«European Journal of Contemporary Education» – international scientific Journal.

E-ISSN 2305-6746

Publication frequency – once in 3 months.
Issued from 2012.

3 September 12, 2017


New Approaches and Emerging Trends in Educational Technology for Learning and Teaching in Academia and Industry – Ismail Ipek and Rushan Ziatdinov (Eds.)

1. Ismail Ipek, Rushan Ziatdinov
New Approaches and Trends in the Philosophy of Educational Technology for Learning and Teaching Environments

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 381-389.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.381CrossRef

Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to discuss instructional design and technology (IDT) model strategies for developing learning and teaching environments, based on philosophical approaches to educational technology theory. The study begins with a discussion of IDT models to define the history of educational technology or instructional technology theories, based on instructional strategies and improvements. In the study, authors discuss the strategies and steps that a design team should follow when designing learning environments in industry, business and military scenarios, based on the philosophy of educational technology and latest technologies, which should give way to effective learning environments. The steps include recognizing terminology in educational technology concepts, psychological and instructional foundations in instructional design (ID), as well as approaches to educational technology. To recap, our purpose is to combine necessary IDT model strategies for the pedagogical design of learning environments, with new technologies. We will also discuss powerful IDT models that aim to meet the very high expectations of digital and humanist education. To develop a high-quality learning environment, we will explain technology design steps and practice in order to improve the learning of tasks, complex cognitive skills, attitudes, motivations and competencies in the future trends of educational technology. At the end of the study, integrated technologies in e-learning were discussed and presented, based on foundations of IDT and the philosophy of educational technology. These included pedagogical, technological and organisational technologies, as well as the main barriers of implementation, which, in turn, include the perspectives of students, teachers and designers, learning materials, digital education, epistemology in educational technology, courseware design, new technologies and contextual settings.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505304678.pdf
Number of views: 2106      Download in PDF


2. Janka Majherová, Václav Králík
Innovative Methods in Teaching Programming for Future Informatics Teachers

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 390-400.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.390CrossRef

Abstract:
In the training of future informatics teachers the students obtain experience with different methods of programming. As well, the students become familiar with programming by using the robotic system Lego Mindstorms. However, the small number of Lego systems available is a limiting factor for the teaching process. Use of virtual robotic environments seems to be a suitable alternative for dealing with an insufficient quantity of hardware tools. The resulting programs are created and tested in the virtual laboratory and can be subsequently implemented into a real robot model. In such cases, teaching no longer depends on the available number of hardware kits and the form of teaching can be changed from group to individual. This paper describes our experiences with students’ learning with the robotic system Lego Mindstorms, programming environments Bricx and virtual educational environment ROBOTC. One approach to making teaching programming language attractive is the use of robotic kits and virtual environments in the classroom.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505304972.pdf
Number of views: 2019      Download in PDF


3. Jorge Mota, Carla Morais, Luciano Moreira, João C. Paiva
mSciences: an Affinity Space for Science Teachers

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 401-413.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.401CrossRef

Abstract:
The project ‘Multimedia in science teaching: five years of research and teaching in Portugal’ was successful in featuring the national research on multimedia in science education and in providing the community with a simple reference tool – a repository of open access scientific texts. The current work aims to describe the theoretical background that may allow creating and sustainably developing an online community on science teaching. The community should be capable of appropriating and generating scientific peer review and validation processes, which would allow reflections on teaching practices in science areas using information and communication technologies (ICT) and improvements from a participatory science perspective. Through an action-research process, the current platform is being adjusted in the sense of implementing strategies able to attract and engage an interested public and progressively to create a community of peers. The project is particularly relevant with respect to the gap between academic production and pedagogical practice and the avenues that it opens for comparing affinity spaces across different locations and domains of interest.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505305033.pdf
Number of views: 1907      Download in PDF


4. Seyedeh Zahra Aboalhasani Kumleh, Fereydon Rahnamay Roodposhti, Ahmad Shahvarani, Farhad Hosseinzadeh Lotfi
Lower-Order Mathematical Thinking Skills in Finance, from the Viewpoint of Financial Employees in the Iranian Bank of Industry and Mine

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 414-431.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.414CrossRef

Abstract:
In this paper, lower-order mathematical thinking skills within finance were studied from the viewpoint of financial employees in the Iranian Bank of Industry and Mine. To conduct this research, a questionnaire was developed after reviewing lower-order mathematical thinking skills in finance. In accordance with the revised Bloom’s taxonomy, the skills considered in the questionnaire were “remembering mathematics in finance”, “understanding mathematics in finance”, and “applying mathematics in finance”. In order to develop the questionnaire, we conducted interviews with employees and scholars, then a suitable sample familiar with mathematics and finance, consisting of 141 bank employees, was studied. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Our findings show a hierarchical relationship between the first three mathematical thinking skills in finance, which confirms the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. In addition, the attitudes of participants were positive concerning the importance of these skills. Participants believed that, in order to achieve proper functioning, it is essential to improve the skills of financial employees. The results were analysed with a T-test and ANOVA. This showed that the gender, position, experience, department, degree, and field of study of participants did not affect their attitudes. This research indicates that, for the successful utilisation of skills, it is essential to form an effective relationship between mathematical science and its practical application in the banking world. It is recommended to hold on-the-job training courses for financial employees in banks to empower them to use their computational skills.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/pdf.html?n=1505305181.pdf
Number of views: 1841      Download in PDF


5. Fatemeh Moradi, Parvaneh Amiripour
The Prediction of the Students' Academic Underachievement in Mathematics Using the DEA model: A Developing Country Case Study

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 432-447.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.432CrossRef

Abstract:
In this study, an attempt was made to predict the students' mathematical academic underachievement at the Islamic Azad University-Yadegare-Imam branch and the appropriate strategies in mathematical academic achievement to be applied using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model. Survey research methods were used to select 91 students from the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Humanities for the analysis using the DEA model, along with the SBM method. This study had shown that the mean and the sum of the pre-university math score rankings were higher than the university's math scores. Therefore, it was concluded that the Islamic Azad University (Rey branch, Tehran province) students had displayed academic underachievement in the math exam. Moreover, "the economic, social, and educational factor" did not have any significant relationship with the students' "math scores." Also, forming the regression equation proved meaningless indicating economic, social, and educational factors did not impact on their mathematical academic underachievement. It was shown that the low level of performance was indicative of the students' negligence and reluctance concerning the math lessons, and it revealed that the economic, social and educational factors had no involvement or impact on their math scores . The results of this research will be for the benefit of the professors, administrators, and presiding officers of colleges in the field of mathematics.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505396232.pdf
Number of views: 2065      Download in PDF


6. Robabeh Puran, Mohamad Hasan Behzadi, Ahmad Shahvarani, Farhad Hosseinzadeh Lotfi
The Effects of Training and Other Factors on Problem Solving in Students

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 448-460.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.448CrossRef

Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to identify the factors which affect students’ creative thinking in problem solving. The research which was performed was quasi-experimental. It used one experimental group and two control groups from three second-grade high school classes. They received either traditional, active or heuristic problem-solving training. In the traditional method, no teaching aids were used, and the material was taught traditionally. In the active method, 34 students were trained using teaching aids, such as coloured balls, and handicrafts, such as shirts and pants. They were trained to use the teaching aids in order to solve problems. In the heuristic method, the researcher introduced problems which the students thought about. After a few sessions, I commenced teaching the procedures — in each session, two heuristics were introduced. They learned to use these strategies to solve problems. Creativity and mathematics tests were given to the students, both before and after they received training in problem-solving. The findings show that parents’ education (but not gender) and parents’ job type affected students’ ability to think creatively. Students’ creative thinking was improved by active training, but not by the heuristic or traditional methods.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505396274.pdf
Number of views: 1871      Download in PDF


7. Parvaneh Amiripour, John A. Dossey, Ahmad Shahvarani
Factor Analysis of Inertia, Capacities, and Educational Performance of At-Risk Students' Training Centres According to Their Academic Failure in Mathematics

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 461-478.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.461CrossRef

Abstract:
Immigrants face many barriers in moving from one country to another. Today’s massive migrations are dislocating students from their cultures, families, and their schooling. In Iran, such students were not able to enter Iranian schools prior to 2017. Even now, many such immigrant students are being educated in centres administered by non-governmental organisations (NGO) where the schooling is focused on providing youth with knowledge on nutrition, health care, language and mathematics, and maintaining family links where possible. Still, external and internal factors lead to many at-risk students dropping out of the programs. The researchers have focused on the failure of at-risk students in mathematics in four of these schools supported by two NGO agencies. It was clear that the inertia of both teachers and students in mathematics was influencing both teacher choices and planning and student choices in providing conceptual understanding and algorithmic performance. Given the lack of instrumentation to gauge and describe organisational and managerial aspects of the schools and meaningful assessments of students’ progress, the researchers modified a questionnaire from organisational inertia for examining the administrative factors in business and created a series of mathematics tests to quantify and describe at-risk students’ movement through either second or third grade mathematics classes. The data provided by an Exploratory Factor Analysis of the assessment outcomes provide a predictive picture of student persistence versus administrative changes and, more generally, on ways that teacher/educators and educational staff members can implement strategies to help immigrant at-risk students transition from mindless repetition to understanding in their mathematics school work.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505396474.pdf
Number of views: 1977      Download in PDF


8. Yesen Bidaybekov, Guldina Kamalova, Bektas Bostanov, Indira Salgozha
Development of Information Competency in Students during Training in Al-Farabi's Geometric Heritage within the Framework of Supplementary School Education

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 479-496.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.479CrossRef

Abstract:
Information competency is one of the essential qualities of a person living in the information age. It includes skills in information handling in both educational domains and the outside world, as well as readiness and capability to use modern information and communication technologies when involved in various types of information activities. Building and developing information competency in students during teaching and upbringing is one of the primary goals of education. This article describes possible ways of developing it in students within the framework of supplementary education when studying the mathematical heritage of Al-Farabi, one of the greatest scientists of the early Middle Ages, whose fundamental studies made a significant contribution to development of world science. It has been proven that integrated extracurricular classes in geometry and information science are one of the most useful patterns of teaching the scientist's heritage within the framework of supplementary school education. The article highlights the main components of information competency for the most effective organisation of its development process, provides geometric construction problems from the scientist's mathematical heritage, tasks related to his biography and scientific activities, as well as up-to-date educational and information and communication technologies to facilitate the most effective development of information competency in students.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505306920.pdf
Number of views: 1757      Download in PDF


9. Ján Gunčaga, Štefan Tkačik, Katarína Žilková
Understanding of Selected Geometric Concepts by Pupils of Pre-Primary and Primary Level Education

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 497-515.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.497CrossRef

Abstract:
Misconceptions in geometry are an essential problem in the understanding of geometric terms by primary and pre-primary aged children. Present research shows some misconceptions in geometry demonstrated in the understanding of circles, squares, triangles and oblongs for children in the last year of kindergarten and pupils in the last year of primary school. The research methodology is based on the Van Hiele’s theory of understanding geometric thinking. Qualitative analysis of videotapes with recorded children’s activities was the method used for pre-primary children. Whereas for the examination of 4th graders, a quantitative analysis was conducted via student-completed tests. Pupils’ common misconceptions are shown and identified in our research. Based on these findings, recommendations for best pedagogical practice are suggested for teachers in primary and pre-primary levels and also for the teacher training of pre-service teachers.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505494344.pdf
Number of views: 1820      Download in PDF


The Problems of Contemporary Education

10. Alexander Fedorov, Anastasia Levitskaya, Olga Gorbatkova, Anvar M. Mamadaliev
Directions, Objectives, and Author's Concepts of Audiovisual Media Interpretations of School and University Theme in the Soviet Cinema of the "Thaw" Period (1956–1968)

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 516-529.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.516CrossRef

Abstract:
The "thaw period" films (1956–1968) on the school/university topic can be conditionally divided into two stages: early (1956–1963) and late "thaw" (1964–1968), although, naturally, there was a somewhat diffusion between these periods. The "thaw" audiovisual texts about school and university life, according to the authorities, were to support the main course of the state policy in the educational and socio-cultural spheres of the time, that is, to show that the Soviet education and culture system is being reformed: 1) the educational process is out of the strict Stalin's framework (while retaining general communist landmarks and a rigid anti-religious orientation); 2) the relationship between teachers and students is becoming more democratic, to some extent, creative, based on the experience of Soviet educators / innovators of the 1920s; 3) there are problem zones at school and university (for example, the taboo was removed from the previous interpretation of a Soviet teacher's image as almost an ideal representative of the most educated part of the people). The first "thaw" stage was more or less characterized by a romantic reliance on the pedagogical experience of revolutionary Soviet pedagogy of the 1920s and the creation of touching lyrical stories, where, despite minor difficulties, the harmony of good teachers and, sometimes, flawed and misled at the beginning, but later good students, won. In the course of the second stage of the "thaw", new tendencies began to manifest themselves more often: on the one hand, the crisis, the disappointment and fatigue on the part of teachers, and on the other, the pragmatic cynicism of students.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505307150.pdf
Number of views: 1872      Download in PDF


11. Arturo García-Santillán, Elena Moreno-García, Violetta S. Molchanova
Education and Knowledge in the Use of Financial Products and Services in Bachelor’s Degree Students

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 530-541.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.530CrossRef

Abstract:
This study seeks to determine a university student’s knowledge and culture in relation to money; the way they plan their budget, their economic independence and consumer habits, the level of debt, and the use of financial services and products. The instrument designed by Aravena-Collao and Mendoza-Letelier (2010) was used for the query among the students of different universities in the conurbation of Veracruz-Boca del Río, México. Findings show that young students maintain an acceptable level of knowledge in basic concepts like credit, savings, investment, and budgets. However, knowledge and use of financial products like savings accounts, credit, and debit cards are almost non-existent.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505307285.pdf
Number of views: 1751      Download in PDF


12. Yusuf İnandi, Meryem Evşen Gün, Fahrettin Gılıç
The Study of Relationship between Women Teachers’ Career Barriers and Organizational Silence: Viewpoint of Women and Men Teachers

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 542-556.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.542CrossRef

Abstract:
The purpose of the study is to reveal the relationship between women teachers’ career barriers and their organizational silence, and also whether career barriers predict their silence.* Study group is comprised of 522 teachers working at elementary and high schools in central districts of Mersin. In this descriptive study, data were collected through “Women Employees Career Barriers Scale” (WECBS) and “Organizational Silence Scale” (OSS). It is understood according to research results that there is a medium level relationship between women teachers’ career barriers and their organizational silence. Furthermore, women teachers’ career barriers are a significant predictor on dimensions of organizational silence.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505395860.pdf
Number of views: 1787      Download in PDF


13. Tatyana I. Kulikova, Kseniya S. Shalaginova, Svetlana A. Cherkasova
The Polyethnic Competence of Class Teacher as a Resource for Ensuring the Psychological Security of Pupils in a Polycultural Educational Environment

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 557-564.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.557CrossRef

Abstract:
In modern world the environment of any educational institution represents a spectrum of ethnoses, subcultures; and, thereafter, in a certain way, we can talk about it as the multicultural educational environment. Pupils who realize their national identity often demonstrate intolerance towards representatives of other nationalities which creates a threat for pupils’ psychological safety. This paper addresses the topical issue of the role played by class teachers in ensuring the psychological security of pupils within a polycultural educational environment. The authors present the findings of a study assessing the level of development of polyethnic competence in the average class teacher and establishing the interrelationship between this level and how secure psychologically a high-school student may feel within a polycultural educational environment. The study engaged 58 class teachers and 127 pupils in grades 7 and 8, ages 13 and 14. It has been suggested that fostering polyethnic competence in class teachers is taking on special significance at this time.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505307534.pdf
Number of views: 1934      Download in PDF


14. Tatyana A. Naumova, Nadezhda I. Vytovtova, Nicholas W. Mitiukov, Teymur E. Zulfugarzade
Model of Distant Learning Educational Methods for the Students with Disabilities

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 565-573.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.565CrossRef

Abstract:
The present paper represents the results of the studies done at the Udmurt State University with assistance of the Russian Humanitarian Scientific Fund (project 14-16-18004). In the course of studies e-learning educational methods for the students with special educational needs were developed, approved and implemented in educational process. Features of training and educational activity motivation, as well as attention span, time history of working efficiency and interpersonal relations, peculiar properties of logical thinking and coping behavior of the group of the students of "Law" department were revealed in the process of stating experiment. On the basis of psychology and educational features of the group under study, we developed the integrated educational methods of training matching the features of disabled students. The technology includes both traditional and innovative methods of training. During the pedagogical experiment it was proved that application of active methods of training in educational process increases educational motivation makes active informative activity and improves the interpersonal relations that positively influences the process of professional adaptation in modern society. The results received during the experiment can be used by the teachers realizing e-learning of disabled students, managers of educational sphere organizing e-learning of students.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505307597.pdf
Number of views: 1951      Download in PDF


15. Suswandari
Incorporating Beliefs, Values and Local Wisdom of Betawi Culture in a Character-Based Education through a Design-Based Research

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 574-585.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.574CrossRef

Abstract:
This design-based research is part of three-year national projects examining the incorporation of local wisdom in a character-based education in primary school contexts. Specifically, the present study addresses two research questions: 1) what are local wisdoms of Betawi ethnic feasible to be incorporated in character based curriculum in primary school contexts, 2) what are potential classroom instruction methods for such a local wisdom integrated curriculum. To this end, I worked with historian, educational experts and practitioners. Multiple data collection methods were employed, including documents study, interview, survey, focus group discussion and observation. The collected data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. This study has highlighted several beliefs, values and local wisdom from Betawi culture feasible for integration within classroom instruction. More importantly, the study has discussed an alternative instructional method that facilitated the incorporation of the beliefs, values and local wisdom from Betawi culture in classroom context.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505307662.pdf
Number of views: 1870      Download in PDF


16. Pavol Tišliar
The Development of Informal Learning and Museum Pedagogy in Museums

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 586-592.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.586CrossRef

Abstract:
This paper presents an outline of the history and the current orientation of informal learning in museums, museum pedagogy. This is the result of a lengthy process over the last two centuries, which became particularly intensive from the 1960s, in which museums looked for deeper ways to communicate with visitors, starting from basic presentation activity with occasional spoken commentaries. From this, modern museums have developed specialised ways of working with different age groups of visitors, which can be referred to collectively as museum pedagogy and museum education. These activities not only strengthen the experience of museum exhibits and exhibitions but also allow information to be communicated using collection items in a playful way, through informal learning. Museums’ current focus on communication and working with visitors owes much to the long development of heritage institutions, the stabilisation of their position in cultural and social systems, in cultural policy and strategy and the overall significance of the collections of museums and galleries for our modern knowledge societies. The aim of this paper is to outline the historical development and direction of museums’ educational activities to the present.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505307786.pdf
Number of views: 1920      Download in PDF


17. Milena I. Tsvetkova
The Speed Reading is in Disrepute: Advantages of Slow Reading for the Information Equilibrium

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 593-603.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.593CrossRef

Abstract:
The study is dedicated to the impact of the speed and the acceleration on the preservation of the information equilibrium and the ability for critical thinking in the active person. The methods about the fast reading training are subjected to a critical analysis. On the grounds of the theory for the information equilibrium and the philosophy of the slow media, is derived the relation “slow reading – information equilibrium”. “Information equilibrium” is defined as “imposed by the information environment for natural and sufficient satisfaction of the individual needs, in the conditions of relative freedom.” It is supported the thesis about the rethinking of the positives of the fast reading and the rehabilitation and active promotion of the universal literacy in slow reading. The need of promoting the slow reading in the context of the requirements for urgent mass training on information literacy and for critical thinking at times of misinformation, fake news and post-truth has been empirically drawn and grounded. The author's suggestion is to move to a stratified and subordinate redefinition of the goals of the information and the media literacy. The idea is to develop a standard for “profiled” or “niche” information literacy – for each category of person (age, professional) to be written the relevant “maximum program” that does not exceed the rational and the advisable towards their potential.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505307867.pdf
Number of views: 1967      Download in PDF


18. Murat Yalman, Bulent Basaran, Selahattin Gonen
Education Faculty Students’ Levels of Satisfaction with E-Learning Process

European Journal of Contemporary Education, 2017, 6(3): 604-611.
DOI: 10.13187/ejced.2017.3.604CrossRef

Abstract:
Also, e-learning environments, which integrate technology into education, have now become widespread and popular. Examining how students use this education management system is fairly important for the success of this system, and any possible results to be obtained are significant. For this purpose, the present study was conducted with 348 students attending an education faculty. In the study, the courses of ‘Introduction to Computer’ found in their curriculum were taught to the students for two academic terms with the e-learning management system. At the end of the academic year, a questionnaire was applied to the future pre-service teachers to determine their levels of satisfaction with e-learning. The results revealed no significant difference in the preservice teachers’ levels of satisfaction with e-learning in terms of their gender, their education program and their department. In addition, it was revealed out that there was a significant difference at the significance level of p<.05 between their levels of satisfaction with e-learning and their levels of knowledge of Internet technologies.

URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505676738.pdf
Number of views: 1824      Download in PDF


19.
full number
URL: http://ejournal1.com/journals_n/1505676573.pdf
Number of views: 2547      Download in PDF





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