1. Empowering engineering & technology and practice teachers : joining virtual exchanges for enriched learningDejan Zemljak, Borut Čampelj, Urška Martinc, Maja Kerneža, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the research was to explore how virtual exchanges can empower teachers of engineering and technology and practical subjects. The aim was to determine whether and how these teachers see virtual exchanges as an opportunity for personal and professional development, improvement of teaching, and exchange of good practices. Findings: The research was conducted at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year with interviews conducted via online video calls. The sample included 16 teachers and 2 students (future teachers of engineering and technology). Before the interviews, participants received an introductory presentation of the concept of virtual exchanges and then answered four pre-prepared questions that focused on the perception and meaning of these exchanges for teachers. Originality/value: The paper is important because it focuses on a less researched area -the use of virtual exchanges in the context of technical education that includes practical work. The research fills a gap in the literature and offers valuable insights for the development of international collaboration among teachers of technical subjects and for the design of supporting platforms, tools and policies that would enable and promote this collaboration.
Keywords: virtual exchanges, education, teacher professional development, intercultural collaboration, practice-based pedagogy
Published in DKUM: 21.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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2. Art for well-being : insights into early childhood education in Slovenia and IcelandPetra Štirn Janota, Kristin Dyrfjord, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: In this article, we explore how arts education promotes well-being in preschool education by comparing the views of Slovenian and Icelandic educators and students. In Slovenia, a structured curriculum approach predominates, while in Iceland creativity, learning in nature and finding solutions in an open learning environment are emphasised. Both approaches promote emotional expression, ethical awareness, and sustainable education. We highlight the challenges in teacher training and emphasise the need for training and inclusion of pedagogical practises in the arts in relation to health and well-being, while also demonstrating the importance of the arts experience for the health and well-being of both educators and preschool students.
Keywords: cultural and arts education, health, preschool education, well-being, preschool teacher education
Published in DKUM: 07.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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3. Lifelong learning through the prism of educatorsKorana Lisjak, Anita Zovko Klapan, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Continuous professional development and training represent not only choices, but also an obligation and responsibility for every single educator. The aim of the research was to investigate the attitudes of educators working in kindergartens in seven counties of the Republic of Croatia, about the importance of lifelong learning. The research was conducted on a sample of 279 female educators, and a survey questionnaire was used as a measuring instrument. The results of the study indicate that educators are aware of the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. They emphasize that it enables them to develop competences and contributes to the improvement of their educational practice. The largest number of educators participate in professional training several times a year; they choose the form of training most often by the topic in which they are interested, and the form of professional training that best suits the needs of educators is the interactive workshop.
Keywords: cultural heritage education, music curriculum, music teaching, music teacher
Published in DKUM: 30.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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4. Evidence-based education in discourse around the concept of BildungTomislav Topolovčan, Snježana Dubovicki, 2024 Abstract: The aim of this study lies in the use of theoretically comparative and historically methodological approaches to elaborate, compare, and recapitulate the features, history and the relationship of evidence-based education and the concept of Bildung. The relationship of the continental European didactic and Anglo-American curricular tradition, as well as to the meaning of teacher autonomy and (inter)national external evaluations of student achievements will be given special attention. Evidence-based education degrades teacher autonomy. Constituting the synergy of these two concepts can be considered the contemporary Holy Grail of education, which will probably not be found in the theoretical-methodological differences.
Keywords: didactics, curriculum, education policy, history of education, teacher autonomy
Published in DKUM: 30.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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5. Family adjustment in relation to the academic engagement of pupils at primary levelTauqeer Abdullah, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Family adjustment is crucial for the child's school obligations. This quantitative study was conducted to determine the significant relationship between the family adjustment of primary school pupils and their academic engagement. The pupils' level of family adjustment was found to be positively and significantly related to their academic engagement (r = 619, p <.001). In addition, a small but significant difference was found between female students (M = 3.59) and male students (M = 3.43) regarding family adjustment. Also, a small but significant difference was found between female teachers (M = 3.61) and male teachers (M = 3.80) regarding pupils’ academic engagement.
Keywords: family adjustment, academic engagement, primary education, teacher, pupil
Published in DKUM: 30.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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6. Cultural heritage in music teaching : the experience in CroatiaMia Mucić, Emina Berbić Kolar, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This study explores music teachers' attitudes toward cultural heritage education and to what extent this subject matter is implemented in music lessons. The study included music teachers (N = 61) employed in Croatian elementary schools. The results show that music teachers have a very positive attitude towards the inclusion of cultural heritage education in music teaching and that music teachers believe such resources should be part of the music curriculum. The findings also show that some dissatisfaction is present among music teachers regarding the way such topics are presented in the music curriculum and their overall representation in music lessons.
Keywords: music curriculum, cultural heritage education, music teaching, music teacher
Published in DKUM: 30.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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7. Video in blended teacher education : a tool for practicing teaching analysisJana Stara, Tereza Krčmářová, Jana Krátká, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The article presents a case study of using videos to develop primary school student teachers’ skills when analysing teaching. It is based on a content analysis of teaching observations, students’ written work, teacher feedback, curriculum, student evaluation, and teacher interviews. The research results show that using video is meaningful and motivating to student and university teachers. However, students rarely draw on theoretical knowledge in analysing the situations. To connect theory and practice, it is desirable to consistently apply the requirement to reflect on observed phenomena with the underpinning of theory and to strengthen the connections between theoretical and practical courses.
Keywords: teacher education, teacher training, video use, blended teacher education
Published in DKUM: 29.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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8. The picture book and its role in preschool mathematics educationSanja Maričić, Mirjana Stakić, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The paper examines the role of the picture book as a learning resource in preschool mathematics education and illustrates the possibilities for its application. The paper aims to examine whether preschool teachers use picture books in preschool mathematics education, what areas of mathematics they most use these for, and whether they recognize methodological advantages to their application. Results show that half of preschool teachers use the picture book as a teaching resource in preschool mathematics education, that it is mostly used to develop the concept of natural numbers and spatial relations, as well as that teachers clearly perceive methodological advantages.
Keywords: child, picture book, preschool mathematics education, preschool teacher, speech development
Published in DKUM: 28.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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9. The impact of the teacher education study program on the development of TPACKKarolina Dobi Barišić, Maja Brust Nemet, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: This study compares students’ TPACK at the beginning and at the end of their college education according to their involvement and the number of computer science courses. Research was conducted at the Faculty of Education in Osijek, Croatia, with the same generation of students, in 2015 (N=71) and 2020 (N=43). The results showed a statistically significant difference for Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge, for all students in the sample and for students with additional computer science courses. In the case of overall TPACK, there is no difference for the overall sample of students but for students with additional computer science courses, the difference is significant.
Keywords: pedagogical knowledge, pre-service teachers, teacher education, technological knowledge, TPACK
Published in DKUM: 28.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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10. Subjectively perceived importance of education by university students at the beginning of their studiesRadmila Burkovičová, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The article investigates students perception of the importance of education and its rationale at the beginning of their studies. Fifty-seven students from the bachelor’s programme Teacher Training for Kindergarten from 2018/2019 to 2021/2022 participated. The sampling was based on convenience. A qualitative approach was used through open verbal statements transcribed into a text. The individual importance of education to students at the beginning of the first semester and their personal justifications for the importance of education were identified, representing several categories. We found the following dimensions for the categories of the meaning of education (personal goal category) and personal definition of education (categories: association with context; from individual to society; on the background of historical development; personality development and evolution; essence; mode of acquisition; value; through the lens of the present; Dionysian conception; general overview; confused definitions).
Keywords: importance of education, definition of education, teacher training for kindergarten, preschool teaching
Published in DKUM: 25.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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