Where are we heading?
Cristian Vasile*
Petroleum Gas University of Ploiesti, Bd. Bucuresti, nr, 39, Ploiesti, 100680, Romania
The pandemic entered a penumbra area, and human activities returned to the natural area of direct contact. However, the spectrum of other viral or other infections is still hovering over us and it seems that we are better prepared to face new challenges than in 2020.
Education takes place face to face, people meet at shows or sports competitions, go shopping or walk on the street without fear, and enjoy doing these things. At the same time, however, online activities and interfaces that have appeared or developed in the absence of direct interpersonal contact are also present and a new direction is evolving: moving human life from onsite to online.

The MIDAS™ Profile of the children. A useful instrument for consolidating the school-family partnership
Diana-Crina Marin, Mușata Bocoș
Doctoral School “Education, Reflection, Development”, Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, 7 Sindicatelor Street, 400029, Romania
Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, 7 Sindicatelor Street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Abstract
The current study aims to present the main advantages of using the MIDAS for KIDS™: My Young Child questionnaire. This research tool, designed by Branton Shearer, Ph.D., was used to assess the level of development of the multiple intelligences of 227 children that were enrolled in the preparatory grade. We have discovered that the most developed types of intelligences of the children are naturalist intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and intrapersonal intelligence. The content of the MIDAS questionnaire was considered accessible and attractive by the parents involved in our research.
Keywords: MIDAS for KIDS™: My Young Child; The multiple intelligences theory; Multiple intelligences, Preparatory grade; School–family partnership; Family Involvement;

Students’ satisfaction with online learning at the beginning of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic
Carolina Bodea Hațegan, Anca Cristina Hodorogea, Dorina Anca Talaș, Karla Golja Milevoj, Borko Petrović, Rima Sivickiene , Aleksandra Đurić
Department of Special Education, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Inspectoratul Școlar Județean Cluj
Secondary School Mate Blažine Labin, Croatia ,
"Stevan Jakovljević" Primary School and "Gimnazija" High School, Paraćin, Serbia
Joniškėlis Ignas Karpis Agricultural Department of Panevėžys Vocational Training Centre, Lithuania fHessen, Germany
Abstract
The aim of this study is to present students’ satisfaction with online learning from different countries and the challenges they faced at the beginning of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. It presents the Transatlantic Educators Dialogue (TED) Alumni program and a short description of the education systems of Croatia, Serbia, Lithuania, Hessen Germany and Romania. Teachers who participated in TED courses sent a survey to their students who participated in online classes. The number of 321students (207 girls and 114 boys) from eight countries responded to the online survey. The results indicate that students from different countries use the same platforms for online learning and they were able to evaluate their performance during online learning. Solutions to improve online learning are proposed.
Keywords: students’ satisfaction; online learning; platforms; educational framework

Experience of using distance learning tools in ESP instruction at technical university: a case of Ukraine
Yuliana Lavrysh, Iryna Lytovchenko, Valentyna Lukianenko, Olena Ogienko
National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, 37, Peremohy Ave., Kyiv, 03056, Ukraine
A.S. Makarenko Sumy State Pedagogical University, 87, Romenskа St, Sumy, 40002б, Ukraine
Abstract
The research was aimed to analyze students’ attitudes towards distance ESP learning in respect to its utility, attractiveness, accessibility, motivational potential, educational value and future prospects. For that purpose a survey of bachelor and master degree students of a technical university in Ukraine was used which focused on features of distance learning that were important for them as adult learners. The students’ positive estimation of remote ESP teaching with the use of MOOC, Zoom, Classtime and MyGrammarLab tools permitted us to conclude that this instruction mode can promote learning efficiency due to a number of its features: high accessibility, flexibility and convenience of learning, provision of opportunities for language acquisition, development of autonomous learning skills, preparation for future career, advancement in the use of technologies.
Keywords: distance learning; English for Specific Purposes; adult learner; ICT tools;

The development and implementation of a two-tier multiple choice test related to the concepts of oxidation-reduction reactions and galvanic cells
Ali Rıza Șekerci, Ali Rıza Erdem
Kutahya Dumlupınar University, Faculty of Education,Kutahya,43100, Turkey
Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Education, Eskisehir,26040, Turkey
Abstract
In recent years there has been growing interest in research concerning students’ understanding of electrochemistry concepts. The two-tier multiple choice tests have played an important role in helping researchers determine students’ level of understanding and in identifying specific misconceptions. The aim of current research was to develop a two-tier multiple choice test related to the concepts of oxidation-reduction reactions and galvanic cells, and to examine the applicability of this test. For this aim, primarily the students’ misconceptions about related issues were identified in consideration of the literature. Then, a two-tier multiple choice test consisting of 19 items was developed based on the misconceptions identified. As a result, a valid and reliable two-tier multiple choice test was confirmed for the identification of 11th grade students’ misconceptions about the concepts of oxidation-reduction reactions and galvanic cells. In addition, the students’ misconceptions were discussed by evaluating answers given during the test.
Keywords: Oxidation-reduction reactions; galvanic cells; two-tier multiple choice test; high school

Investigating the relationship between personality traits, fear of negative evaluation, and perceived stress with math anxiety of female students
Sepehrianazar Firouzeh, Dilmaghanian Turkan
Associate professor of psychology, University of Urmia, Urmia 5716655733, Iran
M.A in psychology. University of Urmia, Urmia 5715985617, Iran
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality traits, fear of negative evaluation and perceived stress in predicting mathematical anxiety. The research method was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of this study consisted of all grade one students of secondary school in the 2020 academic year (N=17,613). 375 people were selected as a statistical sample based on Cochran's formula and using a random cluster method and responded tothe perceived stress questionnaires of Bauer et al., big-five personality traits of McRee and Costa, Plake and Parker mathematical anxiety, and Leary fear of negative evaluation. Pearson correlation and multivariate regression tests were used to analyze the data. The results of the diagram show the fact that there is a significant relationship between personality traits, fear of negative evaluation and perceived stress with mathematical anxiety (p less than 0.05). Multivariate regression showed that neurosis and perceived stress were positively significant and flexibility was negatively significant, and they were the highest predictors of mathematical anxiety in this study. According to the obtained result, it is suggested to pay attention to psychological factors to reduce mathematical anxiety.

Keywords: fear of negative evaluation; mathematical anxiety; perceived stress; personality traits

Cheating of high school students in the virtual Math class
Nevenka Maras
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education, Savska 77, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
In line with the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a need to organize classes in virtual classrooms, which are becoming a place of educational strategy. Teachers need to reconceptualize the fundamental issues of teaching, learning and assessment in non-traditional, virtual classrooms, and are faced with many problems of conducting and organizing the teaching process. The problem of evaluation is especially pronounced, partly due to doubts about the integrity of students, but also due to the actual evaluation process in the online environment. The aim of this research is to examine the incidence in Math classes in the virtual classroom – during exams, while doing homework and project work, with regard to the age and gender of students. The research showed a statistically significant difference on the scale of cheating in exams in Math organized online of female students in comparison to male students, establishing that female students cheat to a greater extent in online organized exams than male students. It was shown that there is no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of cheating of lower secondary school students in online organized exams compared to higher grade students.
Keywords: virtual classroom; Math; Maths; prevalence of cheating; students

Driving a sustainable business leadership profile – a case study in Romania
Călin Vac, Ioana Roman, Sorina Dârjan, Alin Raoul Roman, Maria Vac
Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
Teachers Training Department, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
Technical and Soil Sciences Department, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 1 Kogalniceanu Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400084, Romania
Abstract
This article aims to highlight the main qualities of a leader, but also essential differences between the basic leader and manager characteristics, achieving a Sustainable Business Leadership profile which guarantees a sustainable entrepreneurship model. This study used a complex empirical research on a Romanian complex business leader based on six identified criteria (studied and assessed further to a SBL profile), analysing particular and general relevance of each, thus assuming all as essential in characterizing and promoting a SBL. Following the analysis, it has been stated that the six investigated criteria are defining and relevant to the objective assessment for the quality of a successful business leader. The research defined an improved SBL profile, applicable to any field of activity in any democratically governed country.
Keywords: sustainable leadership; sustainable entrepreneurship; sustainable organizational culture; sustainable business; sustainable energy

Attitudes of high school students towards peers and teachers-connection between the school climate
Marijana Škutor
University of Slavonski Brod, Trg Ivane Brlić Mažuranić, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to determine aspects of the school climate through the prism of relationships with students and teachers. Students from three high schools in Mostar participated in the research (N = 399). Significance of differences among students was not determined in relation to students with regard to the school that students attend, but statistically significant differences were found in assessments of school climate and attitudes towards teachers with regard to the school they attend. Because students rated their teachers very low, the results obtained can serve as a guideline for improving student-teacher interaction. Teachers of the schools surveyed should work on their leadership and teaching style to create a comfortable school climate.
Keyword: human relationship; school climate; students; teachers; teaching quality

Multimodality and ICT: what challenges?
Matilda Parllaku, Silvana Vishkurti
University of Tirana, Place “Mother Teresa”, Poste Box 183, Tirana, 1001, Albania
Polytechnic University of Tirana, Bul. «Dëshmorët e Kombit», «Mother Tereza» Square, Nr. 4, Tirana, 1001, Albania
Abstract
The rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) creates the illusion that mastery of technological tools alone is enough. However, classroom practices show that any type of media requires a specific representation for any type of content. The objective of this article is to question the multimodal combinations that are achieved when presenting assignments through PowerPoint. Furthermore, this article aims to compare the different modes of presentation of the elements in addition to providing students with targeted feedback on the difficulties encountered during the design of their presentations. This methodology is based on the task-based approach that places learners in real situations. The results show that creating PowerPoint presentations for assignments affects learners' representations of content information.
Keywords: task; multimodality; ICT; visual aids; discourse analysis

Introductive study on risk-taking behavior, aggression and sports ability of golf players from United States
Radu Predoiu, Alison Hildebrand, Ryszard Makarowski, Cristian Vasile, Andrzej Piotrowski, Alexandra Predoiu
National University of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Bucharest, 060057, Romania
Westfield, Indiana, 46074, United States of America
Elblag University of Humanities and Economics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Elblag, 82-300, Poland
Petroleum Gas University of Ploiesti, Bd. Bucuresti, nr. 39, Ploiesti, 100680, Romania
University of Gdańsk, Institute of Psychology, Gdańsk, 80-309, Poland
Abstract
The present study investigates the differences between high- and low-handicap golf players considering risk-taking behavior and aggression. Also, the existing correlations between golf players’ sports skills, height (inches), weight (lbs), risk-taking behavior and aggression were analyzed. 36 performance golf players from the United States took part in the research (Mage = 18.94). For assessing risk-taking behavior The English adaptation of the Makarowski's Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire was used, while aggression was measured through the English adaptation of the Makarowski's Aggression Questionnaire. It was found that low-handicap golf players have higher results for Go-ahead scale, a better sports ability is linked to a heavier weight (only in male athletes), while in female golf players a lower score for stimulating risk is associated to a higher value for instrumental risk (requires rational thinking). Both male and female golf players obtained a significant lower score for foul play, compared to the norms. Also, the results of female golf players were significantly lower for assertiveness, stimulating risk and higher in the case of instrumental risk. Gender differences were presented, starting from the dependent variables investigated.
Keywords: instrumental risk; stimulating risk; aggression; golf; Handicap Index

Psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory - Self-Report in a sample of Polish adolescents
Anna Hawrot, Sara Filipiak
Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories (LIfBi), Department of Competencies, Personality, Learning Environments, Wilhelmsplatz 3, 96047 Bamberg, Germany
Institute of Psychology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, ul. Głęboka 45 (Budynek B) 20-612 Lublin, Poland
Abstract
This study aimed at preparing a Polish self-report version of the Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory (CEFI), verifying its psychometric properties, and shortening it. The sample included 1109 adolescents aged 12 to 19 attending schools located in a city in eastern Poland. Drawing upon the theoretical background of the CEFI and results presented in its manual, we tested three competing factor structures: a unidimensional, nine-factor, and a bifactor structure to verify the inventory’s construct validity. These analyses did not fully confirm any of the hypothesized models. Moreover, the results did not support the analysis of subscale scores. A shortened nine-item version had satisfactory reliability (⍺ = .778; ω = .779), was unidimensional, and scalarly invariant across gender and age.
Keywords: Adolescent Behavior; Executive Functioning Measures; Factor Structure; Measurement Invariance

Coping and life satisfaction relationship in medical students: the mediating role of perceived stress
Kremena Mineva
Trakia University, Medical Faculty, Armejska street 11, Stara Zagora, 6000, Bulgaria
Abstract
The study explored the relationship between optimism, resilience and dispositional coping as well as the impact of coping on perceived stress and life satisfaction among medical students. The study was conducted online with a total of 123 students with different medical specialties. Methods of the study were BRS, LOT-R, SWLS, Brief COPE and PSS-14. The study found out that optimism and resilience were associated with more frequent use of emotionally-focused coping and less use of avoidant coping. Perceived stress acted as a mediator of the relationship between avoidant coping and life satisfaction. Emotionally-focused coping increased life satisfaction, but avoidant coping reduced it by perceiving stress as more intense, threatening and uncontrollable. The results are discussed with guidelines for medical training and future research.
Keywords: dispositional coping; well-being; stress;

The structural relationships of parental attachment, peer attachment, teacher support, self-control and grit of gifted students
Fatma Yıldırım, Lee Shin Dong
Ataturk University, Kazım Karabekir Faculty of Education, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey
Soonchunhyang University, Shinchang-myun, Asan, Chungnam, 31538 Republic of Korea
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the structural relationships of parental attachment, peer attachment, teacher support, self-control and grit of gifted students. This study was conducted with 247 gifted elementary students. The findings obtained in this study showed that parental attachment influenced self-control directly, and self-control was the full mediator for grit of the gifted students. However, peer attachment and teacher support affected the grit of gifted students directly, and self-control was not a mediator among peer attachment, teacher support and the grit of gifted students. Future studies can be conducted to investigate whether individual characteristics (personalities) and school environment of the gifted students effect self-control and grit in detail.
Keywords: giftedness; self-control; grit

Stress and aging perspectives. Psychological and neuro-psychological interventions
Cristian Vasile
Petroleum Gas University of Ploiesti, Bd. Bucuresti, nr, 39, Ploiesti, 100680, Romania
Abstract
Aging is partially modulated by the interactions between genes and the environment, but an important part of aging and longevity comes from the psychological area.
Chronic (traumatic) psychological stress has multiple effects on health (Vasile & Albu, 2011) and, implicitly, on longevity. Several hormones (cortisol, glucocorticoids, CRH, ACTH), genetic expressions (ANK3), or reactions (inflammation, upper respiratory symptoms) are activated under the influence of psychological stress and cause major disorders of the body, premature aging, culminating in serious illness and even the death.
Chronic psychological stress is present in many people in today's society, and its appearance is accompanied by various epigenetic elements. Studies to date suggest effective ways to reduce stress and prevent premature aging: psychotherapy and personal development (Vasile, 2012), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – from a neuropsychology view, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), forest therapy - forest bath, diet, fitness, music therapy and physical therapy. At the same time, however, a multiaxial psychological evaluation is needed, as well as medical evaluation, which will make the intervention more efficient for rebalancing and regaining health.
Keywords: stress; longevity; aging; psychology; neuropsychology

Accuracy decoding of nonverbal behavior based on verbal descriptions of nonverbal signs
Dragana Bjekić, Milevica Bojović, Milica Stojković
University of Kragujevac – Faculty of Technical Science, Svetog Save 65, Čačak 32000, Serbia
University of Kragujevac – Faculty of Agronomy, Cara Dušana 34, Čačak 32000, Serbia
University of Kragujevac – Faculty of Technical Science, Svetog Save 65, Čačak 32000, Serbia
Abstract
Nonverbal communication literacy is a system of knowledge and skills that enables a person to understand (decode) nonverbal signs in various communication situations and to use (encode) appropriate nonverbal signs. Nonverbal signs decoding accuracy is one of the nonverbal communication literacy indicators. The questionnaire of Reading NonVerbal Signs was used. The sample consists of 172 undergraduate engineering students. The students decoded nonverbal behaviour described verbally in a different way than the experts did (experts’ assessment as a criterion). The decoding nonverbal signs accuracy coefficient is low. These variations in the students’ nonverbal behaviour decoding and low accuracy reflect a holistic approach to the coding of nonverbal behaviour described verbally which emphasized the importance of the impression of nonverbal behaviours rather than the cognitive processing.
Keywords: decoding nonverbal behaviour; accuracy of decoding; nonverbal communication competence; nonverbal literacy.