List of origin countriesof the visitors sinceFebruary 13th, 2012:
BOOK REVIEW The forgotten lesson of education – the Little Prince meets the Fox by Emil STANVenera-Mihaela Cojocariu„Vasile Alecsandri” University, Bacau, Calea Marasesti 157
The teachers and their representations about the students: what is beyond the labels?Litoiu NicoletaUniversity POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei St.,no. 313, Bucharest, RomaniaAbstractThis paper is aimed to investigate the teacher’s representations about the student in the way that they currently exist in the school. Very often these representations determine biased behaviors of the teacher whose tendency is to “label”, discriminate and split the structure of the classes. Such descriptions of a stereotype, like “good teacher”, “good student” vs. “bad student”, are difficult to be genuinely shown in teacher’s representations. They might be different from one teacher to another depending on their mentality, education background, behavior style and previous experience classroom. However, pursuant to some analyses, both quantitative and qualitative, as well as taking into account all variables involved in these representations some prevailing aspects can be revealed which prove the existence of a teacher’s system of representations that differentiates the personal characteristics of the student, labeled him. Regardless we talk about the “good student” or the “bad student” the existence of the models in the teacher’s system of representations about the student has an effect on the objectivity of teacher’s judgment on students and introduces an unwanted “hallo” effect which, in turn, can determine major risks on the quality of the formative side of teaching process.Keywords: teacher-student relationship; teacher’s expectations; mutual representations; student’s labels and stereotypes; “good teacher stereotype”;
Teaching-Learning in a constructivist social science classroomRishabh Kumar MishraCentral Institute of Education, Department of Education, University of Delhi, IndiaAbstractSocial science as a school subject nurtures learners to deal with multifaceted social realities It is an ideal situation but many a time teaching of social science also works in favor of authoritative discourses through the medium of official curriculum along with its hidden execution. At the curriculum level, in India, new textbooks of ‘Social and Political Life’ tries to present social reality in its prevailing form, but how this curriculum is transacted, is a matter of inquiry. It was found in the first phase of the research that the teaching of social science is a reflection of teacher’s own bias and beliefs; dominated by deficit model of thinking and learning. With the aim to challenge such practices and thinking, an alternative pedagogic setting was designed adopting the socio-cultural approach to learning. The execution of this alternative design indicated that students are cognizant of social issues such as class, caste, discrimination, poverty etc. They are capable of articulating their views/understanding on these issues.Keywords: funds of knowledge; social constructivism; social science
The acculturation process approach, a new perspectiveAdriana BorosanuInstitute of Anthropology "Francisc I. Rainer", Romanian AcademyAbstractIn the context of multiculturality and raising occupational and geographic mobility, our interest targets an anthropological exploration of the reliability of the Romanian cultural model that underwent the acculturation process. Getting through the specialized literature referring to the acculturation process (from a psycho-cultural perspective), highlights three study models (Berry-1997; Rudmin-2006 and Van der Vijer-2009). The bio-medical perspective reveals the fact that frequently, in the accommodation process, sleep related problems appear, these usually being interpreted as sleep pathology and not in the context of the readjusting effort and informational reintegration. In the acculturation context, because it has a cultural imprint (rooted in the raising and caring practices of children), we consider that sleep can be integrated in the study models of the acculturation process.Keywords: acculturation; multiculturality; analysis model; perspective
Methodological aspects of the relationship between pulsion dynamics and personal developmentCornel L. MincuCalea Victoriei 2, Bucharest, 030025,RomaniaAbstractThis research aims to highlight some methodological aspects of the pulsional system analysis and the effect of the pulsions for personal development potential. The study is not meant to confirm some research hypotheses, but meant to validate some dynamic aspects of the contact vector by the use of objective lab instruments and some Hy scale (MMPI); it is aimed to underline the existing relationship between the tension of the contact vector and other components of cognitive reactivity and processing.Keywords: personal development; pulsional analisys; cognitive processing; time reaction
Students’ perceptions regarding interventions to reduce substance use and its concomitant impact on competence among adolescents in public secondary schools in UgandaAloysius Rukundo, Grace KibanjaMbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
Makerere University, UgandaAbstractBackground: Psychoactive substance use interventions have been well document to be more effective when participatory rather than prescriptive. Despite many calculable evidences examining PASU prevention, there was paucity of information regarding interventions in developing countries, moreover involving students’ ideas. Methods: The study was qualitative (based on focus group discussions) and involving rigorous thematic data analysis under the main theme: “interventions to reduce substance use in schools”. Results: “Use of coercive means” was the most common argument among all FGDs, followed by “teaching/sensitizing and counseling students”. Conclusions: Emphasis is put on school-based interventions, in collaboration with other community partners including parents.Keywords: Interventions; adolescents; perceptions; public secondary schools; Uganda
Positive Psychology Interventions – evidence-based resources for students’ career developmentIoana Raluca PancUniversity “Titu Maiorescu”, BucharestAbstractIn the context of exploring paths to career success and assisting the student in his development as a whole, the stream of research in positive psychology provides promising results. Evidence from studies support the hypothesis that wellbeing can bring success in the development of one’s career, increasing individual’s chances to find and maintain a job that brings satisfaction and autonomy, while being appreciated by superiors and colleagues and exhibiting organizational citizenship. Research has shown that positive psychology interventions (PPIs) - exercises aiming to cultivate positive aspects of personality, positive emotions, positive cognitions and positive behaviors - are successful in increasing wellbeing. Several recommendations for using PPIs with student population are being made, with examples and scenarios for such interventions.Keywords: career development; positive psychology interventions; career success; students
Implications of intolerance and stigmatization on adoptions in RomaniaAlina MargaritoiuEducational Sciences Department, Petroleum-Gas University, Bd. Bucharest, 39, Ploiesti, 100680, RomaniaAbstractEven if adoption is perceived as a very intense social and personal phenomenon from an emotional point of view, it remains a theme that is too little analyzed, known and recognized, promoted and valued in Romania. Based on the current and potential major risks of adoption services in our country, the present article analyzes, with help from specialized literature in the field, the intolerance and stigmatization of biological parents, adopted children and adopting parents. By the results of empirical and scientific research set out in this article, we want to draw attention to the implications intolerance and stigmatization have on adoption, and to lead the way toward changing the mentality of society in supporting this legal measure in favor of the abandoned child.Keywords: adoption; intolerance; stigma