International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education @ijcrsee
Journal articles - International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education
All articles: 525
Education process visualization in metacognition development and sustainability
Scientific article
The article reflects on the role of visualization in education. Modern society is characterized by rapid growth of information that people have to process in order to maintain progress and sustainability in science and development of education. The amount of information is growing so quickly that a person is no longer able to perceive actual data about the outside world and process it using traditional methods. The basis of the “image of the world” contains not only concepts, but the semantic images created with the help of visual thinking. In our study we assume that students are quite limited in their knowledge about cognitive phenomena or in their meta-cognition and do relatively little monitoring of their own memory, comprehension, and other cognitive enterprises. But we also assume that every student is potentially capable of meta-cognition, which is thinking of how better to perform cognitive actions and to be aware of how to learn. Developing meta-cognitive awareness is important because it helps learners become more efficacious and more autonomous. For many of them it can be identified as the most effective way of acquiring knowledge. Visualizing the very process of learning can help see how well it is going. Schema theory offers different ways of using schemas, especially in education. So far, there have been researches on schema as a tool for particular skills such as better comprehension, memorizing and retrieval of the knowledge received. It means students can use schemas to better understand the process of learning and skills acquired.
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Education, technological changes and economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Scientific article
Accumulation of knowledge, the role of education and innovations in the stimulation of economic development are important for understanding the endogenous theory of growth. The aim of this paper is to determine the strength and direction of relations between independent variables of education, technological development, innovations, foreign investments and the economic growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The relations between variables are assessed by multiple regression analysis for the period 2005 - 2017. GDP per capita (pc), as a measure of general wellbeing and economic development is a dependent variable of the regression model. Education Years Average, Technological readiness and Innovations are explanatory variables, whereas Foreign investments and Macroeconomic environment are control variables. The results indicate statistical significance of variables Education Years Average, Technological readiness and Innovations. The first two variables indicate a positive effect on the economic development, whereas Innovations have a negative effect on the economic development. The control variables are statistically insignificant. Therefore, more investment is recommended in the field of education, science and research. Institutions should be more developed and scientific-research systems should be harmonized with the European Union. It is the only way for B&H to be able to respond to global challenges when it comes to competitiveness, export and the GDP growth. Examples and experiences of this country can be useful for research activities in similar post-transition countries.
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Educational application of artificial intelligence for diagnosing the state of railway tracks
Scientific article
The aim of the work is to present an innovative solution based on artificial intelligence for examining the condition of railway tracks in real time. The system, based on fuzzy logic and metaheuristics such as Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks and Bee Behavior Optimization, combines hardware and software to provide reliable data on the technical characteristics of the railway. Installed in rail vehicles, hardware collects this data, while software uses artificial intelligence to improve operational reliability and safety. The aforementioned technology is not only useful for infrastructure diagnostics, but also for urban railways such as trams and metros, ensuring a high level of passenger safety. The introduction of artificial intelligence in the railway sector is a key step towards modernisation, improving efficiency, resource optimization and safety. Although still in its infancy, artificial intelligence already shows great potential in transforming the railway sector towards a more efficient, reliable and sustainable future.
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Educational challenges of Roma minorities: the case of the Republic of North Macedonia
Scientific article
Linguistic diversity comes in various forms. The most common ways of developing knowledge of more than one language according to some authors are either by learning a second language through participation in some form of bilingual education or being raised in a bilingual environment, such as school or a bilingual family. The phenomenon of development of literacy competencies of minority groups, specifically, the context of Roma people, in the Republic of North Macedonia, whose mother tongue is not even considered a standard language is the main research purpose of this paper. Research conducted in comparative studies on integrated education shows that in the elementary schools with high numbers of Roma students actions are rarely taken to enhance the integration of these minority students, because of 1) the lack of iconography, which is important for the ethnic identity of this minority and 2) low competence level of parents and teachers who are not adequately trained to work with students coming from different linguistic backgrounds or social backgrounds that are characterized by low literacy levels and low learning competences. Participants in this study were from several primary schools in North Macedonia and the responses were categorized according to the major themes that occurred. The findings show how women are excluded from obtaining better education and that multilingual children from deprived economic settings with poorly educated parents struggle and are seriously challenged to obtain proper literacy and education in elementary schools. The study reveals important details about the educational legislation, treatment of Roma people by local and international organizations and provides suggestions for improvement of the current status of the Roma population.
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Scientific article
The research focus of this work raises the issue that refers to the assessment of the effects of the project models for safe schools, which are derived from the National Strategy for Reducing Violence in Schools in R. Macedonia (2012-2015) through promoting a sustainable educational concept for safe secondary schools. This work offers answers, in the form of conclusions to the stated questions, such as: whether, and how much do the project models, which are realized in secondary schools, supported and in a “dialectic” relation with the relevant educational institutions from the governmental and non-governmental sector (Ministry of Education and Science, the municipalities, and non-governmental organizations), achieve the primary goal; what are the benefits from the implementation; and what are the models of sustainability? The goal of the research is to assess the conceptual insights and efficiency of the projects, and their influence on strengthening the educational concept of securing a safe school environment in secondary schools in R. Macedonia. Research of this issue is done with assessment research. Due to the complex and diverse nature of the issue under investigation, primary significance is given to the views and needs of all the relevant factors involved in the process. This benefits the idea that the research is of empirical character. It is also supposed that the conceptual insights of the projects have a positive influence on strengthening the educational concept for securing a safe school environment in secondary schools in R. Macedonia.
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Scientific article
The needs and interests of teachers for the implementation of innovative models in teaching are the key factor that determines raising quality of teaching at the school. In this context, it should be borne in mind that the educational needs of teachers are closely linked to the necessity of lifelong learning, because nowadays the teachers work skills are not enough that they adopted during schooling twenty years ago or more. The paper analyzes the educational needs of teachers in exploring and implementing innovative work models of teaching. The greatest interest of teachers is for introduction and implementing individualized teaching.
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Scientific article
Educational policy for children with intellectual disability in Republic of Macedonia is not always consistent with the practical implications. The subject of this research was to gain an insight into the current condition of the persons with intellectual disabilities in Macedonia, before all an insight into the barriers that they are facing in their attempts to access educational information and services. This was done through conducting a qualitative (desk-top analyses of the national legislations; semi-structured interviews with parents of persons with intellectual disabilities and focus groups with relevant stakeholders) and a quantitative research (quality of life research for the disabled persons). In the research a total number of 213 examinees were included. As in many other cases, and in many other countries, policy and practice are not always coherent. Legislation in the area of education in our country has to be modified and accommodated to the needs of the persons with disabilities and their parents or care-givers. The final conclusion from our research is that the persons with ID are still on the margins of society, and they lead everyday battles to prove that their needs must be taken into consideration in context of their human rights. Although awareness for the importance of the rightful treatment of this problem is not on a satisfactory level, still we can notice a shift in perception and liberation of prejudice.
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Scientific article
This study aims to present educators’ views on the importance of incorporating traditional music during activities with preschool-aged children to develop their socio-emotional competencies. The sample consisted of 88 educators from preschool institutions in the Republic of Serbia. The results showed that most educators frequently use traditional music in their work. Its significance for the development of emotional intelligence, social skills, and cultural awareness in children was particularly emphasized. The analysis showed that educators who regularly incorporate traditional music content report higher levels of socio-emotional competencies in children, highlighting the importance of this practice. Although the educators’ age, work experience, and place of residence did not have a statistically significant impact, regional differences were observed. Educators in different parts of Serbia assessed socio-emotional competencies in a specific way, reflecting the cultural and pedagogical particularities of those regions. The conclusions confirm the importance of integrating traditional music into preschool curricula as a way to develop socio-emotional competencies and children’s cultural identity. The research contributes to the understanding of the role of cultural heritage in the contemporary educational context, providing recommendations for further improvement of pedagogical practices.
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Scientific article
The article is devoted to the experimental research of efficiency of solving psychodiagnostic tasks by the students-psychologists with different thinking styles. In the theoretical part a style of thinking as a determinant of successfulness is concerned. The hypothesis is the supposition that efficiency and ways of diagnostic tasks made by the students-psychologists are determined by a dominating thinking style. For the examination of the hypothesis the following methods were used: questionnaire “Styles of thinking” by Brams Harrison, the method of experiment (solution of 6 tasks from real consultative practice), content-analysis of protocols and correlation analysis by Ch. Spirman. The research has been done during some years with students of 4 and 5 courses in South-Russian Humanitarian Institute. The results are the following. Students-analysts are rather successful. They demonstrate good diagnostic process, put forward adequate hypothesis and choose adequate methods, but they don't formulate recommendations. For the students-realists it is important to render support to the client and give feedback. The quality analysis showed that they are inclined to individual forms of work. Pragmatics are characterized by chaotic behavior, they don't put forward hypotheses, offer standard methods. Idealists are the worst. They have difficulties in logics and formulating questions to the client. Synthetics on the whole display insufficient success, but they can solve the task correctly due to guessing or hypotheses. Synthetics operate with the methods poorly. Experimental data demonstrate that the thinking style often defines diagnostic search; variety and quality of put forward hypotheses, adequacy of choosing methods of research.
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Scientific article
Students’ ability to master critical thinking skills and creativity is often found in current learning. This research aims to test the effectiveness of the Ethnoecological-Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics based on Project Based Learning (E-STEM PjBL) learning model in improving mastery of science concepts and critical thinking skills as well as the creativity of prospective science teachers. This model is an innovative project-based learning model integrated with Ethnoecology-STEM in the Environmental Physics course with a project on the use of water hyacinth with the following syntax: Learn, Discuss, Perform, Elaborate, Convey, Practice, Evaluate, and Use. The research method used was quasi-experimental with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The research subjects were 31 science education students at Universitas Islam Negeri Salatiga, Central Java, Indonesia. Data collection techniques use test instruments and observation sheets. The instrument was validated empirically by four experts and analyzed using Aiken’s V formula. Data was analyzed using SPSS on concept mastery test data with the Paired-Sample t-test, and critical thinking skills test data with the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The average N-Gain value is obtained for each data point, while the creativity data is the average creativity of two observers. The research results showed a significant and quite effective increase in science concepts mastery, critical thinking skills, and creativity in the good and very good categories. This research concludes that the application of the E-STEM PjBL model is effective in increasing mastery of science concepts, critical thinking skills, and creativity of prospective science teachers.
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Effectiveness of Virtual Co-Teaching: A New Perspective on Teaching
Scientific article
The teaching method of virtual co-teaching helps the mutual sharing of new experiences and methods of pedagogues in teaching in formal education, through digital technologies. It also facilitates the involvement of practitioners in teaching, which can be a key mechanism for ensuring quality education. This article focused on comparing the effectiveness of co-teaching in two environments, face-to-face and virtual. In terms of methodology, an experiment was used, which was implemented in three independently selected schools, from which eight groups of thirty students were formed. The phenomenon measured was the level of understanding of the material taught during these lessons of history, mathematics and a foreign language. The test results of the individual groups were subsequently analyzed. From the results, we can confirm the null hypothesis based on the independent samples t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test, which indicates that there is no statistically significant difference between the test results of the two groups. However, it is essential to emphasize the added value in virtual co-teaching, which is primarily in the economic aspect and flexibility. Specifically, it is a reduction in the cost of commuting, reduced time and easy availability of experts. These results form the basis for follow-up research that can focus on improving the quality of teaching using this method.
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Scientific article
It has always been an issue in the human resource management selecting the right rewards for the employees especially in the public institutions. Many public institutions are unable to identify the types of rewards which are best used to foster employees’ work satisfaction. The study aims are to evaluate how reward systems in public institutions influence employee perception and to analyze their impact on job satisfaction, quality of work, and employee retention in the public sector of North Macedonia. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire of 153 employees in public institutions in North Macedonia. Reliability and validity of the measurement instrument are confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha (0.777) and factor analysis. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis are applied to test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that the re-ward system has a positive but weak effect on job satisfaction (β = 0.142, p = 0.079), quality of work (β = 0.146, p = 0.071), and employee retention (β = 0.144, p = 0.075), with none of the effects reaching statistical significance. Additional hierarchical regression analysis suggests that demographic characteristics partially influence these relationships, while the contribution of re-ward systems remains limited. The findings imply that reward systems in public institutions play a secondary role in shaping employee outcomes, while other factors such as job security, intrinsic motivation, and institutional stability may be more influential. The study contributes to the limited empirical literature on public sector reward systems in North Macedonia and offers practical insights for policymakers and managers seeking to improve human resource management practices.
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Scientific article
The main purpose of this research is to promote language and cultural learning among novice teachers in Kazakhstan through the implementation of technology-oriented learning strategies. To assess the success of this strategy, a primary survey methodology combined with a quantitative research methodology was used. In the process of data collection, I distributed the survey instrument to a sample of 105 individuals, including 65 males and 40 females. Next, the gathered data were analyzed by SPSS, the software that was used for descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and ANOVA. This research was designed to identify the complicated connections between the introduction of technology and the language and cultural skills of preservice teachers. The significance of this study for educational practice in Kazakhstan cannot be overestimated. They promote the involvement of technology-based strategies as a source of fostering educational spaces that are more open and culturally relevant.
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Encouraging self-regulated learning in kindergarten
Scientific article
This paper presents a part of the research carried out among educators in Slovenian kindergartens on the self-regulated learning of children in kindergarten and the role of educators in this process. The aim of the research was to find out how educators self-assess their knowledge of self-regulated learning in relation to their level of education, workplace (educator and assistant educator), and work experience. The research was conducted in June and July 2021 via the 1Ka website for online surveys. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the kindergarten directors throughout Slovenia. One-way analysis of variance indicates that there are no significant differences on the scale of knowledge about self-regulation and self-regulated learning in relation to the level of education, F (4, 494) = 0.96, p> 0.05. One-way analysis of variance indicates that there are statistically significant differences on the scale of knowledge about self-regulation and self-regulated learning in relation to work experience, F (3, 495) = 3.20, p = 0.023. LSD post hoc test was applied to examine the differences between individual groups. Educators and assistants with more than 31 years of service (AS = 3.62) have significantly higher results on the scale compared to those with up to 10 years of service (AS = 3, 40). as well as in relation to those with work experience from 11 to 20 years (AS = 3.39). Educators and assistants with more than 31 years of service (AS = 3.62) have significantly higher results on the scale compared to those with up to 10 years of service (AS = 3,40). ) as well as in relation to those with work experience from 11 to 20 years (AS = 3.39).
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Encouraging the motivation of students in primary school - a case study
Review article
The aim of the research is to examine the current practice of encouraging motivation for learning in the teaching process in the elementary school “Dr Boško Vrebalov” in Melenci from the perspective of teachers and students. The sample of students consisted of 22 teachers and 159 students. Two instruments, constructed in the form of a five-point Likert-type scale, were used in the research: the Instrument for Teachers and the Instrument for Students. The applied instruments collected data on the prevalence of procedures for stimulating students’ motivation to learn from the perspective of teachers and students. Also, the opinion of students on the motivational role of the observed procedures of the teaching process on the motivation to learn was examined. Motivational procedures included three segments: preparation and planning of the teaching process, activities of teachers during the teaching process and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching. The results presented in this paper showed that all the observed procedures during the planning of teaching and learning, as well as the procedures related to the application of ICT, are very common in the teaching process. With minor deviations, there is agreement between teachers and students on their representation. The lowest prevalence and the greatest disagreement in the opinion of teachers and students concernen the application of ICT in teaching. Teachers notice that students use ICT to a lesser extent in teaching in relation to students’ opinions. The obtained results showed that students assigned a high motivational role to all examined procedures, which suggests that students should be more stimulated to use computers in teaching and extracurricular activities for educational purposes.
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Scientific article
This study investigated how the computational thinking competencies of students classified in the early childhood category can be developed through digital game-based learning. Computational thinking is a way of thinking that includes problem solving, algorithmic thinking and logical inference skills is considered an important competence that should be acquired at an early age. Digital game-based learning stands out as a powerful tool for developing computational thinking skills while providing a fun and motivating environment by ensuring the active participation of students. Within the scope of the research, the effects of digital game-based learning activities on students’ computational thinking skills were examined by experimental method, one of the quantitative research methods. In this study, a 4-week training activity was conducted for the experimental and control groups determined during the research process to develop computational thinking skills in 5-year-old pre-school children. The study group consists of 50 students in the 5-year-old age group studying in the pre-school class of a state institution. In the study, student groups were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental and control groups consisted of 25 students. The achievement test prepared for the cognitive domain was used as a pre-test and post-test as the data collection tool. In addition to this data collection tool, an evaluation rubric was also used in the study. The findings showed that digital game-based learning methods positively affect the development of computational thinking skills in early childhood. In light of these findings, recommendations were made in the study for the integration of digital games into relevant educational programs and the promotion of computational thinking at an early age.
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Scientific article
In order to strengthen the cooperation between humans and machines, empathic artificial intelligence is increasingly emerging as a key player. This cooperation is particularly evident in corporate cybersecurity and digital forensics. Today, thanks to the inclusion of emotional awareness in artificial intelligence systems, many organizations can more easily monitor the cognitive load of their analysts during critical security situations. Empathic artificial intelligence in corporate cybersecurity is a new force for proactive threat detection, compliance and risk management. It helps analysts to respond to constant cyber threats more effec-tively, and in forensic investigations it offers great support in emotional and behavioral analysis. In this way, in cybercrime inves-tigations, through the observation of anomalies and their patterns, decisions are made with a higher degree of accuracy. How-ever, this technology still faces numerous challenges, such as accurately reading emotional cues, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring ethical management. In any case, well-defined frameworks that promote cooperation between artificial intelligence and humans are the necessity of the present, in order to remove these barriers. It is undeniable that empathic artificial intelligence has the potential to create security ecosystems that are more adequate, reliable and above all focused on human needs. Therefore, in the near future, it will revolutionize the field of corporate cybersecurity operations and digital forensics, but only if it is smartly implemented.
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Enhancing Legally-Based E-Government Services in Education Through Artificial Intelligence
Scientific article
Through the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), governments can automate the analysis of publicly available government datasets. This process aids in the recognition of patterns and the development of a more profound comprehension of various socio-economic factors and empowers governments to base their policy decisions on data, effectively tackling societal issues, and optimizing the allocation of resources. In this paper we present AI’s application in the realm of e-government, with particular emphasis on its potential influence on the advancement of this field through e-government services and their significance for a range of stakeholders. Moreover, we have conducted comprehensive review of existing literature on the subject and the identification of avenues for enhancement along with consideration of legislation as a potent instrument to guide the progression of AI within the sphere of e-government, thereby amplifying its transformative effect. We emphasize the importance of education in area of AI in order to ensure it’s high quality implementation in this and other areas.
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Enhancing teacher competencies with emotional and ethical capacity
Review article
A key element in contemporary qualifications frameworks is the specification of learning outcomes. The learning outcomes usually are described by the use of active verbs expressing knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, etc. All this verbs describe a sphere of cognitive intelligence. But, rationality is only a part of the broad human potentials and powers. From there, affective components of learning can provide a valuable tool that helps teachers to enhance their competencies with emotional and ethical capacity. Those who have authority over others, such as the teachers, should be wary against the misuse of the power of their positions. For this reason, when we talk about the teachers’ competency standards, we must take into account the feelings, reflections, interactions and ethical attitudes in education. This paper focuses on the important emotional and ethical aspects of the relationships that teachers have with their students.
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Ethical aspects of science and technological innovations
Review article
The progress of civilization depends on both science and ethics, on two different ideas. Unlike ethics, which deals with moral principles and ideals that guide human behavior, science is based on logical argumentation, empirical data, and methodical testing. However, as science develops, it often raises ethical questions that must be addressed. As a result, science and ethics are intertwined and both are essential for the moral and long-term advancement of science. This research examines the results of two interconnected processes: the quick development of science and technology and its moral ramifications, or the harm it does to people’s lives all around the world. The writers highlight the need for a qualitative shift in attitudes toward nature and society as a whole in order to address environmental challenges and remove the threat of a global ecological disaster by analyzing the substance and impact of these processes.
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