bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurship as a Key Competence - Implications for the Education Process in Poland
Authors: Nowacka Urszula
Published: May 2015

The ever escalating pace of civilizational changes in the social and economic fields, as well as in science and technology triggers a change of employers’ expectations with respect to employees’ competences. Thus, a need has arisen for enterprising and creative employees with the ability of critical and at the same time, creative thinking, with high interpersonal competence, who can obtain and effectively process information and based on that make decisions, and who are real team players, understanding the need for lifelong learning. Such competences have a significant impact on an independent, responsible and auspicious life. The changes led the European Parliament and the Council to adopt a key competence framework to which entrepreneurship and initiative have been, among other competences, classified.

The aim of the article is to define conditions related to creation of entrepreneurship as a key competence in the process of education in Poland, both among students of upper-secondary schools and tertiary education students. The article uses the findings of research conducted in Poland regarding evaluation of acquired key competences and identification of competences and qualifications sought by employers.

 
Multicultural Approach to Education
Authors: Koriakina Anzhelina
Published: May 2015

The article discusses the definition of a multicultural approach to education. The views of foreign and Russian researchers on this problem are represented. Features of a multicultural approach - dialogue of cultures in historical and contemporary context, cultural pluralism, multi-ethnicity – are showed. It is concluded that in Russia the term "multicultural approach to education" is used in the meaning "multi-ethnic".

 
Competence as a Career Opportunity's Guarantor
Authors: Garleja Rasma , Kangro Ilmārs
Published: May 2015

The aim of the research is to investigate the essence of the notion ”competence” and the differences in the usage of the career's terminology in semantic, methodological and pragmatic areas in academic theories of the second part of the 20 century; to work out evaluation criteria by comparing the succession of the notions capacity. The research is based on the Latvian and international sources of scientific literature – books, magazines, sources in digital form, and etc. A personality was investigated holistically ( Džarviss (Jarvis, 2010); Devis (Dove, 1976); Kross (Cross, 1981) ):

Body (genetic, physical, biological; reflection, self-capacity);

Mind (know-how – the cognitive skills being based on knowledge and competence; readiness for life activities; an attitude as a means of creativity; a system of evolution; imagination, confidence, sense).

 
Student Creativity Boosting with Innovative Digital Activities to Enhance Study Course Quality
Authors: Rudzinska Ieva , Pop Anisoara , Dredetianu Mirela
Published: May 2015

The article aims to introduce some digital activities for ESP (English for Specific Purposes) courses and show the effect of their introduction on the quality of study process in an ESP course and on its results. With the help of ESP course quality evaluation model (Rudzinska, 2011) ESP course quality is evaluated along the following criteria: study course clarity, adequacy, cooperation, individual work, variety, and deep approach. Quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to investigate the improvement of study process quality due to the introduction of digital tools. The base of the research are the students of a Latvian higher education institution (HEI) (Institution A) and a Romanian  HEI (Institution B), who from 2008/2009 to 2011/2012 studied ESP (Business English and Sports English) with the help of such digital tools as Bighugelabs, Piclits, Glogster, Textivate, Freemind and Wikipedia article creation. In Institution B student satisfaction level with the use of digital tools was surveyed through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and oral interviews. In Institution A the students freely reflected on their learning experience with the help of the mentioned digital tools. The results in both HEIs show high student satisfaction with the introduction of digital tools: in Institution B slightly satisfied were 15%, moderately satisfied: 10%, very satisfied: 58%, and extremely satisfied: 15% of respondents. Qualitative analysis showed that ESP course quality due to the introduction of digital tools improved in relation to quality criteria, summarized in the mentioned quality evaluation model (clarity, adequacy, cooperation, individual work, variety, and deep approach), as well as in relation to other quality criteria:  accessibility, availability, novelty, variety, creativity, an opportunity to be proud about the results of the work done; the weaknesses were due to lack of accessibility (Internet connection in my village is too slow), lack of creativity (I’m not very creative) and complicated techniques of digital tool application.

 
Content and Formation of Key Competencies of Managers' Education
Authors: Ismadiyarov Yashin , Isyanov Ravil , Horchaev Ravshan , Parniyeva Malika
Published: May 2015

The article considers the issues of further improvement of higher education quality through training of managerial staff of higher education institutions and their reserves for the effective organization of the educational process, development of their knowledge, skills and habits in the training course “Education quality management”. The course allows listeners to improve their professional skills in accordance with the requirements of the management activities necessary to achieve the quality of higher education, to develop new professional managerial knowledge, skills and habits and related competencies as well.
Blinding as a Punishment: A Story about Saul in the Old Testament and the Image of Paul in the Fine Arts
Authors: Gudonis Vytautas
Published: May 2015

On the ground of theoretical research methods, the article estimates the image of Paul in the Old Testament and the fine arts. Examples of the fine arts are analysed in the paper as social phenomena. Interrelations between art and public events are revealed. Leaving issues of art criticism aside, pieces of art are analysed in the area of art sociology, aiming to notice reflections of historical reality and their impact on man beholding this. On the ground of analysis of replicas of 239 art works depicting a character of the Old Testament, Saul, it is attempted to answer the questions what episodes of this character’s life were most commonly depicted in the fine arts, in which periods of historical development of art (Saul later was Christened as Paul, and afterwards proclaimed saint) the topic of Paul was the most popular, painters of which countries favoured this topic the most, what episodes of this character’s life imposed painters, engravers and sculptors the most, why did this Biblical character receive more attention in the development of art history in comparison to other characters of the Old Testament.
Promoting Awareness of the Body's Centre in Classical and Modern Dance Training
Authors: Vītola Sandra
Published: May 2015

Based on dance theorist insights into the basic components that determine performance of movements in dance, the article analyses promotion of a sense of bodily centre in classical and modern dance training. The most significant condition for a dancer to be able to fit within the confines of the proposed tasks in dance is to govern own body, which is made easier through an understanding of the body’s centre of gravity. Promoting an awareness of muscle activity being fixated within the central point of the body develops an understanding of movements around this point among dancers, which leads to easier control over performed movements.

The article aims to analyse the awareness of the body’s centre among dancers and to justify its significance in classical and modern dance training. The article applies the theoretical research method – it characterises classical and modern dance and analyses the sense of body centre in dance.

 
Development of Adolescent Individual Attention Focus Abilities during Vocal Ensemble Sessions
Authors: Trubina Irena , Sile Maruta
Published: May 2015

In 21st Century, music playing as an activity for attention development is one of the direction in the fast developing field of research in music pedagogy. The issue of adolescent attention focus ability development is urgent both in psychology, as well as pedagogy and specifically in music pedagogy. With the use of digital tests (VTS - Vienna Test System), adolescent attention focus ability development was determined in dynamic during vocal ensemble sessions. Upon analysing the individual adolescent results, it was concluded that development of attention focus ability was observed for the majority of adolescents who actively took part in the vocal ensemble lessons performing the include attention focus ability development exercises that were created in line with the recommendations of psychology and pedagogy scholars.

 
Improvement of Music Teachers’ Competence via Productive Activity
Authors: Sile Maruta , Ratniece Inta
Published: May 2015

Professional pedagogical performance is an important condition for a successful implementation of national education policy. Creative and understanding the evolving process of today – a competent music teacher is competitive both in the domestic employment market and abroad. Music as art is creative in its essence. However, in practice it is often found that reproductive activity often dominates the preparation of music teachers. Being the most creative of arts – music in the course of acquiring the art of playing music loses its inherent creativity. Primarily, the preparation of music teachers is focused on activities based on the quality of learning by heart and remembering. The matter of research is related to raising awareness of productive activity in the improvement of music teacher competency. The objective is to study opportunities for improvement of music teacher competences within productive activity. The research is developed by theoretical and empirical methods involving discussions and a questionnaire.  In order to improve the professional competence of a music teacher via productive activity, a procedural – structural model titled “Improvement of Music Teacher’s Competence via Improvisation” was developed, the utility of which is evaluated on the basis of various specific criteria. An exercise system is also developed and approved. As a result of verifying the model, we assure the utility thereof in the improvement of the professional competence of music teachers. The developed improvisation exercises are useful for practical productive activities.
Factors of Development of the Management of the Design Education in Latvia
Authors: Irbite Andra
Published: May 2015

The author proceeds with the discussion of significant problems in design industry and education in Europe and Latvia. This research is devoted to several important aspects in the development of design education in Latvia. Design education which is mainly based on the meaning of design as an aesthetic component of products, environment or communication, includes only a narrow range of specializations in the traditional fields of design. This concept affects the structure of design education and an beliefs of the areas in which designers will be able to work. Insufficiency of public awareness and understanding of the essence of design results in limited demand of design products and services. These factors determine the contribution of design sector to the economy and well-being of the society, as well as sensitivity of the labor force to market movements. In the research, by analyzing complex situation in the design branch and design education in Latvia, the author has developed proposals for the development of design education management.

 
Improvement of Media Competence within Cooperative Learning Process in a Vocational Education Institution
Authors: Pigozne Tamara , Pigoznis Aivars
Published: May 2015

Basing on the theoretical formulations concerning the functions and competence of media, as well as cooperative learning the authors developed a model aimed at improvement of media competence of the vocational education institutions’ students. The elaborated model offers teachers in various vocational educational institutions to generate and develop ideas for media competence perfection, ensuring an opportunity in an interdisciplinary project to use the multiform functions of media competence (information, technologies, computer, network, critical and visual) and cooperative learning to ensure efficient learning process. The aim of the article is to analyze the results obtained during the approbation of the model for improvement of the media competence within the cooperative learning process in a vocational education institution.
Rhythmic Teaching of E.Jaques-Dalcroze (Eurhythmic)
Authors: Pētersone Ginta
Published: May 2015

This year Jaques-Dalcroze Institute Geneva is celebrating its 100th anniversary and also the 150 years of its founder, the Swiss educator Emile Jacques-Dalcroze (1865-1950). At the beginning the pedagogical teaching method using connection between music and movement was named rhythmic gymnastics. The aim was to improve students' sense of rhythm and music. These exercises have been developed by creating a new set of methods, which was named the rhythmic. To emphasize the importance of this new teaching technique E.Jaques-Dalcroze named it rhythmical musical education. To avoid the confusion with overall term for analysing rhythm in the music, the newly created education technique was called eurhythmic in English. In Latvian the term Eurythmie is better known as method of Rudolf Steiner, which is partly similar to rhythmic, but mainly based on cognitions of anthroposophy. In other European languages the teaching of E.Jaques-Dalcroze is called rhythmic. Rhythmic is based on a unity between music and movement. Assuming that the movement is the foundation to all live expressions, the rhythm of music becomes the synchroniser between music and movement, thus having an influence on both sensomotor, both cognitive and emotional level. Musical experience is becoming more personal and the analysis of music is not torn apart from life, because it is perceived by bodily movements and integrates hearing, visual, tactile, kinesthetic and vestibular senses. The aim of this article is to reflect the establishment of Jaques-Dalcroze rhythmic teaching, its basic principles, further development and implementation in Latvian education.

 
Perceptions of Prospective Teachers on Posters with Social Themes
Authors: Karaahmet Selma , Malbelegi Faruk
Published: May 2015

We can’t know that can we change the world through the poster which is a product of graphic design but it is possible to make goodness for humankind by designing router and awareness posterssincethey can redirect and emphasize the ideas with mass media.The aim of this study, which is prepared with this opinion, is determine to prospective teachers’values ofperceptions from different classesand different departments.Teachers are so important to have ability to reach and teach all individuals in community. For this reason, in this study 80 prospective teachers will attendduring 2014-2015 school year in Education Faculties of OndokuzMayıs University and Marmara University. Four different social themed posters selected which contains different values like respect, peace, sensitivity and tolerance, to state how their opinion about social issues. These posters will show to participants and ask about their opinion. The results will evaluate with content analysis.

 
Ballet Art Reforms During the Enlightenment
Authors: Spalva Rita
Published: May 2015

The article focuses on identifying the essence of the 18th century ballet reform within the context of contemporary ballet art. The chosen topic is explored through the monographs of Sergey Hudekov and Vera Krasovska, works of Jury Sloņimsky, Richard Kraus, Sarah Chapman Hilsendager, Brenda Dixon, B. and other dance researchers. In Latvia this topic has been addressed by R. Spalva in the monograph Classical Dance and Ballet in European Culture. The aim of the article is to analyse preconditions of 18th century ballet reforms, as well as to recognise the essence of reforms and their impact upon further development of ballet art. Research subject -  ballet reforms of the Enlightenment era and contribution of Jean-Georges Noverre to their realisation. Research methods - scientific literature analysis, dance theory and history research.
The Landscape Design of the Art Nouveau Style
Authors: Makhmudova Malika , Jumaniyazova Dilfuza , Abdullahodjaev Gayrat
Published: May 2015

The article describes some of the features of the development of landscape design in the Art Nouveau style and its application in the modern world. In particular, it presents the main features of the style, its appearance and the main masters, such as Antonio Gaudi. The Art Nouveau style has been widely used in modern life, as well as landscape design, which is expressed through a particular interpretation of the basic rules and compositional techniques, colour solution of small garden, plant selection and combinations thereof, types of decorative paving, small architectural forms and garden equipment.

 
The Culture House of Rezekne City National Societies – a Sample of Stalin's Architecture in Latvia
Authors: Apele Diāna , Irbīte Andra
Published: May 2015

The article analyzes the architecture of the Stalin’s era in the Soviet Union, as well as it identifies and analyzes building processes in Rezekne in the fifties, providing a historical evaluation of the credibility of the research. In the research there have been used theoretical research methods: the research of sector-related literature, internet resources and archival documents and qualitative research methods: expert interviews and witness accounts. Triangulation of methods ensures credibility of the research.

The goal of the study: to describe the architecture of the Stalin’s era in the Soviet Union, to explore and analyze the construction process in Rezekne in the fifties of the 20th century and to provide a historical evaluation of the Culture House of Rezekne National Societies (former cinema "Zvaigzne").

 
Pre-School Age Visually Impaired Children's Motives for Learning
Authors: Gudonis Vytautas
Published: May 2015

The article presents longitudinal data of the survey of 212 Šiauliai Petras Avižonis Visual Centre’s 6–7-year-old pre-school children’s motives to attend school. A brief theoretical analysis of significance of motives for learning in child’s development is displayed. Analysing research results, a positive experience on development of positive motives for school attendance in pre-school age children attending Šiauliai Petras Avižonis Visual Centre is rendered in a generalising way. 
The concept of “child” in the Latvian models of education
Authors: Romenkova Valentīna
Published: May 2015

There are This article presents the results of the study of the concept of “child” in the Latvian model of education. A study of the concept of “child” is associated with the study of culturally - conditional model of raising children, having a single structure, but different

 Model of education - a method of transmitting culture, in the broadest sense from one generation to the next, holds both universal and culturally -conditional features. Type of culture (individual or collective, open or closed, simple or complex), the inclusion of the child in life of the adult, the values of the people and their hierarchy, as well as an idea of how adults want to see the child when he grows up, defines the methods of education, as well as their evaluation of the culture-carriers themselves.

Vast material for the study of the concept of "child" is provided by the folk lullabies and folk songs, Latvian sayings, as well as the modern parents’ idea of a child.

 
Intercultural Competence Development in Comenius Project "Me and My Europe: Intercultural Challenges of Modern Pre-Primary Education" Participants at Pre-Primary Education
Authors: Līduma Anna
Published: May 2015

The paper maximizes on the reflections on the Comenius project “Me and My Europe: Intercultural Challenges of Modern Pre-Primary Education” (implementation period 2012-2014) procedures in 9 states (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Island, Turkey). The Lifelong Learning Programme documents, Latvia Ministry of Education and Science documents on preschool education, preschool guidelines by CiCe and findings on competences by the scientist Spona are at the theoretical basis. The content describes the acquisition of the intercultural competences in team workshops and Art Labs. The project served as a tool to promote intercultural competences (knowledge, skills, attitudes and self-experience) of the project participants (teachers, parents and young learners) and was attested by help of discussions, observations and a questionnaire.

 
Pre-School Children's Possibility of Enhancing Learning Motivation in the Process of Learning Violin
Authors: Isakova Jelena , Bernāts Guntars
Published: May 2015

Motivation has always been an essence of human actions derived from each individual’s goals, needs , interests, abilities, etc. Motivation formes from an early age, when a child starts to unerstand that something is necessary, important, and that he has to act to satisfy the need. Pre-school age group children are interested in surrounding world regarding new knowledge and skills which can be obtained and developed, therefore, by observating this age group, parent’s and/or teacher’s first steps in cognition and promotion of child’s learning motivation are taken.

Promoting children’s motivation to learn during educational process is one of the most pressing pedagogical issues, especially nowadays when child loses primary desire to learn and explore under the influence of tehnology and widely available information resources. Therefore the issue of promoting learning motivation in pre-school age was designated to reasearch, because this is the period when the foundation of the whole future life is laid – considering learning, defining objectives and achieving goals.

The objective of this research to explore pre-school children's possibility of enhancing learning motivation in the process of learning violin.

 
Acquisition of the Official Language for Children of Minorities at Latvian Preschool Educational Establishments: Evaluation of the Situation
Authors: Zariņa Sandra , Mičule Ilona , Silova Larisa , Drelinga Elga
Published: May 2015

In the 21st century the issue about children of minorities, who in preschool beside their mother tongue also acquire the official language at a high level, is a pending matter. However, there are not any normative documents designed in Latvia, which would determine implementation of compulsory bilingual education programmes in preschool, therefore, the possibility for children of minorities to develop the skills of the official language at an early age is undertaken by teachers. The aim of the research is to evaluate the possibilities for children of minorities to acquire the official language at preschool educational establishments for minorities of Latvia and where the language of instruction is Latvian. During the research from October till December in 2014 (1) observations were made in 13 preschool groups with children of different age: in six groups where the language of instruction is Latvian and in seven groups of minorities, (2) three expert interviews with specialists of bilingual education were carried out. Opinions expressed by the experts correspond with the information obtained from the observations and confirm the idea, that a successful development of the Latvian language for children of minorities at an early age is promoted by (1) the official language skills and professional competence of the teachers, (2) the use of material resources and implementation of variedmethods during the game activities and after class activities, (3) cooperation between the teacher of Latvian, the group teacher and parents, (4) the teacher’s  individual support and emotionally enabling environment.In the discussion the issue is being raised about the necessary support for preschool teachers’ work with children of minorities in preschool educational establishments for minorities and where the language of instruction is Latvian.

 
Teacher Is the Creator of the Pedagogical Environment in the Institution of Preschool Groups in Secondary School
Authors: Buboviča Jana
Published: May 2015

Everyone from first to the last days of life are included in one or several groups: family, preschool education, preschool group or school, work environment, in social institutions. Currently, Latvian school children going to nursery schools and pre-school groups to educational institutions (schools, learning institutions, etc.) which are registered in the register of educational institutions and licensed early childhood education programs. Researching and analyzing the importance of pre-school education, it is important to recognize that early childhood education exercise a certain type of education and the extent to which, in accordance with the concepts and principles of the guidelines are designed curriculum, targeted programs for the acquisition of educational guidance and evaluation system. Educational institution as a complex system, changes in one component affects the other components in the quality and up to date further changes; System prosperity depends on the components of mutual unity: from the planning process, eligibility and conditionality for the development of a clear and purposeful strategy for raising educational institutions.

Educational process - it is all a child's life, organized and managed by an adult. This should ensure the child's teaching and learning, development, education, education as a whole, and where much attention is paid to children's brain development, linking it with the child's active participation. It also set a goal: to study the role of pre-school teacher teaching environment for pre-school institution group of high school.

 
Communication Skills Development of Musical Lessons for Children up to Three Years
Authors: Kušnere Sandija
Published: May 2015

The paper will be made theoretical and empirical research. The aim of the paper – to explore the musical lessons communication skills development for children up to tree years. The theoretical part of the paper will be based on scientific research in Latvian, Russian and European literature. In theory will be studied music lessons and musical diversity component applications to improve the communication skills of children up to three years. The empirical part will be described in musical activities that have been developed based on scientific grounds to improve the communication skills of children up to three years.
The research results will be described in the children’s communication skills and the development of musical training process.
 
Moral Values of Early Adolescents: Conative Level
Authors: Vaičekauskiene Snieguole
Published: May 2015

The most intensive education of moral values takes place in adolescence, and thus the family and school have to make big efforts for the internalization of moral values. The article reviews the opinions of teachers and parents of 5 – 6th grade pupils and analyses the conative (behaviour) level of moral attitudes among early adolescents. The survey showed that early adolescents are self-critical; they assess their moral behaviour stricter than the behaviour of their peers, whereas the teachers assess the moral behaviour of teenagers stricter than pupils or their parents.
Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: Findings from TALIS 2013 Study
Authors: Geske Andrejs , Ozola Antra
Published: May 2015

This paper examines teachers’ satisfaction with their profession and work environment in relation to other environmental factors in schools. Latvian data from the OECD TALIS 2013 study are used in the data analysis. The aim of the study was to find out whether there is any relationship between teacher satisfaction with their work environment and profession and a varietyofvariablescharacterizingschoolsandstudents. The research question is: what are the most important factors associated with teachers' satisfaction with their job at school? Applied research methods are frequency analysis and measures of central tendency. The results of the research reveal that overall Latvian teachers are satisfied with their work environment, and teachers' job satisfaction is most influenced by positive and democratic school culture.

 
Latvian Teachers on Primary School Pupils' Social Sustainability
Authors: Drelinga Elga , Zarina Sandra , Iliško Dzintra
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study is to explore teachers’ view about a social responsibility of primary school teachers and pupils’ social sustainability as viewed by the teachers. Social sustainability defines responsible and wise decision making at present as a significant precondition for development of a sustainability-oriented society in the future, the bases of which is an efficient individual’s, society’s and environments’ interchange. Personal and a social competence is a significant component of social sustainability that fosters possibilities of each pupil’s individual development and interrelatedness, by providing solutions to the problems that arise in the pedagogical process. Research methodology used for the purpose of the study are focus group interviews (n = 45) that involve 234 teachers from all over Latvia. Research results indicate that teachers while expressing their opinion about the contemporary primary school children create a profile of their social sustainability. Among the most significant features of a profile of contemporary pupils, the teachers have mentioned such pupils’ values which are not acceptable for them. This indicates that teachers cannot trust and accept children’s role as equal partners in the learning process. This situation may create problems in reorienting education towards a competency-based learning process. Therefore, the authors have analyzed the opportunities for the teachers’ professional development by paying a deeper attention to an intergenerational relation in the context of social sustainability.
Content, Identity Building and National Curricula
Authors: Läänemets Urve , Kalamees-Ruubel Katrin
Published: May 2015

Theoretical research on curriculum development and implementation has been a rich and highly diverse field of study in the second half of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st , including Estonia, but the selection of educational content for general comprehensive schools has not been a priority. Some reasons for difficulties with regard to making informed decisions about the selection of the content can be found in the constantly growing amount of new knowledge, global developments and in cultural differences within and between societies. The acknowledged political goal for organising general education for the majority of countries in Europe (and all over the world) has been the development of a cohesive and sustainable society, which can be built on acknowledged and accepted common values. Research on the potential of school subjects can contribute to that and open new vistas for development of national curricula.
The Lingvodydactic Model of the Assessment of Writing Competence in a Foreign Language
Authors: Ignatjeva Larisa
Published: May 2015

The setting of humanistic concept of education demands the revision of the whole lingvodidactic system of foreign language learning. On the modern stage of the development of pedagogy that allows to put theory into the practice of teaching and assessment of students’ achievements the search for educational models is especially actual. The most important area of the realization of humanistic approach is school education as the development of students’ personality takes place particularly at school age. The article analyses a lingvodydactic model of the competence assessment in writing. The main aim of the working out of this model is to overcome the contradiction between a formal way of assessment which is objective and the necessity of the creation of the conditions for students’ full personal self-expression. This system is being approbated in the Russian language learning as a foreign language in Latvian schools.
Innovative Approaches to Creating Training Phraseological Dictionary as Interactive Hypertext
Authors: Nikitina Tatiana , Rogaleva Elena
Published: May 2015

The article reviews material on Russian training phraseography, in particular, it contains an analysis of the disadvantages of the interpretation of idioms in phraseological dictionaries for primary school learners. The author presents her own technology of creating an innovative phraseological dictionary for primary school children which combines traditional principles for describing idioms in phraseological dictionaries with stimulation of an interactive dialogue between the author and the young reader. As a result, the interactive hypertext of a non-computer dictionary approximates to an electronic dictionary and an educational computer game that satisfies primary school learners’ demand and facilitates children’s learning idioms.
Peculiarities of Lifestyle and Learning Motivation of 9th Grade Students in Cities and Rural Area Schools of Latvia
Authors: Porozovs Juris , Miķelsone Zane , Voita Daina
Published: May 2015

Psychosocial problems of adolescents are related with their lifestyle but lifestyle and interests are affected by the area in which they live. The questionnaire of 9th grade students in 2 Latvia city schools and 2 Latvia rural area schools was carried out. The results of questionnaire showed that sport exercises in school attend majority of students in cities as well as in rural regions of Latvia but students from rural regions are more active. There are more students who spend less than 1 hour per day with their homework as well as watching TV in schools of Latvia cities in comparison with rural area schools. In Latvia cities as well as in rural regions students spend much time working with computer. The majority of students after 9th grade graduation intend to continue their studies in high school or vocational school.
The Impact of Intangible Factors on the Employees of Educational Institutions
Authors: Vanagas Ramūnas , Urmanavičienė Audronė
Published: May 2015

The goal of this article is to explore the motivation and the factors for the motivation, to discuss the impact of intangible factors for the motivation of educational staff (teachers) for their work efficiency. In order to achieve these goals we have set the following tasks: to define the concept of motivation by analysing scientific literature; and to establish the determinant factors for the motivation of teachers. Motivation is a complex phenomenon, related to the promotion of behaviour, actions and efficient activities. Motivation of teachers is a part of the general strategy of a school, which is influenced by the headmaster, the administration of the school, the attitude of the staff and the created conditions for a teacher to work successfully and to apply innovative methods in their work and to feel responsible for the development of personality.

 
Motivating Factors for Teachers: Case Study Analysis
Authors: Vanagas Ramūnas , Čižikienė Janina
Published: May 2015

The article analyses the problem of teachers‘ motivation. The continuous change in the teaching process alters the comprehension and principles of teaching substance. Every education organization is unique, having its own culture. Therefore, only the employees‘ ability to  work creatively and innovatively influences the successful work of a school. The requirements of education reform motivate the teachers‘ and leaders‘ creativity and initiatives. However, only by solving the means of motivation correctly the teachers will be purposefully involved into the processes of school activity. The applied methods of analysis were analysis of scientific literature and documents, expert interview, analysis and interpretation of the research results. The article presents an overview of scientific literature. In addition, the results of the research may be applied in improving the school activity, motivating teachers for more effective work by considering the satisfaction of employees‘ needs. The research revealed the essential factors influencing teachers‘ motivation in schools.

 
The Experimentally Justified Opportunity of Psychological Imitation by Primary School Children of Moderators' Merciful Behavior
Authors: Solovyova Tatiana , Guseva Victoria
Published: May 2015

The article theoretically and empirically examines the possibility for psychological imitation of moderators’merciful behavior by schoolchildren. The conclusions have been drawn on the basis of the questionnaire analysis, field-proven reliability and internal consistency by means of SPSS Statistics. The authors have come to the following conclusions: firstly, primary school moderators do not always show an example of compassionate behavior to their disciples; secondly, moderators need to rethink their life position and the opportunity to correct it in order to reveal a perfect example of compassionate behavior for children; thirdly, the moderator should monitor his behavior in front of the children and manage negative emotions working with the pupils; finally, the moderators’ level of personal aggressiveness  should be checked during his professional assessment test.
Civic Education for Lower Secondary Students
Authors: Jurs Pāvels , Samuseviča Alīda
Published: May 2015

Nowadays the question of the necessity for the civic upbringing in the general curriculum in the system of education of Latvia has been raised. At the same time students` knowledge as well as skills and attitude of civic education have not been fully analyzed. Before carrying out the particular reforms in the content of education, we must assess the situation and find a balanced, purposeful and theoretically reasonable holistic systemic approach for promotion of the citizenship. Through using theoretical and empirical research methods, the process of researching is characterized and the data that reflects students' civic knowledge, skills, attitude and values has been analyzed. This publication contains systematized conclusions that outline the possibilities for pedagogical activities that promote civic competence for students in the general education institutions.
The Significance of Teacher`s Beliefs in the Learning Process
Authors: Ročāne Maija
Published: May 2015

Nowadays the innovative learning methods and approaches have been implemented in the learning process. Thus opportunities for the discovery of students` talents and abilities are created. Unfortunately, the lack of teachers` beliefs creates barriers in the process of discovering students` talents and abilities.  Teachers` beliefs are essential in the process of introduction of the learning method-debating in the lesson. Therefore, the change of teacher`s belief is important: from only talented students can debate to each student can debate. The lack of teacher`s beliefs in the learner's ability to become a successful learner questions the expected results. The interview carried out in Liepaja Secondary School No.15 showed that the teachers' opinion is that the pedagogical belief can be changed. The experience, feedback, teacher training, as well as success stories were mentioned as teachers` beliefs influencing factors. Teacher training programs were emphasized as an essential component for strengthening teachers` beliefs, acquiring new knowledge and developing the ability to accept personal responsibility for student growth. Most of the interviewed teachers admitted that their pedagogical beliefs have been changed by the achievements of their students as well.

 
Pedagogical Providing of Beginning of Intellectual Culture of the Juniors Taking into Account Their Intellectual and Psychological Sex
Authors: Solovyova Tatiana , Shiryaykina Olesya
Published: May 2015

The article is devoted pedagogical support formation of cognitive-evaluative, instrumental, motivational and volitional, emotional and creative components of the intellectual culture among the juniors in educational process, taking into account whether they are masculine or feminine intellectual and psychological sex.

 
Operational Efficiency Criteria of School
Authors: Visockaitė Audra , Čižikienė Janina
Published: May 2015

The article analyses the problem of school work efficiency. The research of efficiency is provided with evaluation criteria offered by various authors, the possibilities of their application in Lithuanian schools are being analysed in the aspect of work efficiency. Modern comprehension of efficient school in Lithuania should be clear and understandable for all groups of interest: students, teachers, parents, school leaders and founders, education institutions and the society. During the continuous changes and reforms, school education in Lithuania is often based on the traditional model of institutional education, which is based on the principles of discipline, obedience and competitiveness. However, in the modern stage, characteristics of analytic thinking, creativity are appreciated. Therefore, emerges a need to change the attitude to requirements for efficient school, evaluate the work fields of school as an organization by improving them with regard to the needs of ever-changing society. In the end of the article, conclusions are presented which distinguish the peculiarities of school work efficiency.
Joint Singing as a Means of Cultural Transmission in Estonia
Authors: Raudsepp Inge , Sepp Anu , Roukonen Inkeri
Published: May 2015

The phenomenon of joint singing, originating from the traditional old folk song and subsequent choral singing, has developed in Estonia into a significant cultural metaphor– Song Celebrations. Recent decades have brought about rapid changes in Estonian socio-cultural reality: the process of globalisation has raised the question of how to maintain national identity and cultural traditions considering these rapid processes.

The aim of this article is to analyse phenomena of joint singing and Song Celebrations through historical, cultural and educational lens. The subject and corresponding literature were analysed using hermeneutic approach by M. Heidegger, W. Dilthey and H.-G. Gadamer, reflected through the focus of culture and cultural transmission by L.Rauhala, R.McShea, M.J. Taylor and C. A. Thoth.  The drifts of the content and developmental tendencies of joint singing and Song Celebrations between 1962−2011 were investigated by means of comparative analysis.

The phenomenon of joint singing that has developed into the Song Celebrations tradition continues to be one the main means of cultural transmission in Estonia.

 
The Development of the Professional Self-Determination of Senior Secondary School Students in the Process of Specialized Education
Authors: Chehlovs Mihails , Chehlova Zoja
Published: May 2015

New models of education are being developed both in the European educational systems and in Latvia. Specialized education is one of them. Specialized education is a democratic and humanistic model of education due to the fact that in this model learners are offered a free choice concerning their specialization; besides, within the framework of this model the character of the relationships between the teacher and learners changes on the basis of the dialogue and cooperation. The research object: specialized education. The research subject: the development of professional self-determination among senior secondary school students. The aim of the research: to analyse the possibilities of specialized education in the development of professional self-determination, to determine the criteria and indicators for the development of professional self-determination. Research methodology: there were used approaches: the humanitarian approach and the personal-practical approach; research methods: the analysis, the experiment, a survey, a conversation and mathematical statistics.

 
What Research Shows about Mathematics Teachers' Learning Needs: Experience from Latvia
Authors: France Ilze , Namsone Dace , Cakane Liga
Published: May 2015

The implementation of new skills (competencies) according to education regulation documents in 2006 – 2008 demanded a change in the Mathematics and Science teaching practice in Latvia. Work on the new education reform started this year (2015). The aim of the research is to look for the answers to the following questions – do the changes in learning approach occur and are teachers’ skills sufficient for organizing a different teaching process? What are the learning needs expressed by teachers and concluded by experts? The range of cognitive activity, collaboration and focusing on students’ learning are the criteria set for lesson observations. The research shows a tendency that changes envisioned in education policy resolutions fail to be reflected in school practice. In many cases, the demonstrated teachers’ instructional skills were insufficient. The research shows the clear need to improve the instructional skills - to develop higher order cognitive skills (HOCS) oriented learning activities, to organize students’ collaboration etc. The research proves the existence of the need to improve teachers’ reflection skills and points to the deep contradiction between teachers’ performance in the classroom and their own understanding about it.

 
The Effectiveness of Project –Based Learning in the Acquisition of English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Supe Olga , Kaupuzs Aivars
Published: May 2015

In the last years the project – based learning has become a popular teaching method in Latvia. Project work is a student-centred teaching approach; it motivates students to use language in real life situations and involves a great number of students’ feelings, talents, skills and knowledge in the education process. It is a way to express students’ own decisions, experience, almost dreams. This approach can be used for both: small kids (beginners’ level) and for adolescents (upper-intermediate level).The goal of this research is to analyse the effectiveness of project –based learning in the acquisition of English as a foreign language This investigation is based upon Legutke, Thomas, Fried-Booth, Haines, researches.

 
Phraseologisms and Their Significance in the Child's Language Enrichment
Authors: Kuzina Viktorija
Published: May 2015

This article reflects on the richness of Latvian phraseologisms, their usage for enriching of the child's language; it provides an analyses of RPIVA students' survey and results of tests and tasks done by the learners of Forms 4,7 and 9 of Pumpuri Secondary School, which are connected with the assessment of students' knowledge of phraseologisms.

Each nation possesses its own amount of phraseologisms or phraseology. Without knowledge of the phraseologisms it is difficult to understand precisely the respective language. Therefore, while learning a language, a peculiar attention should be paid to its phraseology. Phraseologisms most often are encountered in conversational language, folklore and in peculiar language used by fiction characters. They make the language more vital, expressive, inspirational and the narration – appears more emotional, dexterious and witty.

Researches reveal that modern learners get scarce insight into phraseologisms and their usage. Thus, both – pupils and students' knowledge of them is insufficient, hence, they are unable to use them adequately in Latvian. By teaching of phraseologisms and their usage both in verbal and written texts' acquisition, the pupils vocabulary is advanced and enriched properly.

 