1. A comparative study of early childhood teachers’ digital practices during and after covid-19Marijana Miočić, Matilda Karamatić Brčić, Bernarda Tokić, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study investigates early childhood teachers’ perceptions and use of digital media during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the need to understand evolving ICT practices in early education. Employing a longitudinal design, data were collected via structured questionnaires from the same kindergartens in 2020 and 2024. Quantitative analysis revealed stable self-assessed digital competence but changing pedagogical use and attitudes. The findings underscore the need for targeted digital training and systemic support. The study’s novelty lies in its comparative longitudinal approach, offering insight into the sustained impact of a global crisis on digital integration in early childhood education.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, digital competences, digital media, early childhood, early childhood teachers
Published in DKUM: 08.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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2. The frequency of music improvisation activities in the fourth and fifth grade of primary schoolAlja Krevel, Jerneja Žnidaršič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the frequency
of the implementation of music improvisation activities in music
lessons by classroom teachers and subject teachers teaching music in the
fourth and fifth grade in Slovenian primary schools. We also explored
the teachers’ sense of competence to implement music improvisation
activities, reasons for the infrequent inclusion of such activities and
solutions for more frequent inclusion. A descriptive nonexperimental
method of research was used, collecting data with a questionnaire. The
study found that teachers occasionally carry out music improvisation
activities, most often rhythmic improvisation. The results showed no
differences between the frequency of improvisation activities between
classroom teachers and subject teachers. However, subject teachers do
feel more competent to perform music improvisation activities than
classroom teachers and there was a weak correlation between the sense
of competence and the frequency of improvisation activities in music
lessons. Teachers cite a lack of time, knowledge and self-confidence as
the key reasons for the infrequent implementation of music improvisation
activities. They see solutions for the more frequent inclusion of
music improvisation activities in additional music improvisation training
and changes in the music curricula, advocating for more flexible and
broadly defined learning objectives. Due to the small sample size, the
results are not generalisable, but they do provide an insight into the current
state of the integration of music improvisation activities in music
lessons in the fourth and fifth grade of primary school.
Keywords: classroom teachers, general music, music improvisation, primary school, subject teachers
Published in DKUM: 06.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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3. Gender differences in head teachers’ work motivation for assuming diverse job rolesIgor Nikičić, Rahaela Varga, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This paper explores the characteristics of gender differences in work motivation for assuming the diverse job roles of head teachers in their everyday work in Croatia. Grounded in the well-established self-determination theory (SDT), this paper examines not only the intensity of motivation among head teachers, but also its quality, while applying the WRMS - SP questionnaire. The findings have important implications in recognizing the gender-based similarities in motivation types as confirmation that both men and women perceive themselves as effective leaders in a complex job role and present-day challenges in schools.
Keywords: gender differences, head teachers, work motivation, job roles, school
Published in DKUM: 06.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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4. Student teachers’ perceptions of teaching : looking back or moving forward?Alma Škugor, Suzana Tomaš, Alena Letina, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare perceptions about the teaching of the subject “Nature and Society” among preservice primary school teachers at three Croatian universities. The results indicate consistent perceptions among secondand fifth-year students, regardless of their university, with a notable inclination toward teacher-centred teaching. Fifth-year students from all three universities demonstrate a slight shift away from the traditional teaching paradigm compared with second-year students. For a genuine transformation in teaching approaches, in addition to acquired knowledge and developed competences, it is essential to encourage preservice teachers to engage in self-reflection on their teaching practices to become aware of their own beliefs about teaching.
Keywords: DASTT-C, studentcentred teaching, teacher-centred teaching, perception, preservice primary school teachers
Published in DKUM: 06.01.2026; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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5. The WANDA reflective method as a tool for improving teachers’ well-beingJana Poche Kargerová, Taťána Göbelová, Žaneta Šimlová, Alena Seberová, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This qualitative research study focuses on teachers’ well-being in the context of the WANDA reflective method. The aim was to explore teachers’ subjective perceptions of the benefits of WANDA on their well-being. Data were collected through a qualitative written interview technique. The research sample consisted of sixteen primary and pre-primary teachers who had completed the WANDA method. Content analysis of the data was conducted using thematic analysis based on the PERMA model. The results showed that WANDA contributes to teachers’ well-being in the areas of Relationship, Meaning, Positive Emotions, and Engagement. The Accomplishments category was the least represented.
Keywords: WANDA, well-being, teachers’ well-being, PERMA
Published in DKUM: 22.12.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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6. Unveiling hype cycle patterns : examining 3D modeling and printing adoption among secondary school teachersBranko Anđić, Andrej Šorgo, Robert Weinhandl, Mirjana Maričić, Zsolt Lavicza, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Despite numerous studies indicating the positive contribution of 3D modeling and printing (3DMP) in learning settings, its current educational use is still rather limited. For the adoption of 3DMP in classrooms, it is critical to understand the views and perceptions of teachers on such new technology. To better understand how teachers perceive 3DMP, a longitudinal study was conducted with 73 Montenegrin secondary school teachers. The study used the Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies approach to examine changes in teachers' views and perceptions of 3DMP over four time periods: before a workshop on using 3DMP in teaching, immediately after the workshop, three months later, and one year later. Results showed that teachers were motivated to use 3DMP to keep up with new technological trends, create classroom materials, promote inclusion, and STEM learning, and improve students' learning outcomes. The peak of inflated expectations (immediately after the workshop) is characterized by excessively high teacher expectations of 3DMP in terms of perceived pedagogical impact (PPI), perceived usefulness (PU), and barriers (BAR), while teachers' anxiety (ANX) is low; trough of disillusionment (3 months after the workshop) leads to a significant decrease in teachers' positive views and perceptions of PPI, PU, BAR, but an increase in ANX; the slope of enlightenment (one year after the workshop) leads to a recovery in teachers' positive views and perceptions of 3DMP's contribution to PPI, PU, but also BAR, while ANX significantly decreases. These findings provide recommendations for teacher educators, policymakers, 3DMP developers, and future researchers to better support the use of 3DMP in education.
Keywords: 3D modelling and printing, hype cycle, secondary school, teachers
Published in DKUM: 26.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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7. Teachers’ opinions on kindergarten admission standards : risks to toddler well-being?Barbora Loudová Stralczynská, Milena Lipnická, Vlastimil Chytrý, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present the opinions of teachers on the standards for admitting toddlers to kindergartens in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and to discuss these standards in relation to the risks to children’s well-being. Opinions were obtained through a quantitative survey among teachers from the Czech Republic (n=574) and Slovakia (n=593) in 2023. Results showed that most teachers do not support the admission of children under three to kindergartens. They conditionally support admission based on self-care skills, hygiene habits, and socioemotional independence, which do not match typical toddler development, posing pressure on the child and family.
Keywords: pre-school teachers, admission standards, toddlers, kindergarten, child well-being
Published in DKUM: 25.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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8. Collaboration as a soft skill in special education teachers : a systematic literature reviewAssimina Tsibidaki, Aikaterini Vrachna, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study explores the role of collaboration as a crucial soft skill for special education teachers (SETs), focusing on its impact on their professional development and teaching practices. Through a qualitative review of 15 studies (2012–2024), findings highlight that, while collaboration enhances inclusive education, challenges persist, including heavy workloads, large class sizes, limited training, and negative attitudes. SETs view collaboration with schools, families, and colleagues as vital to improving both teaching effectiveness and student outcomes. The study underscores the need to integrate collaborative practices into teacher preparation programs to foster professional growth and create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Keywords: collaboration, soft skill, special education teachers (SETs), systemic literature review
Published in DKUM: 14.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 13
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9. Art portfolios in preschool teachers’ initial education as a means of acquiring professional competences and reflective practiceMarijana Županić Benić, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The study sought to examine the art portfolios of second-year undergraduate students of Early and Preschool Education at the Faculty of Teacher Education in Zagreb and their reflections on their own artwork. The aim was to examine how students experience, reflect on and interpret their creative work process. By reflecting, students acquire deeper understanding of art expression and perfect the ability to plan and evaluate visual art activities for implementation in their future work with children. The results show that students whose reflections on their own artwork through portfolios are more detailed show greater levels of self-awareness, creativity and pedagogical competence.
Keywords: reflection, visual art education, portfolios, preschool teachers, professional competences
Published in DKUM: 02.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 7
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10. Development and preliminary validation of the active citizen compass questionnaire : the Dutch-Flemish and Greek versionsVana Chiou, Oliver Holz, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study aimed to develop a questionnaire for assessing teachers’ practices, teaching knowledge, and school practices related to active citizenship in a crossnational study. The first draft of the Active Citizen Compass (ACC) questionnaire in English was examined by an expert panel. The questionnaire was translated into Dutch and Greek, and tested for ambiguity, clarity, and user friendliness. Thereafter, the Dutch-Flemish and Greek versions were pilot tested on 54 teachers from Flanders and 63 teachers from Greece. Reliability and validity evidence indicates the ACC scales in Dutch and Greek are a reliable and valid measure of active citizenship in schools.
Keywords: active citizenship, questionnaire, validation, teachers, schools
Published in DKUM: 08.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 7
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