Items · Proceedings of the 14th edition of Romanian International Conference of Education and Research

Voichița Dragomir – Biblioteca 2.0: Apomediator al cunoașterii, comunicării și cooperării [Library 2.0: Mediator of Knowledge, Communication, and Cooperation], București, Editura Tritonic Books, 2022.

Florentina Carmen Predescu

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.9

Research & Education

The book Biblioteca 2.0 Apomediator al cunoașterii, comunicării și cooperării [Library 2.0: Mediator of Knowledge, Communication, and Cooperation] has its origins in the PhD thesis of Mrs. Voichița Dragomir, a well-known name in the field of information science and documentation in Romania, with a solid professional culture, rich experience, and accomplishments in the world of academic libraries in our country. Engineer by background, Mrs. Voichița Dragomir has a vast expertise in automation of academic libraries and library management, being a former deputy director of BCU Bucharest, and currently the director of SNSPA Library.

Optimizing the Educational Process for Students in Special Schools – Study on the Development of Static and Dynamic Balance through Activation and Toning of the Core Area in Physical Education Lessons

Carmen Pârvu Cătălina Mârșiu Dan-Alexandru Szabo

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.8

Research & Education

The study assessed the impact of core activation and toning programs on the static and dynamic balance of students with special educational needs (SEN) in middle school physical education classes. We found that over a period of 6 weeks, with 2 lessons per week, these programs led to significant improvements in the students’ balance, regardless of the type of disability. Students with visual impairments and sedentary lifestyles showed the greatest progress. Somatic and functional measurements were conducted on the 15 students with special needs, and 9 tests (Bass Test, Flamingo Test, Functional Reach Test, Unipodal Test with left eye closed, Unipodal Test with right eye closed, Unipodal Test with left eye open, Unipodal Test with right eye open, Y-Balance Test left, Y-Balance Test right) were administered to assess static and dynamic balance. After implementing the core activation and toning program, a correlation analysis between the two variables was conducted, followed by the calculation of the t-test for paired samples to assess if there were significant differences between the two sets of measurements and tests. After 6 weeks of using core activation and toning exercises with a frequency of 2 lessons per week for students with special needs, we observed a favourable increase in both static and dynamic balance for six pairs of tests. The differences were statistically significant at a significance level of 0.05 out of the 9 tests conducted. Proprioceptive stimulation played a crucial role in these improvements in static and dynamic balance among those with various types of disabilities (intellectual, visual, and auditory). We recommend incorporating core activation and toning programs into physical education for children with disabilities to enhance muscle tone and balance. However, the small sample size reminds us that data generalization should be done with caution, and we suggest conducting further studies with a larger number of participants and a longer training duration. This study emphasizes the importance of balance development among students with SEN and the potential benefits of a core-focused approach in middle school physical education.

Fostering Integration of Education for Sustainable Development into the Educational Practice

Daniela Cristina Momete Manuel Mihail Momete

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.7

Research & Education

This paper aims to identify the proper means of integration of education for sustainable education (ESD) into the educational practice of all areas, since an early age. ESD is considered a catalyst for transforming individuals and society, offering values and competences that will contribute to building a sustainable future. The first part of the paper presents the concept and a brief history of ESD, while the second part introduces an original set of entry points needed in instructional practice of any subject to lead to a sustainability-oriented education. This set of best practices is to be used by teachers in their routine educational practice and has the potential to produce transformative shifts into the present pupils and future adults. The results may increase the literacy on sustainable development making the teaching process more oriented on sustainability goals. The findings of this paper may accelerate the desired behavioural change needed to progress building a sustainable future.

The Effects of Microsocial Factors Through the Family on the Development of Social Competence in Preschool Children

Csilla Lazsádi

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.6

Education

This paper investigates how sociodemographic factors and the family background contribute to the development of children’s social competence. Social competence is interpreted within an integrative approach, being analysed according to two indicators: the development level of social skills and interpersonal coping forms of children. The present article focused on negotiation, which has been found to be the most adaptive coping among preschool age children. Measurements were obtained using questionnaires: a Social Competence Screening about Preschoolers filled in by teachers, a Questionnaire on Coping Strategies completed both from children and teachers, and a Family Background Questionnaire compiled only for parents. Data was collected for a total of 536 preschoolers, of whom 309 parents provided data about home environment. In the linear regression models conducted the most influential demographic factors were the age and gender of the children and the age of the parents. Microsocial factors as the parents’, in particular the mother’s, employment was determinate in the models, and other sociocultural aspects, as the child’s participation in extracurricular activities beside short screentime, the lack of conflicts and disease in family, marital satisfaction are among influencing factors. The study offers various prospects for new research and nuances our views on social competence and child-development.

Preparing Future Teachers for Inclusive Education – Conceptual Frameworks and Curriculum Opportunities

Daniela Maria Crețu

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.5

Research & Education

In the context of global interest in inclusive education, the demand for effective teacher training on inclusion in education has grown significantly. This paper aims to identify opportunities for engaging pre-service teachers in learning about inclusive education within Romania’s existing initial teacher education curriculum. The analysis delves into the curricula of psycho-pedagogical training programs (Level I and II) offered by universities through the Teacher Education Departments and the curricula of four subjects included in the teacher training program (Level I). Specific subject contents suitable for an infusion approach of inclusive education are identified. The study suggests learning activities that can be integrated into the analysed subjects’ curriculum. The proposed approach and activities represent valuable resources for university teachers involved in psycho-pedagogical training programs, offering adaptable strategies for university teaching practice and potential extension to other disciplines with necessary adjustments.

An Integrative Framework for Action Research, Experiential Learning, and AI Advancements

Huay Ling Tay

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.4

Research & Education

The paper explores the synergistic integration of action research methodology and experiential learning in undergraduate logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) programs. We examine how this novel approach addresses the demands of the dynamic LSCM industry by combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enhancing critical thinking abilities, and real-world engagement. By examining case studies and extant literature, we illustrate how action research and experiential learning synergise to create a holistic educational experience. We present a comprehensive framework for integrating action research and experiential learning pedagogies that aims to empower students with the essential skills and adaptability to excel in the evolving world of LSCM. The study highlighted several critical elements for educators to implement this integrated approach successfully. Additionally, we explore the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching and learning within this integrated framework. The potential benefits and concerns when adapting AI within this integrated framework include enabling personalised learning, data-driven insights, collaborative engagement, and ethical considerations.

Current Status of Outdoor Education in the Curriculum of the Romanian School to the Discipline of Religion

Daniel Gherasim

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.3

Research & Education

Outdoor education represents a holistic and innovative approach to learning, having a significant impact on student development. Students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, which can stimulate interest and curiosity, thus facilitating the learning process. Outdoor activities can improve students’ mood, health, and overall well-being. Integrating outdoor education into the curriculum allows for a diversified and balanced approach to learning by implementing new teaching techniques. Teachers can adopt innovative methods such as learning through discovery and collaboration in nature, can propose outdoor school programs by planning activities that combine formal education with experiences in nature. Teachers need specialized training to effectively implement outdoor education, to develop group management skills regarding the initiation and active involvement of students in outdoor activities. The study explores the way in which outdoor education is integrated into the school curriculum, in the Religion discipline, with a possible research theme in the future, which would discover examples of good practices that correlate curriculum documents (framework plans, school programs) with didactic strategies involving outdoor activities. The results can provide information and recommendations for the improvement of educational practices in this field, considering aspects of the curriculum, the influence on the development of students and the optimization of the teaching-learning-assessment process.

Enhancing Student Participation and Language Skills with Creative Writing Activities: The Case Study of Upper Secondary Students from a School in Romania

Ana-Maria Arșovan

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.2

Research & Education

English is a necessity in the world we are inhabiting at present. Education all over the world is placing great importance on reaching proficiency in this language. In Romania, there is a strong tendency towards learning this language from very early ages and finding the most effective teaching methods to help students improve their language skills in English. The present article summarizes a small-scale investigation from a Romanian school where 50 upper secondary students and 2 EFL teachers participated in EFL classes that integrated the Creative Writing technique. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and the benefits of teaching English as a Foreign Language with the help of Creative Writing. The combination of various creative tasks led to students who were more engaged with the target language and more interested in improving their English.

The EO4GEO Gate to Smart Academic Instruments for the Geoinformation Sector, Online Teaching and Professional Development

Maria Ioana Vlad Sandru Alina Răduțu Andi Lazăr and Ion Nedelcu

30/12/2023

10.56177/red.9.2023.art.1

Research & Education

The paper presents the scientific and practical improvements made in the educational process with particular focus on how technology has been used to help readjust the learning action and deliver online lectures. Particular example regarding online learning features and workflow process is described using Moodle functionalities for the demography field of study. The paper further elaborates on the support which the Erasmus+ EO4GEO project brings to the e-learning education system, by using dedicated tools and training materials assigned to Earth Observation and the Geoinformation sector, which advance support in educational and professional development.

Educational Breakout as a Learning Strategy in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language

Roxana Gaiță

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.1

Research & Education

Breakouts are learning strategies that can stimulate the motivation of learning through challenges. During an educational breakout session, students must work as a team and use their reasoning, knowledge, and skills to solve puzzles and challenges related to the content of the curriculum in a limited time. This study intends to examine the impact of educational breakouts on classroom flow, academic performance, motivation, behaviour, and overall satisfaction of the first-year students of Applied Modern Languages, West University of Timişoara. In performing this experiment quantitative and qualitative techniques were used and the results showed a significant improvement in classroom engagement, flow, the feeling of well-being, autonomy, and loss of the notion of time and support the conclusion that the use of educational breakout is fun and motivating for students and facilitates knowledge accumulation.

Impact of Knowledge Management Strategies on Academic Performance in the Context of the Transition to Education 4.0

Raluca Dovleac Ibrian Cărămidaru

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.2

Research & Education

The concept of Education 4.0 emerged linked to trends regarding Industry 4.0 and Internet 4.0 and is based on the integration of emerging technologies to revolutionize the way education is delivered. The use of these emerging technologies has created a vast amount of data that requires careful and thorough management in order to obtain the most possible benefits such as developing personalized learning experiences, smart ways of tracking student progress and providing feedback to all parties involved in the educational process. Therefore, knowledge management tools and strategies are gaining more importance, especially in the context of higher education institutions which have been identified as important sources of knowledge creation and sharing. The implementation of specific knowledge management strategies can furthermore help facilitate the transition to Education 4.0 by embracing key aspects of Industry 4.0 and Internet 4.0 such as promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, providing a support system for streamlining administrative processes, cost reduction and improving the decision-making process. In the current paper, the authors analyse the current trends regarding knowledge management strategies deployed in Education 4.0 and propose a set of possible approaches which take into account knowledge management practices for an efficient transition to Education 4.0. The set of possible approaches and Industry 4.0 tools that could facilitate the transition have been organized in a structured, easy to follow model based on a four-stage process that relies on the feedback loops from both the process inputs and outputs. Using the proposed model facilitates the transition to Education 4.0 and helps practitioners understand the main aspects of each stage and select the Industry 4.0 tools that can be used in their respective context in order to yield most benefits.

Improving Assessment and Feedback in the Learning Process: Directions and Best Practices

Tatiana Tutunaru

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.3

Research & Education

This study focuses on ways to improve assessment and feedback in the educational context. Assessment and feedback are critical elements of the learning process and have a significant impact on student performance. The study aims to identify directions and best practices to support the improvement of feedback and assessment in the educational context. The study examines various bibliographic sources to identify constructive and effective approaches to providing negative feedback and ways to improve the evaluation process. In order to carry out this research, we considered the systematic analysis of the specialized literature. Thus, the Google Academic search engine was queried regarding “assessment in the learning process” and “feedback in the learning process” from the period 1980-2023. We obtained 70100 results for “assessment in the learning process” and 445000 results for “feedback in the learning process”. We finally selected 29 articles to fit our study. The results indicate that feedback and assessment can be improved by adopting a constructive approach, as well as by using educational technologies and diverse assessment methods. This study has important implications for teachers and educators who wish to improve student learning and performance by providing more effective and constructive feedback and assessment.

Participation in Volunteer and Lifelong Learning Activities among Older Persons in Romania

Mihaela Ghența Aniela Matei Elen-Silvana Bobârnaț (Crivoi)

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.4

Research & Education

The aim of this article is to assess the level of involvement of Romanian older persons in volunteer activities and lifelong learning, as well as the factors that restrict their participation. To respond to this objective, a survey among older persons (65 years and over) was conducted at national level. Our study reveals that Romanian older persons reported a very low participation rate in volunteer activities organized by different organizations and the main reason was the lack of information regarding the availability of such activities in the community where they live or the poor health status. Regarding the participation in volunteer activities people aged 75-84, men or respondents living in rural areas have the highest rates of participation. In case of older persons enrolled in lifelong learning courses, less than ten percent of respondents selected at least one course they attended over the last 12 months. Male respondents had a higher participation rate compared to women in healthy lifestyle courses. The results of our study highlight the need for appropriate medium and long-term policy measures in the field of active ageing.

The Relationship between Burnout and School Satisfaction Based on the Student’s Age

Ani Emilia Cernea-Radu

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.5

Research & Education

Adolescence is the age of transformation and spending most of the time in the education system, the wellbeing of the teenager is influenced by every experience had in this system: relationships with colleagues, teachers, the grades, what they learn in school. At the age of twelve there is a step which, once it’s taken, welcomes the child into an age of changes. This research investigates the relationship between burnout, school satisfaction, and life satisfaction as children and adolescents get older, an aspect which is not so talked about in literature. The participants in this study were 3460 students between 10 and 19 years old, of which 1751 were boys and 1709 were girls, and 67.6% were from urban environments and 32.4% were from rural environments. It was noticed that the burnout level grows progressively after the age of 12, which deteriorates the level of school satisfaction through a ‘bottom-up’ process, which causes its decrease. The level of Overall Life Satisfaction (OLS) also decreases with age, one of the reasons being the exhaustion caused by too many or too difficult school tasks.

Investigating Essential Competences of Romanian Teachers: A Preliminary Study

Cristina Gavriluță Alexandra Apetrăcheoae

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.6

Research & Education

The purpose of the article was to put into perspective the qualities and proficiencies required/needed of teaching staff when working with a group of pupils in Romania. We conducted a Focus Group with 10 teachers to kick off the research, and then we used a quantitative tool to confirm the findings. The Focus Group approach was selected because it offers freedom and a greater range for creativity and minimize researcher bias. Only teachers who were interested in the topic from the perspectives of their own experiences in the department as well as from the perspectives of their experiences as parents, grandparents, or aunts of pupils in the educational system attended the Focus Group. Thus resulted a map of traits and competencies required for a positive evolution of the professorial profession, divided into broad categories of traits. To confirm the Focus Group results or identify new trends, we invited the original participants and 33 additional teachers to reassess the specific competencies and characteristics in the same categories after 18 months. The list thus obtained helps us to better prepare the candidates for what is really needed in class and outlines a Romanian teacher’s profile.

The Importance of Educational Tourism in Cultural Heritage Preservation and Sustainable Tourism. Case Study of the Mureș Valley’s Cultural Heritage: Five Castles, Five Stories

Ileana Ana Abos

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.7

Research & Education

The study aims to present the Mureș Valley through the castles, appealing to educational tourism. Educational tourism can be used as one of the tools to rediscover and appreciating the significance of cultural heritage in this aria. This paper used the study case method to analyse the current state of Mureș Valley castles. These castles and parks were documented, and interviews with some community members and the castle owners were conducted as part of the research process. A field trip that exemplifies these educational aspects is suggested by the current study. The main objectives of this trip are to promote rail tourism in Transylvania and Banat, to provide a more environmentally friendly travel option, and to increase understanding of the importance of the area's cultural landscape. There is not much research on educational tourism in Romania because it is a relatively new concept. Although there have been some studies on educational travel, the researcher was unable to find any studies that were solely focused on educational tourism. As a result, the trip might be both a non-formal and a formal kind of education. The unifying element between the two types of education might be the educational tour.

Aspects of the Vocational Education and Training of Tertiary Education Graduates

Florina Bran Petrică Sorin Angheluță Carmen Valentina Rădulescu Sorin Burlacu

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.8

Research & Education

On the labour market, an important aspect is the resizing of jobs due to automation, respectively globalization. Technological changes have led to the need to acquire higher skills. The acquired knowledge and skills can lead to an increase in the ability of graduates to enter the labour market. Thus, for the member countries of the European Union, the article presents an analysis of the share of the population with age between 25 and 64 years, with a tertiary level of education. Likewise, the degree of insertion of graduates of tertiary education programs can be influenced by the economic activities carried out by economic agents. Analysis of employment rates for graduates of tertiary education programs is important. From this point of view, an analysis of the educational fields of the graduates is presented. The used comparative statistical analysis considered the study of the evolution of the number of tertiary level graduates, as well as of the educational fields, for the period 2013-2020, for the member countries of the European Union. Also, the 25-64 age group was selected, and for this the evolution of the share of people with tertiary education was studied. The importance of the degree to which graduates occupy a job after graduation, led to the selection of another indicator – the employment rate (for the period 2012-2021). The rate of participation in continuing professional education and training programs was another indicator for which a comparative statistical analysis was carried out. For all these analyses the existing database on the EUROSTAT website was used. The creation of new jobs involves, and also requires, new skills. For people in the field of work, the updating of skills, respectively their improvement, can be achieved by participating in education and professional training programs. At the same time, this subsequent participation in education and professional training programs is an indicator analysed in the article. The presented data show us that in 2021, approximately half of the population aged between 25 and 64, with tertiary education, was the majority in Ireland, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Sweden, Lithuania. The evolution of the number of graduates, at the level of the European Union, shows us that the number of graduates is increasing, so that in 2020 there were 4.24 million tertiary level graduates. It was found that in 2020 most graduates came from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland. Also, in 2020, the most graduates were for the field of business, administration, and law, followed by: engineering, manufacturing and construction, health and welfare, and education. The lowest share of graduates was for the field of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary. It was found that in 2021 the employment rate for people aged between 25 and 64, with a tertiary level of education, was high for: Malta, Poland, Hungary, Romania. The lowest values were registered in: Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus. At the same time, in the period 2013-2019, the values of the participation rate in education and professional training programs for people aged between 25 and 64, with a tertiary level of education, remained relatively constant, oscillating between 18.0% and 18.7%.

Bar et al., ALL TOGETHER – Building Harmonious Relationships for a Successful School Environment. Small Methodological Guide. Erasmus + Strategic Partnership [Parteneriat Strategic Erasmus +], 2022, Aureo Publishing House, Oradea, Romania.

Elena Maria Erdeli

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.9

Research & Education

The ALL TOGETHER – Building harmonious relationships for a successful school environment brochure presents some examples of activities experienced by the partners involved in the strategic partnership Erasmus +, All together being a source of inspiration for other educational institutions that want to improve the relationships in the school environment. This will offer them an institutional framework conducive to ensure a quality educational act. The central objective of the mentioned project was the development of five types of relationships in the school educational environment, namely: teacher-student relationships, student-student relationships, teacher-parent relationships, employee relationships and strengthening the school community.

V. Frunzaru, O. Ștefăniță – Dialog social, probleme și soluții în educație. Învățământul online în pandemie [Social dialogue, problems, and solutions in education. Online education in the pandemic], București, Triton Books, 2021

Cristina Palcu (Alexa)

31/07/2023

10.56177/red.8.2023.art.10

Research & Education

The work Social dialogue, problems, and solutions in education. Online education in the pandemic, led by Professor Valeriu Frunzaru and Oana Ștefăniță is an important part of the project no. 2019/101974 “Development of tripartite and bipartite dialogue and consultation structures in the education sector”, project implemented by the Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education, in partnership with Skolenes Landsforbund Norway. The results of the study are disseminated in two volumes. This book is the first volume and focuses on teachers' perception on education in 2020, while the second volume will provide a comparative analysis between 2014 and 2020.

Ceobanu, C., Cucoş, C., Istrate, O., & Pânişoară, I.-O. (Eds.) – Educaţia Digitală (II ed.) [Digital Education], Iaşi, Polirom, 2022.

Ana Cristina Costea

15/02/2023

10.56177/red.7.2022.art.1

Research & Education

The second edition of the book, published in 2020, Digital Education, is coordinated by Ciprian Ceobanu and Constantin Cucoş, Professors at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iaşi, Olimpius Istrate and Ion-Ovidiu Pânişoară, an Associate Professor and a Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the University of Bucharest. The studies gathered in this book include qualitative as well as quantitative analysis to help teachers expand and deepen the understanding of information for identifying solutions to the challenges of digitalization of education. Divided into thirty-four chapters grouped into five parts, the book analyses the impact of new technologies on training pathways.

Designing for Modern Learning: Beyond ADDIE and SAM, Association for Talent Development, June 30th 2020, Lisa M.D. Owens, Crystal Kadakia.

Eleonora Dobre

15/02/2023

10.56177/red.7.2022.art.2

Research & Education

The book of Lisa M.D. Owens and Crystal Kadakia is addressing a critical topic of learning and development (L&D) activities mostly as performed in business areas but also with parts applicable in learning in general. The authors are describing both details of the evolution of L&D and, also, they make a proposal for a model of work in adapting to new and rapidly changing needs of learners.

Leadership And Creativity – A Vital Skill For Individual And Organizational Performance

Constantin Ionuț Constantin Nicoleta-Valentina Florea

15/02/2023

10.56177/red.7.2022.art.3

Research & Education

Changes from all around the world in any activity are supposed to accept changes and respond being ready for them, by developing specific skills, knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and experience. Based on bringing new ideas and creativity, human capital could obtain long-run leadership performance, becoming leaders for others and motivating them to do the same. Leadership and creativity could be the essential variables to overcome intellectual competition keep close the valuable customers, be a model to follow for other members of the organization and obtain individual and organizational performance. To get performance, the organization needs performance employees; thus, to have creative organizations, must have visionary leaders. This article will analyze educational creativity, the necessary environment to have innovative leaders, creative work, creative thinking, and the importance of visionary leaders in obtaining performance. This article is an examination of leadership and creativity in organizations. Its aim is to reflect on creative leadership and its contribution to stimulating performance. Despite the importance to researchers and organizations of how creativity contributes to efficient leadership and how leadership contributes to group organizational and educational creativity, our understanding regarding this interrelationship remains limited mainly. An analysis of the literature based on both theoretical information and empirical evidence shows that studies exploring the intersection between performance and creative leadership in organizations are disagreeing in terms of how they conceptualize this relationship. Therefore, the essential goal of this article is to understand how leaders in distinctive settings can promote creativity among their followers and stimulate organizational performance. The analysis of the subject literature was used to achieve the aim of the article and verify the hypotheses. The review of the results of the empirical research of different authors has confirmed the research hypotheses that a leader has the role of learning how to stimulate the creativity of employees and rewarding their innovative behavior. The article contains three related studies of distinctive researchers. Study I is a quantitative study focused on the effect of creativity on the work environment. Study II and Study III are correlational studies. Study II examines two behaviors: personality traits and creativity in different work fields. Study III looks at the relationship between individual or group creativity and innovation at work.

The Educative Role of Social Reintegration Programs on Desistance from Crime

Laura-Julia Koblicska

15/02/2023

10.56177/red.7.2022.art.4

Research & Education

Social reintegration programs carried out within probation services are an important factor contributing to desistance from crime. A large number of people in the records of these services have the obligation to participate in at least one such program. It is known that the programs carried out by the probation officers have a significant educational component on the supervised persons, as they include many of the elements of an effective correctional treatment. It was also observed that delinquents participating in these programs develop thinking techniques that help them carefully evaluate the consequences of their own decisions and actions. The topic of this paper represents a real interest for probation practitioners, since the development of the supervision process, the preparation of educational reintegration programs in the activity of assistance and counselling, require interactions with the beneficiaries of the Probation Services. Therefore, the emergence of some situations may inherently present professional ethical dilemmas. This paper highlights the need to explore and analyse the nature of these dilemmas, their frequency, the way counsellors manifest themselves in the face of an ethical ambiguity, the highlighting of optimal answers and reactions from a deontological and ethical point of view, and finally, the creation of some good practices. Although the chosen subject is an extremely challenging one, in this paper I will focus on the counsellor-beneficiary relationship, being aware of the multitude of issues that can be discussed with colleagues from different services. I will mention general aspects related to the notions of ethics, morals, and deontology in educational reintegration programs. I will also highlight certain relevant aspects in the Romanian legislation and in the European recommendations in the matter of probation. The present study was carried out at the national level, namely at the level of the Probation Services between 15.10.2022 and 14.11.2022. The research was built on the basis of the sociological survey method and as an investigation tool we used questionnaires. Which included both closed and open questions. Also, to obtain information, I used other techniques, such as the study of documents (probation files) and open-ended discussions. The data were collected by completing the questionnaires to the probation counsellors through remote communication means, and personally by colleagues from the Bistrița-Năsăud Probation Service. Thus, a number of 50 colleagues from most services in the country agreed to complete the questionnaire. In the last part of the paper, as a result of the research undertaken, I aimed to present the way in which we analyse and manage a variety of professional ethical dilemmas encountered in everyday practice. In addition, the relevant legislative benchmarks are discussed, optimized response strategies are presented, and finally the conclusions represent an opportunity for reflection and learning that can provide professionals with greater self-confidence, and a sense of safety and control over these situations.

An Exploratory Case Study: Risk Filter Applicability to the Digital Strategy of the Education System in Romania. The Light at the End of the COVID-19 Tunnel

Cristina Sbîrneciu Nicoleta-Valentina Florea

15/02/2023

10.56177/red.7.2022.art.5

Research & Education

By probing into the Strategy regarding the digitalization of education in Romania updated in 2021 by the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research after the COVID-19 and aligned with the latest European Digital Agenda for 2020-2030 published by the European Commission, we are hoping to offer future researchers a set of propositions to continue the inquiry on possible opportunities derived from emerging risks associated with the digitalization. This exploratory case study aims to identify a positive application of the risk filter that is capable to assess not only the range of risks, but also their systematicity, while planning a governmental digital strategy in a critical system like education. We believe that this topic deservers immediate attention, because of the unique opportunity offered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and because a good implementation plan is one of the strongest predictors of a successful strategy. As researchers, our hope is that by understanding the systematicity of risks which could influence the implementation of digital strategy in the education system in Romania, policies and programs can be developed further based on risk analysis and correct prioritization of operational plans. This research was an exploratory case study in which a digital strategy was analysed, and the characteristics of systemic risks have been mapped to the operational plans. It was concluded that the systematic filters identified for the risks could be used for planning the projects, to identify areas of risk exposure during planning and at various stages during the preparation of projects. The final outcome of the case study is that the identification of systemic risks can help with the management of each project and could lay the foundation to a project database.

Nonverbal Parameters in Preschool Education

Monica Mădălina Teodorescu

15/02/2023

10.56177/red.7.2022.art.6

Research & Education

In kindergartens, where cognitive, behavioral and attitudinal development of the young child is desired, it is recommended to use efficiently nonverbal communication (expressed especially through posture, mimicry, gestures), in order not to inhibit the child, but to arouse his curiosity. The teacher has an important role in terms of her duty to teach preschoolers to communicate verbal and nonverbal even outside the physical space of the kindergarten, in the family, on the street, in the circle of friends. Most of the times, the nonverbal competence of the teachers is the fruit of a hard work, it involves effort in finding a suitable variant for the word, gesture, silence, space or time. In this article we present the nonverbal elements frequently used by the educators, which we identified after conducting a research in which we applied the questionnaire-based survey method. The results of the research have shown that educators use a variety of nonverbal elements that produce on children both positive and negative effects.