Education & Pedagogy

Relevant teacher qualifications that include specialist knowledge and knowledge in didactics significantly influence the level of achievement of education goals during the teaching process. Teacher's perception of their own professional competence to teach may depend on their qualification which is linked to the education obtained. The purpose of the research was to find out how teachers who teach Home Economics in Slovenian elementary schools estimate their competence to teach Home Economics contents, in reference to their formal education. 89 teachers of 5th and 6th grade Home Economics participated in the research. They were classified according to their formal education, either in the group with completed Home Economics studies (relevant education) or in the group without these studies (irrelevant education). A questionnaire was developed for the teachers to assess their own teaching competence. The obtained data was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results indicated that teachers with completed home economics studies who teach Home Economics feel more competent to teach Home Economics contents than teachers without completed relevant studies. Differences in their perceptions exist in all four Home Economics modules, i.e. economics, textile and clothing, living and environment, food and nutrition. This leads to the conclusion that relevant teacher education is important for teaching Home Economics in all specialist areas of home economics education. As regards providing quality education process and achieving Home Economics education goals, the results indicate that relevant qualifications of teachers should be ensured. Teachers with irrelevant education should be provided with additional professional training.

The article re-imagines the current developments of Swedish education into a possible future. Historically, education was organized and funded by the state; however, reforms towards privatization in the 1990s implemented school choice, private schools and a tax-financed voucher system with the option of turning profits on education. A new judicial decision enforced the withholding of data on private ownership and economic spending in education from the public, as transparency was deemed to damage the competitiveness of private schools. Hence, generating profits and business advantage are prioritized over public interests as the organization and provision of education is progressively shaped by privatization. These changes are what prompted us to consider 'what if all education was privatized'? The first part of the article reviews important developments in public education towards privatization and introduces our theoretical framework. The second part draws on aspects of speculative fiction in a dystopian scenario of an imagined educational apocalypse. The scenario starts in contemporary times and ends in 2121 where the education system is dominated by a financial conglomerate called Nescience Ltd. In this technologically advanced society, artificial intelligence systems have replaced educational institutions and teachers. Expensive tuition and fees have made people indebted to Nescience while learning is transformed into the manufacturing of alienated labourers. To understand these economic transitions and the position of Nescience as a knowledge provider in the future, we use the concept of 'zombification' to theorize the infection of privatization in the educational sector.

This article is focused on the theoretical basis of the study of the history of education in Serbia in the period from the foundation of the first Teacher College (1871) to the end of the socialist establishment in the country (1989). By theoretical bases, we mean theoretical and methodological assumptions, including ideological patterns, which influenced the constitution of the history of education as a scientific discipline. The aim of the paper is to analyse and clarify scientific and non-scientific assumptions in the conception of the history of education in Serbia. As a teaching discipline, the history of education has always been placed within the framework of professional education of primary school teachers and education scientists. As a scientific discipline it has gone through different phases, which are presented in this paper: from Christian-oriented support for teacher training, through fitting into current developments in cultural history, to particular propaedeutics of the method of dialectical materialism for all disciplines of the educational science. The history of education in Serbia in the 20th century reached its full development through cooperation with general historians on projects from the national history of education and schooling, as part of the shift of interests from political to social historiography. This orientation of scientific discipline was not accompanied by an increase, but rather a decrease in the role of the history of education in the professional education of teachers in Serbia.

The article explores the position and the ideological background of the study of the history of education in Macedonia over a span of almost 80 years: from the late 1920s, when it was introduced as a subject in teacher schools, until 2004 when the last change of the study of history of education as scientific discipline was made due to the Bologna reform in higher education. Within this time frame, two main lines of development are followed. One refers to teacher education, and the second to the academic path of educational study. Both lines met in the 1980s, when the education of primary-school teachers and education specialists faced the common university challenges. The analysis of the study programmes has shown that the academic position of the history of education has been declining over the years, in both teaching and research. Reflecting on causes, attention is paid to the ideological turnovers: from the Marxist and Leninist theory of education that was dominant in the socialist period to the neoliberal agenda in education implemented since the late 1980s. In relation to its ideological foundations, the status of the history of education is examined within the latest reform of the programme of educational studies that reflected the national and international trends in higher education and the social and political changes that caused them.

Science and Engineering education are jewels of higher education. In India, among the pioneers of premium technical institutes, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are structurally designed to deliver global knowledge capital with a state-of-the-art curriculum and rigorous standards. Their capability to positively impact the global scale is visible, yet they are internally challenged. The constant interplay of inclusion and exclusion impacts the progress and performance of students. The study specifically examines the role of the social identity of caste in generating accessibility and mobility barriers in IITs. Although the affirmative action policy serves as a gateway for marginalised identities like Dalits, IITs ecosystem preserves the privileges of upper castes. Through IIT Delhi fieldwork, an attempt has been made to check how the gaps in affirmative action policies result in the exclusion of the marginalised in higher education. Educational mobility is restricted for Dalits students who battle against the indifference and caste hegemony of IIT Delhi. The study contests the idea of merit and castelessness in IIT Delhi by contextualising cultural capital with caste discrimination in India. It displays a contrast between the theory and practice of inclusion in higher education. The findings are useful for tracing subtle or indirect forms of discrimination operating in IIT Delhi that contradict the Indian constitution democratic ethos of equality and social justice. The findings will assist public policy and professional institutes of higher education to devise an inclusive strategy beyond government-sponsored affirmative action for sustainable education development.

As the U.S Hispanic population has increasingly grown throughout the years, the growing population has indicated that there will be change in the makeup of the cultural fabric of the country. The Hispanic population growth has led to the increase in numbers of English Learner (EL) students in both private and public schools in the U.S. which has subsequently led to the need to adapt and improve the U.S. education system for EL students. As the transformation in our counties cultural fabric continues to change the same change needs to be reflected on the student's education. This narrative will explain and rationalize the pedagogical practices that are in place to improve and embrace multilingualism and multiculturalism in education from early childhood development to higher education. The narrative found that a key indicator that influences the success of Hispanic students is early childhood development and education, this includes having access to necessary resources, being in culturally stimulating environment and training in English proficiency. The narrative also found that early education should not be limited to just schools but also needs the cooperation from the student's family and cultural centers. If early childhood development is not established the student will not be on the same level as other students and will be attempting to catch up to the education level other students are at. As the student gets older practices such as the ones being practiced in early childhood development should expand throughout the student's education.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of offering a Doctor of Philosophy in Education program at LSPU. The study utilized a quantitative research design to gather data from 243 respondents consisting of teachers, education professionals, and stakeholders in the field of education. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to evaluate the potential demand for the program, the availability of qualified faculty members, and the resources needed to support the program. The results showed that there is a high demand for advanced degrees in education, as evidenced by the majority of respondents expressing interest in pursuing a PhD in Education. The study also found that LSPU has an adequate number of qualified faculty members who meet the minimum requirements set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) policies and guidelines. Additionally, LSPU's status as a Center of Development in Teacher Education reflects the university's commitment to excellence in teacher education, which is directly relevant to the proposed PhD in Education program. The study concluded that LSPU is well-positioned to offer a PhD in Education program, given its available resources, qualified faculty, and high demand from potential students. This study's findings can provide valuable insights for LSPU in making informed decisions regarding the development and implementation of a PhD in Education program. The study's implications extend beyond LSPU, as other universities interested in offering similar programs can use these findings as a reference for their own feasibility studies.

With the rapid development of economic globalization and educational internationalization, overseas education has emerged as a pivotal trend in the current global education landscape. Employing bibliometric methods, this study conducts co-citation and co-occurrence analyses using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software to scrutinize 1985 publications related to overseas education retrieved from the Web of Science database from January 2000 to November 2023. Statistical findings reveal a steady growth trend in overseas education research over the past two decades, with the USA, China, and England identified as the highest contributors. Co-citation analysis unveils that the knowledge foundation of overseas education research primarily emanates from the fields of linguistics and education, giving rise to research themes such as language acquisition, identity, and learning experiences. Co-occurrence analysis demonstrates that research hotspots in overseas education are concentrated in six directions: higher education and international students, internationalization and intercultural competence, language acquisition, identity, and study abroad, student mobility, globalization, and internationalization of higher education. Based on bibliometric analysis, this study proposes future research recommendations, including enhancing research on the mobility of specific groups of international students, strengthening studies on the overseas education market, addressing new dynamics in overseas education in the post-COVID-19 era, and intensifying research on the academic achievements of international students. This study provides scholars in the field of overseas education with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge structure and developmental trends, offering a solid foundation for future research.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the factors influencing early education teachers' motivation, attitudes and beliefs toward science and continuing education. It also explores perceptions of parental involvement and cooperation among public and private institutions in Kosovo. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a quantitative and cross-sectional design. Study variables were assessed using questionnaires with validated measures administered to 460 early education teachers from both public and private institutions. Findings: Education teachers in the public sector had higher professional development, work experience and salaries, while private school teachers had higher education levels and worked with fewer children per class and more teachers per class. Public school teachers displayed better attitudes toward science and greater parental involvement. Attitudes toward science positively correlated with salary in both sectors. In the public sector, work motivation was correlated with experience, while in both sectors, it was linked to salary. Attitudes toward science were predicted by parental cooperation, teachers' attitudes toward continuing education and work motivation. Originality/value: This study provides insights into the distinct challenges and opportunities of integrating science into the curriculum in public and private early education institutions. The study emphasizes assessing needs and designing tailored, data-driven strategies to address barriers and leverage opportunities to improve teacher attitudes and parental engagement, ultimately strengthening science education and improving the quality of early education.

Purpose: Technical education in the twentieth century played an important role in the cultural life of Australia in ways are that routinely overlooked or forgotten. As all education is central to the cultural life of any nation this article traces the relationship between technical education and the national social imaginary. Specifically, the article focuses on the connection between art and technical education and does so by considering changing cultural representations of Australia. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing upon materials, that include school archives, an unpublished autobiography monograph, art catalogues and documentary film, the article details the lives and works of two artists, from different eras of twentieth century Australia. Utilising social memory as theorised by Connerton (1989, 2009, 2011), the article reflects on the lives of two Australian artists as examples of, and a way into appreciating, the enduring relationship between technical education and art. Findings: The two artists, William Wallace Anderson and Carol Jerrems both products of, and teachers in, technical schools produced their own art that offered different insights into changes in Australia's national imaginary. By exploring their lives and work, the connections between technical education and art represent a social memory made material in the works of the artists and their representations of Australia's changing national imaginary. Originality/value: This article features two artist teachers from technical schools as examples of the centrality of art to technical education. Through the teacher-artists lives and works the article highlights a shift in the Australian cultural imaginary at the same time as remembering the centrality of art to technical education. Through the twentieth century the relationship between art and technical education persisted, revealing the sensibilities of the times.

When education for sustainable development (ESD) emerged as part of the educational agenda in the international arena, it was associated with significant shifts in the educational debate about the purpose and nature of education and with the need to respond to crises caused by the modern idea of progress. Scientists from different fields warn humanity that the current trajectory of capitalism is leading towards environmental and cultural decline and that urgent measures are required to deal with the current and emerging issues. Global financial and economic crises, poverty and inequality, climate change and environmental degradation reinforce our understanding that a collaborative effort is required in addressing the existing status quo through education. These changing contexts require transformative education that must play a key role in developing a planetary vision, in "securing sustainable life chances, aspirations and futures for young people". This paper refers to the essence of SD and the ethics behind it, explores current research on ESD in technology education (TE) and suggests a number of challenges that emerged for technology education as a result of the global SD agenda. They are related to policy and curriculum development, teaching and learning, and teacher training. This paper argues that current and future research on ESD in technology education must be framed by a shared vision about quality education and a society that lives in balance with Earth's carrying capacity. The paper concludes with suggestions for further directions for research associated with the areas of challenge.

In this article, Reginald L. Stewart asks: "What is the true value of higher education to military veterans?" Military veterans may be underrepresented in higher education due to life adversities including homelessness, medical disabilities, substance abuse, family hardships, and deficient academic skills, however, with the transition of veterans to colleges and universities, Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) projects nationwide provide life transformation through attainment of postsecondary education. Throughout the nation, positive life transformation results from the pursuit and achievement of postsecondary education coupled with VUB support, leadership involvement of colleges and universities, and the integration of services from veteran agencies. As many veterans seek and use their educational benefits, VUB projects nationwide carry out the unique mission of helping them enroll and succeed in postsecondary education. Military veterans display aspiration for academic achievement because military service increases the goal of higher education attainment. Among the reasons: (1) military organizations encourage higher education among members; (2) military service helps individuals overcome social limitations; and (3) military service establishes independence and self-confidence. The social cost benefit of educating military veterans is a beacon that enhances the ideals of higher education while conjoining VUB projects, colleges, and universities toward a common social end. This approach requires a national mandate that every state in the union establishes at least one VUB project at a public college or university. Higher education is a valued institution in our society whereby VUB projects, colleges, and universities make a rational social choice to educate our veteran heroes while maintaining the ideals of higher education and positive societal benefit for all citizens.

In this paper, we argue that two key trends--an unfolding ecological crisis and a reduction in the amount of (cheap) energy available to society--bring into question both the relevance and the resilience of existing educational systems, requiring us to rethink both the content and the form of education in general, and peace education in particular. Against this background, we consider the role education might play in enabling citizens and societies to adapt peacefully to conditions of energy descent and a less benign ecological system, taking seriously the possibility that there will be fewer resources available for education. Drawing on Wes Jackson's and Wendell Berry's concept of an education in "homecoming", and on E.F. Schumacher's concept of "appropriate technology", we suggest a possible vision of peace education. We propose that such education might be focused around "appropriate knowledge", commitment to place, and an understanding of the needs and characteristics of each local context. We then consider an example of what this might mean in practice, particularly under conditions of increasing resource scarcity: Permaculture education in El Salvador, we suggest, illustrates the characteristics and relevance of an education that aims to foster "appropriate knowledge" within a particular and very challenging context. The paper concludes by considering the wider implications of our argument.

This publication clarifies the basic education movement by placing it in a historical and philosophical context. In many ways, the basic education movement of the 1970s is part of a continuum of similar movements in American education that have occurred with almost clocklike regularity--appearing in rather regular cycles since the 1930s. First, the current basic education movement that originated in the 1970s is reviewed. Criticisms made by proponents of basic education and some remedies proposed that may cure the problems believed to exist today in public schooling are presented. The Essentialist movement of the 1930s is then examined. The Essentialists were a group of professional educators who challenged the then progressive trends in American education. Like today's advocates of basic education, the Essentialists charged that public education, despite its vast extent and heavy cost to society, was appalling, weak, and ineffective. They believed it was crucial that the curriculum be organized systematically and sequentially and that instruction stress logical, chronological and causal relationships. They argued that the teacher should be restored to a position of central authority in the classroom. Lastly, the publication discusses arguments of the educational critics of the 1950s. A new educational movement called "Life Adjustment Education" brought about by World War II became the target for a group of educational critics. The proponents of Life Adjustment Education maintained that the purpose of the schools should be broader in scope than stictly academic programs. The critics perceived of the function of the school in academic terms. (Author/RM)

A longitudinal study compared the academic abilities of undergraduate women students in seven college programs at a large university. Four questions were posed: (1) What are the academic qualifications of women choosing education as a career? (2) How do these women compare with women choosing other programs? (3) What changes take place in the career choices of women during their college career? and (4) Are women who are unsuccessful in other programs choosing education as a last resort? Information was gathered on women choosing programs in agriculture, business, education, engineering, liberal arts, physical education, and science. The qualifications of the students were measured by Scholastic Aptitude Test averages for the math and verbal components for each of their four years and by their high school class standing. An analysis of the resulting data indicated that education attracts women who have lower academic qualifications than women in other fields. Large numbers of women with high academic ability chose majors in male-dominated fields. The greatest difference between women choosing education as a career and women choosing other areas was in mathematics scores. The wide range in verbal test scores that appeared at the senior year indicated that education was allowing women with marginal verbal skills to complete the program. However, the improved academic qualifications apparent at the junior year indicated that some women with high academic qualifications were evaluating their original career choice and choosing education as a career. By the junior year, women in education compared quite favorably with those in other fields. (JD)