-production is a partnership among citizens, public institutions and enterprises, which enables all the parties to be more involved in the management of the city and contributes to greater control over public resources (Horne, Shirley, 2009). In the subject literature, it is pointed out that these reforms are directed to the implementation of effective public services, are a response to the deficit of active citizenship and active communities and enterprises that are insufficiently involved in the processes of designing and co-creating innovative public services in cities. The basic - and basically still valid today - conceptualization of co-production was carried out in several works published in the first half of the 1980s. The aim of this paper is to analyse the state of research on the issue of co-production in public services and to identify the main research areas related to this subject. The paper was based on a systematic review of literature, which included, among others, the emergence of basic literature and selection of publications, bibliometric analysis and content analysis. The results of the conducted research show that the issue of co-production in public services is a new subject, still not well recognized in the literature and which may constitute a current and interesting area of research.
QUALITY OF LIFE AND ITS RELATION TO STRESSORS ELDERLY NURSING HOME REZIDENTS IN LATVIA
Authors: Deklava Liana , Apsite Monta , Millere Inga , Fokina Olga
Published: May 2018

There is a lot of talk about global aging in society and, as people start to live longer, the society has to take care about their well- being in old age too. There are developed a series of definitions about life quality and designed a variety of methods for assessing quality of life of different groups of people and society as a whole over the time. At such a group of people belongs also those who lives in a nursing home and for various reasons they are aging in one of the nursing homes in Latvia. A study has been made to examine the correlation between stressors and quality of life of nursing home residents. The study objective was quantification method - survey, using two research instruments - questionnaires and 134 nursing home residents were interviewed. The results show that there are both positive and negative relationship between stressors and indicator of quality of life. Overall, the results after the quality of life index characterize the situation as good, the figure is described as an adequate quality of life for the majority of respondents, but for a part of respondents in several, important areas of life there is needed an improvement.
THE INDIVIDUALITY SPHERES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Authors: Nesyna Svetlana , Nesyn Vladislav
Published: May 2018

This study focuses on the health professionals’ spheres of individuality. We surveyed three groups of health professionals – anaesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiologists. The respondents were asked to complete an individuality questionnaire for health professionals – an update of T. Grebenuk’s questionnaire for measuring teachers’ individuality. The survey results show that a medical specialist’s individuality is an integrated system comprising seven interconnected spheres – intellectual, motivational, volitional, emotional, practical and object-oriented, existential, and self-regulative ones, – which are affected by the development of professionally relevant components. The dominant sphere is motivational. Age and experience are associated with a lower rating given to all the components – chiefly, motivational, volitional, and self-regulative ones. No significant difference was observed between the male and the female respondents. However, the spheres of individuality differed across the three groups of health professionals. The anaesthesiologists were inclcned to give average ratings. The surgeons’ and cardiologists’ spheres of individuality showed significant similarities.
APPLYING THE RESEARCH SKILLS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BACHELOR’S THESIS
Authors: Paipare Mirdza , Engele Liga , Blauzde Olga
Published: May 2018

We live in the age when research skills are required regardless of person’s field of activity and experience, therefore it is important to acquire the research skills as key competences already in the school years. Also it is possible to purposefully develop the research skills working on the course papers, bachelor's thesis, master's thesis and doctoral dissertation. In Liepaja University, the Bachelor's study program Teacher/ Music teacher gives the students the opportunity to participate in the development of science, ensuring the academic research principles in the science of pedagogy.The authors of this article analyse the choice of research topics selected by the students of Liepaja University, study program Teacher/ Music teacher, as well as the content of the Bachelor’s papers, evaluating the applied research skills. The aim of this research: to explore the students' ability to apply the research skills in the process of Bachelor's thesis development. The research method: This study is designed as analysis and review of the defended Bachelor's thesis. As the result, the topicality and specifics of the Bachelor’s papers is evaluated, keeping in mind the selected qualifications in the context of lifelong education, also analysing the students' ability to apply the research skills while working on Bachelor's thesis.
CRITICAL THINKING AS AN EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE IN A GLOBAL INFORMATION SOCIETY
Authors: Mróz Anna , Ocetkiewicz Iwona , Walotek - Ściańska Katarzyna
Published: May 2018

Critical thinking is defined as the competency for the future, which is crucial for every its member responsible participation in the global information society. Today, possessing this competence often determines how one perceives the reality and responds appropriately to the stimuli of the surrounding world. This competency should be shaped (created) by teachers, especially within the process of formal education. Teachers should choose specific methods and forms of work, the aim of which is to develop the components of the competency to think critically. The paper is a presentation of the results of research that aimed to examine the methods and forms of teachers' effort and work that create the critical thinking competency in students at the third (junior high school) and the fourth (high school) stages of education. Throughout the study, the authors sought an answer to the question: what methods and forms of education are used by teachers at the third and fourth stages of education to shape the critical thinking competency? The research was carried out using the quantitative approach. The research method was a survey and convenience sampling was used to select subjects. 337 Polish teachers participated in the study. The analysis of the results of the research suggests that Polish teachers are not sufficiently prepared to develop the critical thinking competency in their students. They lack methodological competencies at an appropriate level and are not even aware of the need for developing critical thinking in many cases.
APPLICATION OF SIMULATION MODELS FOR PROGRAMMING OF ROBOTS
Authors: Jakubiec Beata
Published: May 2018

In recent years, there has been an increasing robotization of many areas of life. This requires knowledge of issues related to robots and their programming. Devices of this type, especially large industrial or medical robots, are very expensive, or they may be hardly affordable for educational purposes. Simulation models are helpful in such situation. The aim of the article is to present the possibilities of using simulation models of robots and robotic stations in the educational and research process. Specialized software packages make it easier not only to understand how robots work, but they also allow to test different operating conditions of the designed computer model of the real robotized process.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT IN SCIENCE NATIONAL LEVEL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Authors: Pestovs Pāvels , Namsone Dace
Published: May 2018

National Centre of Education of the Republic of Latvia in 2016 lunched national project of the renewal of the curriculum for education funded by the European Social Fund. One of the key priorities of successful implementation of the new education curriculum is transforming national level assessment system.Assessment system measuring student performance must meet different requirements from the traditional measurement instrument assessing content knowledge.Analysing 2017 national level science assessment diagnostic tests of 15-16 years old students, it is impossible to discriminate student different level of performance. Student, demonstrating singly stored pieces of knowledge, integrating pieces of knowledge into a coherent system, deriving general principle or transferring understanding to new situations, are assessed the same.The research goal is to analyse 9th grade student performance in national level science diagnostic testing, which measures conceptual understanding by explaining natural phenomena scientifically. This paper describes developing and calibrating measuring instrument assessing student performance according to the cycles of cognitive growth and taxonomy of observed learning outcomes.
STRESS COPING AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTOR FOR CHRONIFICATION OF LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Millere Anna , Kalnberza-Ribule Zaiga , Nulle Anda , Deklava Liana , Millere Inga
Published: May 2018

Stress is a part of our everyday life and it plays an important role in causing various diseases including low back pain and vice versa chronic pain is a stressor that is challenging stress system of the human body. Purpose of the study is to examine stress coping among patients with low back pain in rehabilitation practice in Latvia. Demographic questionnaire, Visual analogue scale and “The Ways of Coping scale” were used. Results. Almost all stress coping strategies scores for patients with low back pain in their first visit are higher than in patients with revisit to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor and there is statistically significant difference in the use of problem oriented stress coping. Conclusion. This research is meaningful due to the fact it allows to acknowledge and evaluate the spectrum of stress coping ways for patients with low back pain.
EDUCATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES IN LITHUANIAN SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Authors: Kaffemaniene Irena , Meliene Rita , Milteniene Lina , Geleziniene Renata , Kairiene Daiva , Tomeniene Laima
Published: May 2018

The strategic aims of Lithuanian education orientate towards the development of inclusive education. However, in addition to mainstream schools, special schools still exist as well. In this context, future perspectives of special schools and their role in the inclusive education system has become a particularly relevant problem; therefore, it is important to analyse experiences of education in special schools.The aim of the study presented in the article is to analyse teachers’ opinion regarding special education and assessment of outcomes. The study was conducted in special schools of Lithuania, using a questionnaire method. Based on the data of the analysis of scientific literature sources, the ranking scale of variables (statements describing various dimensions of education and assessment of outcomes) was drawn up (respondents marked answers from 1 – strongly disagree to 5 –  strongly agree).The results of the study show that teachers of special schools understand priorities of contemporary education. This is demonstrated by strong approval of statements about fostering of self-esteem, development of communication and problem-solving abilities of special school students; search for non-traditional forms of education; involvement of school community in education. Nevertheless, in the opinion of a considerable share of special school teachers, individual teaching and a traditional lesson are more effective compared with the variety of learning methods. In the opinion of many special school teachers, the purpose of special education is to cope with students’ disorders, and only specialized educational institutions can ensure quality individualised education. Respondents also noted certain shortcomings of education at special schools.
PRESCHOOL CHILD’S MOTHER’S PARENTING PRACTICES AND ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILD’S DIGITALLY-BASED ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO CHILD’S PROSOCIAL OR PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIOR
Authors: Miltuze Anika , Sebre Sandra Beatrice , Vedeņejeva Veronika
Published: May 2018

The aim of this research was to examine preschool children’s prosocial behavior as well as internalizing and externalizing problems in relation to their mothers’ parenting practices and active involvement with their child in the use of various digital technologies (television, computer, telephone, play stations), time spent and content of the child’s activities. Participating in the research were the mothers of 120 preschool children, aged 5 – 6 years old, 50 girls and 70 boys.  Mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach Rescorla, 2000), prosocial behavior scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman, 1997), Block‘s Child Rearing Practices Report (Block, 1981), as adapted by Aunolo and Nurmi (Aunola Nurmi, 2004) and also answered questions regarding the child’s time spent with digital technologies, the content of their activity (drawing, puzzles, games, etc.), and the mother’s degree of active involvement with her child during these activities.  Results showed that mother’s active involvement with child’s digitally-based activity was associated with emotionally warm parenting, as well as with higher child’s prosocial behavior ratings. Regression analysis showed that lover mother’s involvement and punishment orientation in parenting was predictive of externalizing behavior ratings for boys. Results are discussed in relation to practical implications for parent-child relationships.
DEPENDENCE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGERS OF GENERAL EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ON CAREER STAGES
Authors: Koshevenko Svetlana
Published: May 2018

The article examines the problem concerning the effectiveness of managers of general education organizations. There is no universal methodology for the assessment of effectiveness of activity of managers of general education organizations and no determined factors affecting any effectiveness indicator. The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of managers of a general education organization at different stages of their careers. The main methods of this research are the system analysis, the questionnaire survey and the factor analysis. The author analyses the dependence of the effectiveness indicators of managers of general education organizations on the career stages.  The effectiveness evaluation was carried out according to the author's methodology and was based on the data of general education organizations in the Smolensk region.Managers of general education organizations at the establishment stage of a career haven't sufficiently formed public relations and developed educational activities. Managers at the advancement stage do not pay enough attention to building the career of employees of the educational organization.  Transfer of experience to youth, their adaptation in the team, support in research work, assistance in building a career are not sufficiently typical for school managers at the maintenance stage of careers.  Managers at the withdrawal stage of a career have a low level of information culture, lack motivation to use new technologies and progressive ideas.
SUSTAINABILITY AND UNSUSTAINABILITY ASPECTS OF INTEGRATION OF NOVICE TEACHERS IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SETTING
Authors: Zhukova Olena , Pipere Anita , Iliško Dzintra , Badjanova Jeļena
Published: May 2018

Teachers are being identified as key actors for ensuring quality education, therefore they need to receive a proper professional support during their first years of work in overcoming initial challenges. As the preliminary research indicates, support that they gain is systemic and fragmentary. The aim of the study is to explore the sustainability and unsustainability aspects of integration of novice teachers in the secondary school system. The research methods employ are semi-structured interviews with fourteen teachers on their adaptation experience in the school system, considering both obstacles and factors of success. Research indicates that novice teachers leave their work within the first three years of teaching by finding demands too high and workload sometimes unmanageable. The authors offer suggestions for a more efficient and coherent process of mentoring and professional development of novice teachers.
THE ANALYSIS OF CONTEXTS OF STRESS EXPERIENCED BY SOCIAL WELFARE PROFESSIONALS: EXPERIENCE OF LITHUANIA, LATVIA AND GREAT BRITAIN
Authors: Alifanoviene Daiva , Sapelyte Odeta , Rudytė Kristina , Orska Rita
Published: May 2018

The article deals with stress experienced by social welfare professionals in different sociocultural context.  The comparison of inter-professional stressogenity shows that the greatest stress is experienced by the representatives of social sphere professions (as social workers, pedagogues). The main aim of the article is to disclose the contexts of stress experienced by social welfare professionals in Baltic countries (Lithuania and Latvia) and Great Britain. Profesionals' experiences were analysed employing the qualitative approach (semi-structured written interview was used). Reconstructing the context of the stress experienced by specialists of social welfare professions of these countries, certain differences showed up.
INFORMAL COMPONENT IN THE EDUCATIONAL WORK WITH GIFTED CHILDREN IN CHINA
Authors: Kalashnyk Lyubov , Burtseva Yulia , Naumenko Stanislav , Wu Yanlin
Published: May 2018

Informal Education is a general term for education that can occur outside of a structured curriculum. Nowadays it is mainly used to provide people of different ages and social categories with additional knowledge and skills needed for their professional activity or fulfilling interest. China today also uses such kind of providing educational services mainly for children and youths. These activities are seen by the state educational system as the basic level of gifted children`s detection and separating them from the other ones. Modern Chinese educational theory has its own ideas as to the problem of gifted children starting from the definition of giftedness and up to the place of such children in the society including the welfare and legal issues. Seeing giftedness as “ability to work and methodical training” the Chinese educational and welfare system is totally built up by this conception. The article using various research methods (such as theoretical literature and current Chinese legislation`s analysis, comparative methods, method of personal experience etc.) represents the Chinese experience as to educational work with gifted children especially in the field of informal education as well as general ideas of the Giftedness theory in the Chinese educational practice.
MODEL FOR PLANNING AN OPERATIONAL-INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME FOR AN INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION
Authors: Mezhov Stepan , Lobaryov Dmitriy
Published: May 2018

The complex nature of modern technologies and organizational solutions in modern corporations requires adequate conceptual approaches to their planning. In this paper, the authors propose a model of an operational and innovative programme for which methodological principles are formulated and a systemic formulation of the planning task designed to optimize the process of resource use, including: investment, technological, and innovative capabilities of the corporation.In the instrumental sense, the task of forming a production programme must be based on optimization models. Some researchers supplement the models for calculating production programmes by analysing subsystems and forming the profile of economic risk.The purpose and essence of the proposed in this paper model of product planning in the context of continuous investment in innovation can be formulated as follows.On the basis of a number of parameters of the forecast cycle of production of each product of the production programme, it is necessary to determine such terms for launching new products in production in order to perform tasks regarding the rate of growth of the value of the corporation, to provide basic economic and financial indicators of efficiency and sustainability within the resources allocated by the corporate budget. At the same time, it is necessary to determine the optimal volumes and rates of investment in innovations, observing, on the one hand, the balance between profitability and liquidity, on the other hand, the optimal start date for the sale of a new product in order to maximize the rent from possessing unique competencies.
MODERN SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AFFECTING THE BUSINESS SECTOR OF THE ECONOMIES OF LATVIA AND UKRAINE
Authors: Mietule Iveta , Maksymova Iryna , Holikova Kateryna
Published: May 2018

The paper analyses and describes key social and demographic trends affecting the business in current conditions. The present research aims to establish logical coherence and feedback between economic development and basic socio-demographic indicators in European countries, including the experience of Latvia and Ukraine. The challenge of the research leads to answering the question how demographic processes affect and drive the economy and how this mechanism could be used to predict essential trends of future development. The methodology of cluster analysis, statistical and regression methods were employed for modelling. Cluster analysis was applied to depict an economic cartogram and merge some European countries in particular clusters by current socio-demographic and economic criteria. As a result, this approach allowed us to compare Latvia and Ukraine as highlighting representatives of different economic clusters and distinguish important similarities and differences. Statistical data were based on the following indicators: GDP, income, employment, age structure, gender, population aging, location, migration etc. These parameters were analysed due to their dynamic change. Regression methods allowed to establish the whole system of indicators affecting the business environment in Latvia and Ukraine. For instance, the results confirmed the explicit impact of migration trends on business and social development.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUICIDE IDEATION, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND PERSONALITY TRAITS IN ELDERLY: PILOT STUDY RESULTS
Authors: Ļubenko Jeļena , Perepjolkina Viktorija , Mārtinsone Kristīne , Rancāns Elmārs , Stepens Ainārs
Published: May 2018

Healthy aging and the research on the related factors is one of the World Health Organization's priorities for the 2020-2030 years. Depression and suicidal ideation can adversely affect an individual's aging experience. Personality traits are important factors that allow to predict the individual's behavior in different situations, as well as the accurance of emotional difficulties. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between symptoms of depression, suicidal ideation and personality traits in elderly, and to determine whether the relationship between personality traits and suicidal ideation remains statistically significant after controlling the severity of depression symptoms. Thirty nine respondents aged 65 and over were included in the pilot study (M = 71.23; SD = 4.95). The Latvian Clinical Personality Inventory (LCPI) was used for data collection. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between several personality traits, depression symptoms and suicidal ideation for elderly. Controlling the severity of depression symptoms, statistically significant correlations were found between suicidal ideation and personality traits such as distrust, social withdrawal, self-harm, dissociation proneness on facet level and introversion on domain level. The results of the pilot study largely coincide with the results of previous studies and indicate that certain personality traits, irrespective of the degree of severity of depression symptoms, can explain an additional variation in suicidal thoughts and, hence, the risk of suicide for elderly. It would be important to conduct a study with similar variables in a larger sample.
FACTORS INFLUENCING CAREER CHOICE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS
Authors: Kuzņecova Jeļena , Šverina Vija
Published: May 2018

Choosing a career is a complex and multi-factorial decision-making process that is based on several personal, situational and organizational factors. The purpose of this study is a literature review to determine factors influencing career choice among nursing students. The literature review displays that nursing students make their career decisions from a combination of personal interests in health care and their desire to help others. From the beginning of the studies students may have strong career preferences. Before they graduate and eventually decide about the future workplace, their career choices undergo several transitions.  Career choices are influenced both by the students inclination before starting medical school as well as any exposure during training in medical school. Experiences in chosen specialties during training as well as the social environment of the medical school, the teaching programme and clinical staff role models can influence career preferences.
THE KNOWLEDGE ON LYME BORRELIOSIS AND OTHER TICK-BORNE DISEASES AMONG NURSING STUDENTS FROM POLAND AND SLOVAKIA
Authors: Pańczuk Anna , Tokarska-Rodak Małgorzata , Mikuľáková Wioletta , Kendrová Lucia , Magurová Dagmar , Wasilewska Małgorzata
Published: May 2018

Tick-borne diseases are infectious diseases transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. The most common vector-borne disease in Europe is Lyme borreliosis (LB). The number of the reported cases of LB has been steadily increasing. For this reason, it is important to undertake educational activities in the field of tick-borne diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the level and scope of knowledge on tick-borne diseases among nursing students from Poland and Slovakia. The study sample consisted of 428 nursing students (192 students of the State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska, Poland and 236 students of the University in Presov, Slovakia). The knowledge of the surveyed students on tick-borne diseases is limited. Polish students demonstrated greater knowledge about LB, while students from Slovakia showed greater awareness of the threat posed by tick-borne encephalitis. Particularly worrying is the lack of knowledge on proper way of removal of a tick attached to the skin. Students recognize the need to broaden their knowledge on tick-borne diseases, which should be taken into consideration in realized studies curricula.
CONSTRUCTION OF NEGATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF CRITICAL THINKING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
Authors: Sondore Anita , Krastiņa Elfrīda , Daugulis Pēteris , Drelinga Elga
Published: May 2018

In the modern study process it is important to teach pupils critical thinking and involvement in decision making. Formulation of negations and construction of counterexamples is one of the ingredients of critical thinking which are stressed in the new project of the mathematical standard for primary school „Skola 2030” in Latvia. The goal of this study is to analyze experience and skills of primary school pupils and students of teacher study programs, which are related to the ability to formulate negations and counterexamples. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of questionaire answers given by pupils and future teachers is performed in this study. Results of this study show that pupils make mistakes constructing negations and counterexamples. Teachers also have problems constructing correct assertions. These observations should stimulate universities to pay attention to teacher preparation in this sense. Teachers should teach correct usage of the negation operation at different levels of difficulty and correct construction of counterexamples.
EXPLORING THE INPUT OF COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT TO GOAL-SETTING IN VARIOUS TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Butkēviča Anete , Zandbergs Uldis , Namsone Dace , Briķe Signe
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present research is to investigate the existing practices of linking competence assessment to organizational goal-setting in various organisations in Latvia. The importance of linking employee competences to goal-setting within organizations has been established in scientific literature. Nevertheless, there is evidence gathered in this interdisciplinary research that existing methods of competence assessment used by various organizations in Latvia do not translate well into organizational goal-setting. The research is based on information gathered from semi-structured interviews with representatives of managerial positions in private and public, including educational service organizations (26 in total). Additionally, publicly available development plans are analysed. Empirical data are analysed according to a conceptual framework of criteria impacting the goal-setting process. Three subsets of criteria are used that guided interview question formulation and interview data analysis: formulation of a goal; employee’s ability to reach the assigned goal; employee’s self-assessment on his/her ability to reach the assigned goal. Analysis of the results indicate that when setting goals and assessing employee competences in relation to those goals, management decisions are greatly guided by subjective approaches. Such identified approaches in observed private and public service organizations indicate common risks that are discussed in this research.
THE SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Banasiak Anna
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the level of a sense of empowerment among mothers and fathers of children with autism. The relationship between a sense of empowerment and socio-demographic variables characterising the respondents including the parents was also analysed. Among the participants, there were 74 parents of autistic children (39 mothers, 35 fathers), 77 parents of children with Down syndrome (40 mothers, 37 fathers) as well as 80 parents of typically developing children (40 mothers, 40 fathers). Two statistical tools, namely the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test, were employed in this study. The results show a higher level of a sense of empowerment when it comes to the evaluation of own knowledge and competences in mothers of autistic children than in mothers of children with Down syndrome, contrary to fathers of autistic children whose level of a sense of empowerment is lower within the said scope compared with fathers of children with Down syndrome.
DETERMINANTS OF DIFFERENTIATION FOR SELECTED COUNTY LABOUR MARKETS IN PODLASKIE VOIVODSHIP – THE APPLICATION OF THE SCENARIO METHOD
Authors: Kononiuk Anna , Gudanowska Alicja Ewa
Published: May 2018

The main aim of the paper is to present the possibilities of scenario method use for the identification of the factors determining a different situation in selected county labour markets in Podlaskie Voivodship, Poland. The novelty posited by the authors of the paper consisted in the application of the qualitative method based on the intuitive logic school of scenario construction for the county labour markets analysis. The following pairs of poviats were subjected to the case study: Hajnowski and Bielski, Grajewski and Wysokomazowiecki, Suwalski and Sejneński. The selection of the experts of the presented case study followed the rules of researcher triangulation. The expert team consisted of representatives of labour market institutions, local government units and enterprises, which allowed for a multifaceted view on the analysed issues. The scenario method was preceded by the STEEPVL analysis. The main problem issue undertaken during the case study analysis was the identification of factors affecting the development of selected poviats and the assessment of these factors in terms of validity and uncertainty. The STEEPVL analysis and the scenario method were implemented for poviats, which in pairs of poviats occupy lower positions in the ranking of poviats in the region. The research methods applied by the authors of the paper were literature review, a case study, STEEPVL analysis and the scenario method.
EXPLORING FACULTY MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON ADOPTION OF CLOUD COMPUTING IN EDUCATION
Authors: Başaran Seren , Hama Goran Omer
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study is to investigate university faculty members’ views towards adoption of cloud computing in higher education. The current status of the faculty on cloud computing usage in education and regional differences were discussed. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) and Technology, Organization, Environment (TOE) frameworks were integrated. The data was collected through an adopted questionnaire based on these frameworks and demographic information were answered by 300 faculty members from north parts of Cyprus and Iraq. This study is exploratory and causal comparative which descriptive statistics with independent t-test were used to analyse data. The results showed that faculty members agreed mostly on the opportunities which followed by awareness of potential threats and weaknesses and lastly they accept the strengths of adopting cloud computing in education. They are highly in consensus on technological availability followed by organizational aspects and lastly on environment related regulations. Regional difference exists in the sub-dimension of TOE. Faculty members from north part of Cyprus agreed more upon the relative advantage of using cloud computing as compared to their counterparts. The study brought light on the comprehension of faculty members’ views from comparative and integrated framework perspectives.
CONFLICT COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE PROFESSIONALS IN STAFF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Solovova Natalya , Kalmykova Olga , Sukhankina Natallia
Published: May 2018

A high level of conflict competence is a crucial managerial proficiency characteristic in the staff management sphere, as constructive conflict and stress management positively contributes to the output of an organization. Research Objective: the rationale and development of methodological guidelines to improve conflict competence of master-students majoring in “HR management“, employees and executives; the creation of conflict counseling system. Research methods: surveys have been conducted to assess the relevance of conflict competence for the professional activities of HR managers. The paper contains the author’s concept of scientific methodological and educational support for the course “Conflict and Stress Management in an Organization”. The main problems of conflict competence development in the sphere of staff management are identified. Special attention is paid to the introduction of innovative active and interactive teaching methods that require motivational, methodological, technological, methodical and expertise willingness of the university lecturer. In this research study, the interrelation between the structural components of the lecturer’s methodical competence and the quality characteristics of master’s training programmes on staff management is revealed to prove their determinism. The paper provides the examples of various training assignments as well as the conflict competence development course description.
Nomads in Lifelong learning. The educators.
Authors: Garbauskaitė-Jakimovska Justina
Published: May 2018

The concept of nomad is most broadly used to describe a person or a group of people who do not have a fixed residence, but move from place to place usually seasonally and within a well-defined territory. I. Semetsky, D. R. Cole, St. Pierre and others followed the ideas of philosophers G. Deleuze and F. Guattari and used the concept of nomads to interpret processes in the educational field. According to D. R. Cole, nomads come to the educational system from outside. They decide to call themselves educators and start organizing the educational process, but in order to do that they need approval from the community (2015, p. 84-85). This presentation introduces a qualitative study that was conducted in Lithuania by interviewing the educators who work in the field of non-formal education, which is the main force for implementation of the Lifelong learning strategy. The aim of the study was to learn about the movement of nomads in the field of non-formal education that is not marked by rules or regulations, to know how the nomads enter the territory of non-formal education, how they gain approval for their activities and how by their non-regulated activities they are changing the territories of education.
THE FIGURE OF SHAMAN AS THE POTENTIAL MODEL OF LEADER IN MUSIC AND MUSICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Bałajewicz Magda
Published: May 2018

Shaman is an individual, gifted with plenty of unusual skills - the medium between two worlds, human and the external one. Being a leader and healer, shaman is master for the younger entrants, leading them through the difficult initiation process and preparing them to independent work on their potential in the future. With time shamanism became a sort of the cultural model associated with pop-culture: a path of the artistic and spiritual transformation, a form of opposition for excluded communities, a type of common experience of art and a prototype of the figure of leader. The consciousness of the existence of this kind of artistic and psychological model and the possibility of its use in art could be the key element in young artist's music educational process, based on the intimate relation between the student and the master, especially in jazz music genre. In this context extremely important is informal and non-formal education - lasting for the whole life, it allows the artist to develop their individual personality and sensitivity on every level of existence. In this perspective the figure of shaman - first entrant, later leader - could be a valuable and useful educational model.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MINDFULNESS BASED INTERVENTIONS FOR DIFFERENT PATIENT GROUPS – LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Majore-Dūšele Indra , Paiča Inese , Mārtinsone Kristīne , Millere Inga
Published: May 2018

Mindfulness based interventions has been used in context with different mental and somatic health conditions in health care system with good evidences. In Latvia professionals working in psychiatry and rehabilitation are taking first steps to integrate mindfulness based interventions into their practice, therefore, guidelines for integration these interventions into the health care system is needed. The aim of this study is to evaluate existing evidences, content and mechanisms of mindfulness interventions for different patient groups.Electronic searches in PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, and PsycInfo (2010 – 2018). Papers were required to meet the following criteria to be included in this review: (i) systematic review or meta-analysis; (ii) include quantitative outcomes for adult population in health care setting; (iii) published in English.Despite the good evidences, mindfulness based interventions are viewed as "complex intervention", researchers call for methodological, cultural and ethical attention to be made of implementing mindfulness practice into health care setting.
ACQUISITION AND APPLICATION OF MUSIC LISTENING SKILLS FOR TEENAGERS
Authors: Zakovska Aija
Published: May 2018

Living in a society means there is a constant communication between its members. However, it is possible only when there is mutual understanding, because base principals of communication are the ability to communicate, emotional and physical readiness for communication, speaking and listening experience, as well as, mutual attitude between the talker and listener and vice versa. Listening to music is closely related to general ability to listen and perceive what has been heard. That is why the act of music listening under the guidance of a professional teacher is very important. Relevant requirement is the choice of qualitative learning content and diverse methods which are fit to teenager`s age that promote their intellectual and emotional growth. The results of the Research show that teenagers themselves believe to be very good listeners, but the answers to the test questions verify quite the opposite – teenagers are weak listeners. The aim of the research is to find out the possibilities of learning music listening skills for teenagers in school`s pedagogical process and its practical use in everyday life. The methods used: analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, testing, questionnaire.