bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLOUD COMPUTING BASED INFRASTRUCTURE IN EDUCATION: INVESTING INTO THE PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE OR USING OUTSOURCING SERVICES
Authors: Miseviciene Regina , Kalvaitiene Daiva , Riskeviciene Vilma , Ambraziene Danute , Makackas Dalius
Published: May 2018

The main challenge for higher education in the nearest future is the global competitiveness, as the present global market requires the higher schools to present their courses in the international level. Thus, traditional universities must adapt educational infrastructures in response with the global requirement. Outsourcing of cloud computing based services increased over the years. The solutions allow not only create more effective teaching methods and new communication chances for the whole education society, but also to reduce costs of installing and maintaining programs.Aim of the article is to prepare a cost/benefit case analysis between investing into the private information and communication technology infrastructure and using outsourcing services. This paper focuses attention on cloud computing based information and communication technology infrastructures of two higher education institutions.Research methods include analysis of scientific literature, review of legal institutional documentation and reports and interviews with institutional representatives about education practices.
ORGANIZATIONAL-PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS OF FORMING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE IN FUTURE PEDAGOGUES
Authors: Konovalova Ludmila , Skvortsov Vyacheslav
Published: May 2018

In the article is considering possibilities of realization of competence-based approach in process of training future pedagogues in a higher education institution. The author proves main ideas of educational strategy that provide with effectiveness of forming professional competence in pedagogues.  The content of the article shows the importance of integration educational, scientific and pedagogic activity in the process of development of professional competence in future pedagogues. It describes principles, modes and methods of effective organization of professional competence in future pedagogues during process of education in a higher education institution.
LABOUR PROTECTION SPECIALISTS COMPETENCE MODEL
Authors: Brizga Dace
Published: May 2018

The number of fatal accidents in the workplace in Latvia in 2014 was higher than the average in the European Union and continues to grow. One remedial action for preventing accidents is to improve the competence of labour protection specialists. The aim of this study was to evaluate and improve a competence development model for labour protection specialists, as well as to make an expert assessment of the model. This was carried out by experts with experience in the implementation of educational programs and other professional activities. The experts ranked highly all the parameters of the model and determined that the competence model would be useful for improving labour protection and other specialists’ training, study and practice.
PECULIARITIES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS AND SOCIAL PEDAGOGUES IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIENTS’ SOCIAL INTEGRITY PROBLEMS
Authors: Kepalaitė Albina , Vaitkeviciene Asta , Gerulaitis Darius
Published: May 2018

The importance of psychological empowerment with regard to employee behaviour and results of their activities was disclosed in various research. However, there is a lack of data about peculiarities of empowerment among specialists, aiming to empower subjects of their professional activities. These data would be helpful for social workers’ and social pedagogues’ work organisation, qualification, acquiring necessary skills for solving different needs of clients. Thus, the aim of this study is to disclose the peculiarities of social workers’ and social pedagogues’ psychological empowerment with regard to their clients’ social integrity problems, which they need to solve.
COMMON FACETS OF MUSEUM VIRTUAL SELF-PRESENTATION: EXPERIMENTING WITH INTERACTIVE IMAGE AND TEXT
Authors: Kasperiuniene Judita , Norkute Odeta
Published: May 2018

In the modern world, all the museums, especially science and technology centers, seek transforming from storages of valuable historical objects to the knowledge exchange and construction places. This study aims to research official sites and social media channels of twenty European science and technology museums in order to understand how the virtual museum self-presentation is done. Using thematic analysis five common facets of the science and technology museum official site were coded: i) site interoperability; ii) home page; iii) first ten news; iv) science and education activities; v) information “about us”. All the data were anonymized. The study showed two contradicted science and technology museum virtual self-presentation behavior styles: orientation “Museum as a storage” and orientation “Visitor as a creator”. Researching how science and technology museums experimented with interactive image and text in their official web pages, museum social media site follower responses and museum ratings in social media, we expanded The Museum Visitor Experience Model with insights how the virtual self-presentation could help attracting museum visitors.
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION RATES AMONG THE UNEMPLOYED CITIZENS OF LATGALE REGION
Authors: Fokina Olga , Vasiļjeva Ērika , Millere Inga , Deklava Liāna
Published: May 2018

Employment status can substantially influence emotional, social and financial welfare of an individual, protects an individual from obvious negative influence on a person’s life quality. This is connected with a loss of work, instability and low income, as well as worsening of life quality. According to the gained data, unemployed people feel depression and anxiety symptoms very often and it is not paid enough attention to these symptoms. Taking into consideration the fact, that in Latgale region the level of unemployment is the highest one, it would be important to define the signs of depression and anxiety among the unemployed people. The second purpose of the research is to find out the connection between anxiety and depression indexes among the unemployed people and the duration of an unemployed person’s status. 100 participants were involved in the research. To gain the data the quantative method of reseach was used. The two types of instruments were used: Spielberg’s self-assessment anxiety test and Beck depression scale. The connection between the duration of unemployed status and depression and anxiety symptoms was not verified.
TEACHING OF COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN SYSTEMS
Authors: Dabolins Janis
Published: May 2018

The objective of this paper is to analyze and describe computer-aided design training and its aspects. A traditional and technology-supported learning process is described with the purpose of analyzing computer-aided design training and provision of knowledge assessment, and identifying problems in the CAD system training. The article analyzes the learning process by defining its objectives, the necessity of student characterization, motivation analysis, the necessity of feedback and other basic components; it analyzes the training methods, provides insight into technology-supported learning process, identifies the provision and types of computer-aided design training and knowledge assessment as well as describes feedback and its role in the training process.Elaboration of an intellectual learning system would solve the problems associated with lack of feedback, lack of adaptivity and the emergence of plagiarism (since only the end result of the design is subjected to the test and not the whole process of creating it, it is easy to pass another’s work for one’s own). A solution to these problems would facilitate the work of the teacher and improve student learning outcomes.
IS THE REPEAT A YEAR PRACTICE EFFECTIVE IN LATVIAN BASIC EDUCATION?
Authors: Mihailovs Ivans Jānis , Krūmina Aira Aija
Published: May 2018

Each country has pupils, who are not able to meet certain educational requirements (according, their health, behavior, social or other problems). One of the solutions of these problems is the repeat a year. The number of pupils remaining for the second year at the same grade in Latvia is 1% of total number of pupils. However, in Latvia have not been taken researches of the repeat a year on basic education, its causes and the activities of educational institutions. Therefore, it is not clear whether the repeat a year is effective in Latvia?The article presents the results of a comprehensive repeat a year survey, conducted in 2016, covering 70 Latvian educational institutions that implement basic education programs. The purpose of the research is to determine the causes of repeat a year phenomenon and the activities of educational institutions to prevent it in basic education in Latvia, ascertaining whether the repeat a year is effective in solving learning and behavioral problems of pupils.Methods of research – questionnaires and interviews with directors of educational institutions and other responsible persons (vice-directors of educational institutions, support staff – social pedagogues, speech therapists, etc.), who daily work with pupils remaining for the second year at the same grade.The survey has made it clear that the repeat a year is effective if the educational institution identifies its possible causes as quickly as possible and implements targeted and planned activities to prevent and implement it (including involving municipality and other specialists), as well as the interest of the pupil and their parents is cooperation in solving problems.
THE ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS OF THE TEACHING STAFF CONCERNING INCLUSION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: READINESS FOR CHILDREN WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Baslerova Pavlina , Ruzicka Michal , Michalik Jan
Published: May 2018

The paper focuses on a part of an extensive research study of the attitudes of teachers in kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools in the Czech Republic to the amendment to the Education Act effective from 1 September 2016, which introduced a new model of assessment of special educational needs.According to the amendment, children with SEN are no longer assessed by the type of disability (health, social), but rather by the impact of the disability on their educational needs. These are newly classified into five degrees of ‘support measures’.The amendment and related regulations also significantly limited the activities of schools specially designed for children with mild intellectual disability. By means of a measure issued by the Minister of Education, the curriculum specially formulated for these schools, which forms an annex to the Framework educational programme, was cancelled.These measures caused an unprecedented social discussion, which was often marked by strong anti-inclusion attitudes of the general public. Therefore, in May 2017 the research team of the Faculty of Education, Palacký University in Olomouc carried out an extensive measurement (2xxx respondents), which brought a real picture of teachers’ attitudes to the ongoing changes.The paper presents the attitudes of two groups of respondents: teachers in mainstream schools and teachers in special schools. The results showed statistically significant differences in the attitudes and assessments between these two groups of concerning the issue of inclusive or joint education.
CREATING A POSITIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR TEACHERS
Authors: Geske Andrejs , Zizlāne Liene
Published: May 2018

The purpose of the research paper is to study a positive working environment importance for teachers work satisfaction and the role of principal in improving working conditions. Whereas teacher profession is subject to different changes and reforms it makes the whole profession and teacher well-being an important subject to discuss.The research paper includes analysis of the theoretical material about physical environment as well as psychological (also called microclimate). Empirical part is based on teacher’s survey – 97 teachers from different schools in Riga were involved. The statements of survey have partially adopted from Teaching and Learning International Study TALIS 2013. The main research task is to study how work environment and the impact of principal correlate with teacher work satisfaction.During research scales of teacher work satisfaction, work environment and impact of principal were created. The results of linear regression show that both the work environment and direct impact of principal is important factor which influences as well educational work as work satisfaction. The situation is various in different schools in Riga, so it verifies, that the problematics of positive working environment exists.
A SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION. PRACTICING THE METHOD OF VIRTUAL CROSS-CULTURAL INTERACTION: INNOVATION OR ROUTINE?
Authors: Žegunienė Vaida , Kupriene Laima
Published: May 2018

The current situation in the global arena may be characterized as a rapidly changing process with new trends appearing. This situation is not a problem for the young generation which has many different names, such as the “Net Generation”, “Digital Natives”, “Y” and/or “X” Generation, etc. As a matter of fact, these modern names are closely associated withhigh consumption of virtual media, such as the Internet. A great majority of young individuals perceive their own existence mainly in the virtual space. Thus, themodern approachto communication demonstrated by the young generation cannot be refuted by any educationalinstitution or governmental body which are involved invarious processes of policy creation and regulation of modern societal norms. The educational system can be referred to as a priority in the entire world, because newly educated and trained specialists take an active part in the processesof economic, political, education, etc. development aiming to create a positive image of their country in the world. Multilingualism is part ofthe daily life due to the provided ability to communicate atan international level. New opportunities, such as travelling or jobsand studies abroad, expand people's horizons and demand new skills. A second language is amustin the contemporary world. Language acquisition is more efficient when innovations are integrated into the educational field. This article aims at revealingthe methods of practice ofvirtual cross-cultural interaction facilitating the acquisition and development of the foreign language communication skills. The conducted survey suggests thatvirtual cross-cultural interaction is an innovative routine acknowledged by every respondent, andallthe positive aspects are clearly and indisputably presented by the survey participants.
(RE)CONSTRUCTION OF STUDENT MUSIC TEACHER IDENTITY
Authors: Lasauskiene Jolanta
Published: May 2018

The professional identity of music teacher represents the essence of this profession. Improving the programmes of music teacher education and deciding how to (re)construct the professional identity of prospective music teachers, it is important to discuss what contextual factors can have an impact on the development of music teacher identity and what possibilities of its (self-) development are available at university. A better understanding of the role-identity of teachers at various stages of their careers could enhance the conceptions of study programmes in music teacher education. The article analyses and discusses the conception of music teacher identities, substantiates its peculiarities during pre-service training, points out the most important characteristics for the successful professional activity of the music teacher. The research presented in the article focuses on professional identity development of 30 university music students (15 Lithuanian and 15 foreign) at Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences (Music Education). The method of focus group interview was used in this study.The research results show that the student music teachers have developed a distinctive attitude towards the professional education in universities and their own expectations. Suggestions for practice and further research are also provided.
THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS OF FORCED MIGRANTS
Authors: Bereznaja-Demidenko Valentina , Štuopytė Edita
Published: May 2018

The article deals with educational factors that involve the integration process of forced migrants. Non-formal training of multicultural communication skills is analysing as one of several educational factor of forced migrants’ integration. Moreover there is analyzed how non-formal training activities influence the emotional state and abilities of forced migrants’ minors.  These results are relevant for institutions and communities that face with the multicultural communication every day. The theoretical parts of article contain the analysis of the publications made on the integration of forced migrants and multicultural communication in the integration process of the review. The empirical part of the research present how non-formal training activities influence on minors forced migrants emotional state and their preparation to the integration.
THE SELF-ESTIMATION OF THE HEALTH LEVEL, PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND FEELING OF THE RIGA BASIC SCHOOL STUDENTS AND UNIVERSITY PEDAGOGICAL SPECIALTY STUDENTS
Authors: Porozovs Juris , Dudkina Aija , Valdemiers Alvis
Published: May 2018

Students is a group of population, who experience psychological overload and emotional strain. These factors could have a negative impact on student's health, but good health level and positive mood are important factors for high learning outcomes. The survey of Riga 2nd Gymnasium 9th grade basic school students and University of Latvia 1st course pedagogical speciality students was carried out. The self-estimation of health level, physical activities and feeling at school and at home of the both group students was compared. The results of the survey showed that the majority of students have good health level or they have minor health problems. Physical activity of basic school students is higher than the physical activity of university students. A part of students regularly experience strain. More basic school students in comparison with university students are regularly in the state of stress.  Overall university students feel better at university than basic school students at school. The majority of both group students feel good at home. Students consider that important factors for maintaining of the health are: correct sleep regimen, proper nutrition regime, enough physical activities, avoiding from stress and overload.
SPECIAL ASPECTS OF THE SECOND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING AT THE BASIC COURSE
Authors: Avdienko Irina , Zhukova Kateryna , Kotova Anna , Rudaya Nataliya , Kholodniak Elena
Published: May 2018

The aim of this work is to define special aspects of the second foreign language (SFL) grammar teaching at the basic course, because at Ukrainian universities the number of course hours for studying of the SFL is less than for the first one. This leads to more superficial learning of grammar material. In addition, it was believed that the grammar of the SFL can be taught in the context of the general course. The integration of vocabulary and grammar teaching hampered the thorough understanding of grammatical constructions by the students, as the study of the SFL came against the background of the first foreign language enhanced studying. For the scientific analysis of this issue, the methods of causality analysis and generalization were applied, which helped identify the priority of the communicative approach in the SFL grammar teaching, as this approach develops the oral and written skills of students. Nevertheless, there are some factors that impede the fluency of grammar material at the basic course of education. The article reveals problems and ways to solve them during the training. The authors consider that the communicative approach in the SFL grammar teaching will help master the language more quickly and efficiently, which meets the needs of modern society.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPETENCIES OF TECHNOLOGY TEACHERS IN THE EDUCATION PROCESS BY APPLYING ACTION RESEARCH
Authors: Bankauskiene Nijole , Masaitytė Ramunė
Published: May 2018

Technology teaching programme has changed over the last decade. It took the path of modernisation. Intensive implementation of information technologies in the technology lessons is underway, the preparation of students for active practical life is being emphasised and the awareness of modern, but healthy daily life is being raised. In this way, new requirements are emerging for the quality of technology teacher activities with regard to their traditional and modern roles in the education process. They need to follow order No. ISAK-54 of 15 January 2007 “On the Approval of the Descriptor of Teacher Professional Competencies”. In their practical work, they must possess, reveal and improve cultural competencies, professional-pedagogical competencies and general competencies. They are in line with the cognitive, functional, personal and ethical competencies of a technology teacher as provided for in the European Qualifications Framework. The article consists of three chapters. The first chapter discusses the activities, functions and roles of technology teachers in contemporary general education school; the content of teacher competencies and its compliance with the competencies of technology teachers provided for in the European Qualifications Framework. The second chapter describes the qualitative method of action research, its content and steps of its implementation. The third chapter summarises the results of a qualitative research carried out in the Lithuanian higher education institution X. The study reviewed the final project reports of current and future technology teachers who were enrolled in a one-year professional study programme from 2007 to 2017. The competencies acquired and developed by the technology teachers through the action research method were indicated. They mostly developed general competencies and professional-pedagogical competencies. Less emphasis was placed on the development of cultural competencies.
ROLES OF AGRITOURISM IN UPBRINGING AND EDUCATING CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Authors: Płomiński Arkadiusz , Małolepszy Eligiusz
Published: May 2018

Agritourism is one of the most popular forms of tourism practised in rural areas. It fulfils a number of functions, including economic, social, health-related and educational one.  Agritourism offer is addressed to all age and social groups. Among children and youth agritourism above all serves an educational and training purpose. In these two processes agritourism farms within the All-Polish Network of Educational Homesteads are particularly important. Educational programmes implemented as part of "Educational Homesteads" are held in the forms of educational and practical classes. The subjects of the classes addressed to children and youth include issues related to regional history and tradition, environment protection, ecology, plant and animal breeding, cuisine, (herbal) medicine, geography, geology and the educational cycle entitled vanishing professions.
MODULAR APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH GRAMMAR IN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Ibyatova Lyaysan , Oparina Kseniya , Rakova Elena
Published: May 2018

The aim of this research is to find out the effectiveness of a modular approach in teaching and learning to assess students’ performance, achievement and motivation and to decide if a modular approach is more effective than traditional methods while performing an experiment with two groups of students learning English at a technical university. The researchers consider a modular specification to be a technology in which the content is divided into a number of units or modules, each of which is examined separately. A module is considered to be a set of learning opportunities organized around a well-defined topic which contains elements of instruction, specific objectives, learning activities and self-assessment and evaluation using criteria-referenced measurement. This project combines quantitative and qualitative research methods to address the impact of modular teaching, learning and assessment on engineering students. The authors use a unique modular system and their own book on English Grammar.This experiment shows that students of modular syllabuses find it useful and motivating and say that it encourages them to do better on the next modules. At the same time, modular learning and assessment does not remove the stress and workload of traditional approaches. Teachers in the modular system appreciate the better planning opportunity around the exams and the clarity of the focus of their teaching requirements. Still, the approach and the structure of modules used in the experiment requires improvement and development.
HABITS OF USING INTERNET AND DIGITAL DEVICES IN EDUCATION
Authors: Mackare Kristīne , Jansone Anita
Published: May 2018

According to Central Statistical Bureau data of 2017 at least 46.8% of Latvian population are involved in educational activities. Such digital devices as computers (both desktop computers and laptop computers), tablets, smartphones, book readers, etc. and the internet directly or indirectly are used in both formal and non-formal education. Digital devices can be used in training or study process, or some part of it directly, as well as students or training participants may be assigned tasks to be performed with these devices – searching for information, reading and learning e-material, writing articles, etc. In addition to statistical data research, two e-polls were conducted for respondents who are computer users in different age groups. Respondents were asked about their habits in using the internet and digital devices, additional interest was about which of the digital tools are used and for what purposes these devices are used. All answers have been analysed. The survey results show that the responses provided by the participants of the sample group are very close to the whole population, both for the use of the Internet and digital devices. The results also show the purpose of using digital devices, especially in education, and which devices are most commonly used for each purpose. More than 90% of respondents use digital devices to get information. In order to participate successfully in e-learning and e-studies, users need both good e-skills and well-designed e-learning materials: high-quality content, comfortable, easy-to-understand and comprehensible text, suitable formatting parameters of text.
HIGHER EDUCATION IN TOURISM FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE LATVIAN TOURISM INDUSTRY
Authors: Veliverronena Linda , Grīnfelde Ilze
Published: May 2018

Several Latvian higher education organisations provide both academic and professional study programmes in tourism from college up to master level. Frequently educators stress that programme's content corresponds to tourism industry needs; however, tourism representatives describe higher education as reactive to the needs rather than proactive. The aim of the study is to explore tourism labour market needs in Latvia and to analyse the employability of graduates and the quality of higher education from the perspective of tourism sector stakeholders in the state and municipal, non-governmental and private sectors. Interviews with informants from small and medium size organizations were selected as data collection method and data were coded and analysed by using the method of content analysis. Results reveal that cooperation between higher education institutions and the tourism sector is insufficient as education partially responds to the needs of the industry. The industry stakeholders suggest strengthening students` skills in sales, cooperation and networking and creative experience design. A data analysis reveals that personal traits and self-efficacy play a more significant role than formal education in the process of staff recruitment. Tourism educators should engage in closer cooperation with the tourism sector to find out needs proactively, reconsider study methods and use a more hands-on approach – improvement of the supply of education does not demand fundamental study content changes but rather transformation of study methods – assessing the effectiveness of existing methods and introducing novel teaching ways.
ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ANAEROBIC POWER OF LOWER LIMBS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RACE TIME IN FEMALE SPEED CLIMBERS
Authors: Krawczyk Marcin , Ozimek Mariusz , Rokowski Robert , Pociecha Mariusz , Draga Pawel
Published: May 2018

Previous research indicates that high results in speed climbing are determined by a high level of explosive strength and muscle power in the lower limbs. However, a literature review shows that no studies have analysed women practicing this climbing discipline. Therefore, the main goal of the study was to assess the level of development of physique and the level of explosive strength and muscle power of the lower limbs of female speed climbers at a representative level. Furthermore, an attempt was made to analyse the relationships between the variables studied and race time in female speed climbers.The study included 5 female players (speed climbers) who were members of the national team in 2016. The measurements were made during the Polish National Team Camp.  The analysis was based on the results of the fastest races expressed in seconds. The measurements and indices computed in the study included body height, body weight, lean body mass, BMI and ponderal index. The assessment of the power of the lower limbs was carried out using two jump tests: CMJ with arm swing and CMJ. Power was expressed relative to body weight and to lean body mass.The highest relationships with race time were recorded for body height (r = 0.94, p 0.05), body weight (r = 0.96, p 0.01) and lean body mass (LBM) ( r = 0.98, p 0.01). Strong but statistically insignificant relationships were recorded between race time and power indicators of the lower limbs (correlations above r = -0.66).In female speed climbing, race time can be determined by the level of physique. Smaller body size can allow female climbers to perform faster and achieve better times in speed climbing. It can be suggested that in female speed climbing, a high level of maximum alactic anaerobic capacity of the lower limbs is an important factor that affects race time. The results of our own research suggest that in female speed climbing, specific body characteristics may to a greater extent determine the race time compared to anaerobic maximum power of the lower limbs.
THE IMAGE OF A PERSON WITH DISABILITY IN FAIRY TALES AND FINE ART AS A REFLECTION OF THE ATTITUDE OF THE SOCIETY
Authors: Gudonis Vytautas
Published: May 2018

The article, referring to the analysis of 36 fairy tales and fine art reproductions, attempts to decode the attitude of the society towards people with disabilities, their social status and potential opportunities. This topic has not been analysed from this aspect neither by philologists nor by the authors of special psychology. In fairy tales and examples of fine art the variety of attitudes towards people with disabilities has been encountered. A wide range of attitudes – from empathy to undisguised negative attitude – has been encountered.
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION COURSE AS A FORM OF INTERNATIONALISATION AT HOME WITHIN RUSSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Makeeva Elena , Lopukhova Yulia
Published: May 2018

Internationalisation of higher education at home is a relatively new phenomenon for Russia but, as a concept, it is one that is both broad and variable. The internationalisation of higher education at home has been influenced by the globalisation of economies and societies and the increased importance of knowledge. It is driven by a dynamic and constantly evolving combination of political, economic, socio-cultural and academic rationales. These motives take different forms and dimensions in different regions, in institutions and within their educational programmes. This study covers an intensive course named “Cross-cultural Communication” and its impact within Tempus, Erasmus+ and other funding programmes as well as traditional content of this course. The content of the course is evaluated through several approaches. The starting point is to consider how particular courses are taken into account in long-term strategies of universities, and on the other hand, how these intensive courses advance the implementation of internalisation strategies. Another approach concerns internationalisation at home and helps find out how, specifically, intensive courses advance internationalisation. The next point covers education and teaching development and shows what role particular courses have in the transfer of teaching methods, materials and whole course concepts in Russian higher education institutions.
SOCIO-CULTURAL CONSTRUCTION OF SPACE AS A FACTOR TO MAKE A REGION MORE ATTRACTIVE FOR TOURISTS
Authors: Kleimenov Sergey , Kleimenova Victoria
Published: May 2018

This study aims at the analysis of the current situation in the tourist industry of Pskov region, its economic efficiency and means of making the area more interesting for holidaymakers. The research problem is the low tourist flow in the area and the low economic efficiency of the industry. The tourist companies which promote Pskov region can be described as conservative and rigid. They offer visiting traditional tourist attractions such as churches, monasteries, and estates of famous historic persons. The key results are the following. Mythological and fictional characters can be successfully used as attractors. Nowadays, British tour operators offer three types of “fictional” tours. Firstly, tours devoted exclusively to locations described in myths and fiction. Secondly, tours that combine traditional and fictional sights. Thirdly, visiting places for which local myths and legends were intentionally coined. The authors suggest that tours of the third type should be actively used to boost the popularity of Pskov region. Thus, modern mythopoeia is regarded not only as a creative activity but also as an economic instrument of constructing a new socio-cultural space. The results of the study are based on the careful examination of statistic data and the analysis of texts on British sights. The list of primary methods include analogy approach, description, hypothetico-deductive and axiomatic methods.
DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDES OF PENAL STAFF
Authors: Gavrina Elena , Kashintseva Irina , Pozdnyakov Vyacheslav , Simakova Tatyana , Kalashnikova Maria
Published: May 2018

The article presents the results of the empirical research, the study of the influence of individual psychological characteristics of the penal staff on the developing of professional attitudes in the process of training at the FPS training centers. The research distinguishes among three groups of penal employees according to individual psychological characteristics. The article shows statistically significant differences in individual psychological characteristics that affect the developing of professional attitudes in the process of training at the FPS training centers. The research results show that the most efficient professional attitudes are most often developed among employees characterized by the following individual psychological characteristics: stress resistance, threats resistance, resoluteness, ability to control their emotions and behavior, ability to cope with a large amount of work and so on. The article also presents the results of the additional study proving that there are no significant differences in the distinguished groups in terms of such indicators as demographic data, socio-psychological climate, service relationships, needs obtained while fulfilling official duties, degree of the regulatory framework development, management style, etc. The empirical study reveals that such personality traits as negligence, excessive trustfulness, inability to control one’s emotions and impulsive drives can exert negative impact on the performance of official tasks by the penal staff. The research results presented in the article can be used in the educational process at the FPS training centers and in the work of the penitentiary psychologist.
PROFESSIONAL SOCIALIZATION OF NOVICE TEACHERS: BETWEEN THE CULTURE OF ACADEMIA AND THE WORKPLACE CULTURE
Authors: Kędzierska Hanna Aldona
Published: May 2018

This paper discusses the outcomes of the first stage of conducted qualitative research on professional socialization of novice teachers. The presented analysis refers to the transition period from the role of a student to that of an employee and uncovers the less well-known empirically side of the coin in teacher training with regards to professional socialization of novice teachers – the perspective of constructing one’s professional path at the intersection of two cultures: the culture of academia and the workplace culture.
PROMOTING DIALOGUE SPEECH FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN PROBLEM SOLVING SITUATIONS
Authors: Taurina Agrita , Engele Zane
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Forming the questions, the ability to listen to different opinions, to evaluate the problem and looking for different ways of solving it, to agree upon a commonly accepted opinion – these all are daily necessities  for each person. According to the skills of a child's dialogue speech, these issues can be either more successfully or less effectively solved. During the communication process the teacher and parents can demonstrate to a child an interested, supportive position that ensures the implementation of the values of human pedagogy and develops the socio-linguistic growth of the child's personality. The empirical study examines the techniques of pedagogical work in problem-solving situations of everyday life by using productive questions. Development  both of dialogue speech and successful negotiation process are closely related to adult skills that a child often imitates, and environmental conditions.Results, conclusions. Solving negotiations about daily situations, the ability to ask and find the best possible solution during the communication process with a child can ensure a successful acquisition of the Latvian language and the child's ability to implement the dialogue speech more successfully.
UNIVERSITY LEVEL TEACHING STYLES WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND INTERNATIONAL TEACHING AND LEARNING
Authors: Radin Michael Alexander , Orlova Olga
Published: May 2018

The main aim of this paper is to render how university level courses are taught in high school. In fact, we will focus on what styles are used to teach university level courses and illustrate the international contrasts that happen quite frequently. In addition, we will analyse the details of teaching styles that were implemented in the American and the Latvian educational systems. Furthermore, we will discuss what specific teaching styles and innovations work successfully, and what teaching styles and innovations had difficulties and need improvements. In particular, implementing the hands-on teaching and learning styles and repetitive type teaching and learning styles. Moreover, we will also discuss the risk involved with introducing and transforming university level courses and teaching styles with high school students and how to manage these risks.
THE INVESTIGATION OF VOICE HANDICAP INDEX IN TEACHERS WITH AND WITHOUT SELF-RATED VOICE DISORDERS
Authors: Trinite Baiba
Published: May 2018

Voice disorders restrict daily activity and impact the quality of life. The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of voice disorders on  functional, physical and emotional condition of teachers with and without self-reported voice disorders. Two hundred thirty-five teachers with self-reported voice problems (Voice disorder group) and 174 teachers with no voice problems (Control group) in anamnesis completed Latvian version of Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30). Teachers with voice disorders demonstrated higher median scores in VHI-30 total scale and functional, physical, and emotional subscales (P0.001). In teachers, voice disorders have a more significant impact on their physical comfort and have a smaller impact on their emotional sphere. 76.4% of the voice disorder group respondents acquired the total score within 12 to 33 points. In the control group, 75.3% of teachers had the VHI score of up to 17 points. Conclusions: In teacher population of Latvia mild voice disorders are encountered more often. Activity and participation in everyday life situations are limited in teachers with voice disorders. Voice disorders mostly impact physical comfort in teachers.
QUALITY OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION, OBSTACLES AND NECESSARY PEDAGOGICAL SOLUTIONS IN WORKING WITH PUPILS WITH AUTISM IN ITALY
Authors: Voitkane Vita
Published: May 2018

Nowadays are increasingly encountered children diagnosed with autism, but there are still serious problems of inclusion of these children in the comprehensive general education system. This is due to various factors. The author of this study many years is working in the schools of special education in Rome, so in the year 2010 started research on inclusion of pupils with autism into the Italian schools. The idea is to transmit the author's knowledge and experience further in Latvia, where inclusion of such pupils into general education schools is still at an early stage because of a lack of both human resources and financial resources, as well in regard of experience and clear understanding about organization and management of this inclusion process. Here in this article is described the purpose of the study to explore the experience of people linked with the special pedagogy in Italy, attitudes, thoughts on the inclusion process quality of pupils with autism in schools, obstacles and solutions needed by methodological instructions. It will complement the already existing knowledge and give the opportunity to learn from the gained experience.The study is built on research activities and there are used both theoretical and empirical methods, such as scientific literature research, analysis and interview with 4 individuals who are in close contact with the pupils with autism. The qualitative data resulting from interview are processed with the software AQUAD Six. The results obtained from the interview indicate that there are serious difficulties of inclusion of the pupil x with autism in the school because the teachers and support staff are not professionally prepared for it.
A SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, THE CREATION OF IT AS AN EDUCATIONAL FACTOR: AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE
Authors: Jatkauskienė Birutė , Andriekienė Rūta Marija , Nugaras Modestas
Published: May 2018

This article presents a study, an analysis of teachers’ and students’ attitude toward the concept of a learning environment, elements of the development of it, the accountability for creating a supportive learning environment, by revealing an educational effect of it on student relationships and on outcomes of studies and learning. The research is aimed to answer the main problematic question: how do teachers and students perceive a learning environment, its elements, the creation, accountability for a supportive learning environment, what kind of educational effect may it have? The article consists of an introduction, study design, research results, conclusions, and references. The empirical study shows that teachers and students have quite a clear understanding of the concept of a learning environment, however, both groups under study (teachers and students) construe various learning environments, elements of their creation, accountability of actors for creating and maintaining the environments in a different way. In spite of some differences in attitudes of teachers and students, both groups of respondents acknowledge the fact that a learning environment has an educational effect on interrelationships of students, outcomes of learning and studies. It has to be assumed that observations made in this research can be used in the teaching practice so as to better understand contemporary students, relationships between teachers and students, as well as the formation of students’ positive attitudes toward learning activities and communication.
PROVISION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF TEACHERS IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Authors: Prudnikova Ilga
Published: May 2018

Many educational researchers explain and appreciate the special importance of improving the professional competence of teachers in this era of change in Latvia when the Ministry of Education and Science has envisaged one of the most comprehensive reforms by implementing competency based education. Inclusive education implies that teachers have to master appropriate general skills which will help them to grasp topicalities, to be the leaders of changes and to adequately innovate the learning process where all different needs of learners are met by increasing participation opportunities of each and everybody in learning, culture and different communities and by reducing exclusion within and from educational process. The aim of the study was to clarify the point of view of teachers about the quality of content of the provided professional development. The set of questionnaires was developed by teachers of general education institution where learners with special needs were included. The survey studied the motivation of teachers to participate in professional development courses/seminars/projects; the opinion of respondents about the organization, form and content of continuing professional development in line with their needs. Conclusions: The development of professional competence of teachers in Latvia on national level is implemented according to the pedagogical needs modelling method which supports autonomy and which is self-guided by free self-education initiative of teachers. The survey is based on the fact that teachers lack knowledge and skills to appropriately assess and formulate their continuous professional development needs.
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING: SYMBOLIC VALUE OF HORSE AS UNDERLYING PATTERN IN HUMAN THINKING
Authors: Gehtmane-Hofmane Ilona
Published: May 2018

Traditional pedagogy do not stressed the unique and challenging needs of the adult learner for a different kind of educational experience that was more engaging, more flexible and more appreciative of the existing knowledge base and experience of the adult learning. Equine Assisted Learning is a practice in which adults engage in systematic and sustained self–educating activities in order to gain new forms of knowledge, skills, attitudes, or values. The purpose of this research is to illustrate the meaning and symbolic value of horse as underlying pattern in human thinking.
PECULARITIES OF TRANSITION OF YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO ADULT LIFE
Authors: Virbalienė Rita , Baranauskienė Ingrida
Published: May 2018

During globalization process and development of technology the labor market is changing significantly and the demand for unskilled labor is decreasing. The integration of people with disabilities into society through such processes is even more complicated. The peculiarities of and risk factors and barriers to transition of young people with disabilities to adult life with specific attention to their career education and preparation for professional career presented by different researcher groups including Lithuanian examples are analyzed in the article. The critical review method and analysis of scientific literature are used.