Journals of Rezekne Academy of Technologies
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DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF SELF-CARE STATEGY SURVEY IN THE LATVIAN ADULT SAMPLE
Get PDFRestrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are not only known to affect communication but also to threaten people’s physical and mental health. Self-care is an important method for reducing these threats. The aim of this study was to develop a multidimensional Self-Care Questionnaire, focusing primarily on psychological care providers. The questionnaire was developed in three stages: 1. After analysis of the literature and published interviews with professionals, 172 self-cares strategies were identified and grouped into 11 main topics; 2. items were generated and a content validity of each item was evaluated by 8 experts; 3. 76 items were included in the questionnaire, which was complede by 779 participants. Participants evaluated importance and attainability of subjective self-care activities using four-point Likert scale. The main score for each activity was computed by multiplying the indicator of the first part by the indicator of the second part. Based on the series of sequental Explanatory actor Analysis, the best performing 63 items were selected and a 14-scale structure of the questionnaire were obtained. All items had acceptable psychometric properties and all scales were internaly consistent, with exception of one scale “Amusement” which did not have acceptable internal consistency. The obtained 14-factor structure were confirmed by results of the Confirmatory Factor analysis showing good to acceptable model fit. The developed questionnaire can be a useful tool for exploring and evaluating self-care strategies and can be used for both research and psychological assessment purposses, as well as for self-assessment and self-monitoring purposes.
OPPORTUNITIES OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BLENDED LEARNING
Get PDFSo far one of the 21st century biggest global events that brought about unforeseen changes in education was the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-19 virus. Measures to reduce the spread of the virus have made it necessary to replace traditional face-to-face education with alternative options, such as distance learning or remote learning. Blended learning, which combines face-to-face and online learning and is seen as a solution for future education, has also become relevant during the pandemic, providing an opportunity to promote the integration of digital technologies into learning process and to support equal access to education for all. The article deals with a case study to explore the principles of the implementation of blended learning and pilot them in a higher education institution. Based on the theory review, it has been concluded that blended learning is defined as a method and an approach, as well as a curriculum that combines face-to-face learning with online learning. The data have been collected by the content analysis of documents, questionnaires for students and lecturers and an interview with the director of a higher education institution. The obtained data allow to develop the recommendations for the management of higher education institution, lecturers and students for the implementation of blended learning in the study process.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF RELIGIOUS STRUGGLE WITH EXPERIENCED EMOTIONS, EMOTION REGULATION SKILLS AND SELF-RATED PHYSICAL HEALTH IN A SAMPLE OF LATVIAN CHRISTIANS
Get PDFStudies to date have linked religious struggle to poorer health outcomes. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between religious struggle, emotions, emotion regulation skills, and self-rated physical health and to search for possible mediating variables explaining this relationship. The study examined the mediating role of negative emotions and emotion regulation skills in the association of religious struggle with health outcomes in a sample of Latvian Christians. The study involved 306 participants aged between 16 and 74, belonging to different Christian denominations. Instruments used for data collection include the Religious and Spiritual Struggle (RSS) Scale, Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire (ERSQ), and The Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The results of the study demonstrated an association between religious struggle and poorer health outcomes and confirmed the mediating role of negative emotions and emotion regulation skills in these relationships. Emotion regulation skills are associated with a higher frequency of positive emotions and better health outcomes. The findings from this study could help in designing more effective interventions for individuals experiencing religious struggle in crisis situations.
THE CONCEPT OF A DANCE LESSON FOR PROMOTION OF WELL-BEING OF ADULTS
Get PDFThe context of the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the idea of improving the quality of life and health of people in the context of modern research. If a person is satisfied with himself, has self-realized, with a good physical well-being, he feels satisfied with life in general, thus promoting a quality of life for himself. There is an ageism perception in society that dance classes are suitable for young people. However, when forms of artistic expression are used to promote well-being in adults, it gains an existential dimension. Dance learning in this interpretation includes internalization of body management and dance technique, self-efficacy, positivity, and self-awareness. Therefore, studies focused on the positive effects of dance lessons on mental and physical health in adults are leading to increased interest, thereby contributing to promotion of well-being and healthy ageing. The aim of this publication is to identify the components of well-being in adult dance classes in the context of lifelong learning and to formulate the concept of dance classes. The study data were analysed using the qualitative data processing program NVivo 12.0. As a result, the components of the well-being of dance class participants have been identified, and an explanation of the individual dynamic balance of well-being content within the homeostasis approach is offered, which is the basis of the pedagogical concept
SOCIAL SELF-DETERMINATION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT IN THE CONTEXT OF HUMANIZATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
Get PDFWe regard the social self-determination of senior secondary school students as the basis for their education as citizens of Latvia and citizens of Europe. This underpins the need to actualize the problem of social self-determination. The aim of the research is to determine the essence and structure of social self-determination of senior secondary school students and to identify the conditions for the development of social self-determination in secondary school students in the process of education. Research methods include observation, questionnaire, survey, comparison, experiment, and mathematical statistics. Research results are the following:- as a result of the study, there was determined the content and structure of social self-determination as a systemic personal formation, representing the relationship of two components: citizenship and intercultural identity; - the conditions for the development of social self-determination have been identified, including the humanization of the educational process based on a certain system of moral values and beliefs; - the key strategy for organizing the educational process has been suggested: changing the content of education by introducing a cultural component, which would contribute to a change in all structural components, from the goal to the result; - this implies a change in the procedural aspect of education: the organization of a personal cultural dialogue; the dialogue is regarded as the basis for communication in the pedagogical process; - the key values of secondary school students were determined in the process of a fact-finding experiment.
CASE STUDY: ELEARNING IN COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR MANAGING BY PROJECT
Get PDFNew Internet technologies have expanded the possibilities of interaction, overcoming geographical restrictions. The training within communities of practices that have their own identity, determined by both the specific competencies of its participants and the common domain (field of activity, mission, values, topic), paves the way gradually in different sectors and at different levels. The research aims at generalizing the experience in organization and implementation of e-learning on Management of Projects in Community of Practice: Sustainable Development for further use and formation of virtual environments for professional training, exchange of experience, and distribution of innovations.This article summarizes the typical components of a community of practice as the basis of professional educational systems creation and knowledge management method. The paper considers the essence and prerequisites of successful e-learning. It reveals peculiarities of the virtual learning environment of the "Local Development Project Management" electronic course, which combines all the learning activities and course goals, creates the effect of social presence and co-creation. The main points of the course design should draw attention to its topics, adjust each of its elements to the needs of participants in cognition and learning, motivation for actions, cooperation, and interaction. Methods used include analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, logical generalization, and comparison.
SCHOOLS AS INFORMATION CHANNEL TO REDUCE ALCOHOL USAGE HABITS AMONG ADOLESCENTS
Get PDFThe purchase of alcohol and the use of such substances among adolescence is prohibited in Latvia by the legal system of rights. Despite the legal ban alcohol consumption is widespread among Latvian adolescence and starts at very early age. Recent studies show that most of 15-year-olds have consumed alcohol in Latvia. In order to proactively inform and reduce alcohol consumption among young people, a number of information and education programmes have been implemented, mainly in the school environment. Most of these programmes lack an assessment. Consequently, there is a lack of data on the programme effectivity and the link of programme with young people’s knowledge and confidence in their alcohol consumption-related behaviour. The purpose of the study is to identify information channels where adolescence are most frequently gain information, to assess the level of knowledge of grade 9 pupils and its relevance to potential action in alcohol consumption situations. The empirical data of this study is based on a survey with grade 9 pupils. The results of the study show that the school environment is important information channel, but it is essential to offer a diverse information content, involving a number of experts to provide information. High levels of knowledge have a positive impact on young people’s confidence in alcohol consumption-related situations, but do not have a significant impact on alcohol trying rates
INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF MODERN REFORMING OF UKRAINIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Get PDFThe processes of creation, development and application of innovations are increasingly spreading in the education system and pedagogical science. The specific historical situation in Ukraine necessitates the restructuring of education, its reforming and approximation to European and world standards. The aim of the study is to study the purposeful impact of these processes on the constant formation and renewal of Ukrainian pedagogical theory and practice with further rethinking the importance of innovation to increase the rating of higher educationinstitution and increasing its competitiveness.Basic research methods are surveys, observation and statistical analysis.The article emphasizes the key values of improving the modern sphere of education, pays attention to the innovative processes that take place in the modern school, and pedagogy, in particular. The peculiarities of the introduction of innovative education in higher education institutions are highlighted. The authors analyze the importance of the application and management of innovative educational processes that can help to increase the level of quality education for the success and competitiveness of higher education institution.The author\u27s team studied the structure and dynamics of the development of educational innovation processes of modern higher education institutions, as well as the scheme of division of the innovation process, which was called the "life cycle of innovation". The importance of developing individual perception of a particular applicant of the proposed innovations during studying at the higher education institution is proved.It is noted that it is important to develop the initiative of teachers of Ukrainian higher education institutions before making decision about necessity to introduce innovations of a certain type.
POSSIBILITIES OF A COLLEGIAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR IMPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL CONPETENCES OF TEACHERS DURING REMOTE WORK
Get PDFIn educational institutions, collegial support groups as the form of pedagogical work have long been known and have been incorporated into the system of the organization of methodological work. These are mainly administratively formed long-term activity groups. This study focuses on the less studied so far freely formed short-term activity groups in an educational establishment. The analysis of the activities of the above-mentioned groups as a whole highlight their capabilities in remote working conditions. The study is based on literature analysis and pooling and analysis of structured interview data. The structured interview was designed to find out whether and how teachers come together in groups during remote work, to solve problems that have arisen during the work and what results this work has given. The study concluded that the remote activities of the collegial support group are successful, provided that the educational institution already has a sufficiently long tradition of organizing these groups.
DAUGAVPILS MEDICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS\u27 START POTENTIAL OF MOTIVES FOR A CHOICE OF THE DOCTORS\u27S ASSISTANT PROFESSION
Get PDFAnalyses of the students’ education results reveal their insufficient matching with the necessary skills. That serves as a clear evidence for the need of changes in the study process for designing an innovative education system which corresponds to the urgent demands of the modern health care systems. Modern approaches are focused on the development of cognitive and practical skills and attitudes. Covid-19 conditions highlighted the role of health care specialists’ professional attitudes and importance of promoting them in the medical educational process. In addition, long-term pedagogical experience is a basis to claim that college level students also need an assistance for understanding and accepting learning process and taking an active part in it. One of the main aspects of learning is students\u27 readiness to acquire knowledge, active learning and motivation. That is the main reason to define the students\u27 motives to choose the medical profession.