KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
Differentiation of instruction for effective learning of all students in mixed ability classrooms
Dr Stavroula Valiande, University of Nicosia (Cyprus)
Modern societies call for democratisation in all sectors of social life, bringing forward the need for a more egalitarian education, which in turn provides ‘‘equality of condition’’. Equality of condition refers not only to equality of educational resources, but also to equality of respect and recognition, equality of power, equality of love, care and solidarity. An education that comforts equality of condition ensures equal access to knowledge, regardless of any differences. Hence, equality must be seen in a holistic way, promoting simultaneously equity of results and equity of access, treatment and opportunity.
Philosophy of education: Epistemological status, theoretical and practical implications
Professor Constantin Cucos, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi (Romania)
Philosophical analysis of education is the oldest reflection on education. In fact, the first pedagogical corpus was born in philosophy followed by the empowerment of pedagogy as a science. In this intervention we aim to highlight a number of topics related to the philosophy of education such as: the essence and meaning of education, foundations of educative action, the link between education and other human practices, the aims of education, values transmitted through education, the value of pedagogical knowledge, and the fundamentals of theory of education.
Pedagogical features for the learning digital era: Examples of computer use in different educational applications
Dr Silvia Fat, University of Bucharest (Romania)
Dr Georgeta Panisoara, University of Bucharest
Technology provides multiple opportunities for design and development of learning applications. In this presentation we explore the educational potential of digital resources. We will highlight how current learning principles become landmarks in design process of these resources. Such principles are applied to different ways of using new technology into education and training with a variable impact. The presentation includes some examples of implemented projects in Romania.
Teachers’ professional development for differentiated instruction
Dr Lefkios Neophytou, University of Nicosia (Cyprus)
Even though differentiation of instruction appears to be very promising, one must be aware of its complexity and the challenges it poses to teachers who struggle to incorporate its proclaims into their everyday practice. Studies conducted over the last years indicate that teachers encounter difficulties when applying differentiation strategies, reporting as major challenges the limited preparation time, the large class size, the heavy workload, the lack of resources and teachers’ lack of skills and motivation to differentiate.
Instructional strategies to foster self-regulated learning of university students
Florin Frumos, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi (Romania)
Self-regulated learning is a major concern of the responsible teachers and also represents a key topic in educational studies of learning. In order to become a self-regulated learner, appropriates strategies must be developed and used in classroom settings. The three components of self-regulated learning – cognition, metacognition and motivation – must be integrated into appropriated instructional strategies, so that learners may develop increased awareness on their own cognitive processes.
WORKSHOPS
#SavvyScholar: Harnessing the power of online media to boost research dissemination and impact
Dennis Relojo, MSc, MBPsS, Founder of Psychreg
The more traditional ways of research dissemination are through publication in scholarly journals and to attend annual conferences. Traditional dissemination is important, but arguably, is less accessible, transparent or visible. Fortunately, with the advent of online media, the principles and possibilities of disseminating research have been dramatically transformed. Through this workshop, the audience will become acquainted with alternative channels of disseminating their scholarly works such as Mendeley, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, Twitter, blogs, and podcasts. Tips (and tricks) on how to develop an academic online presence will also be covered.
The architecture of differentiated instruction: Theory and praxis
Dr Stavroula Valiandes, University of Nicosia, Greece
Dr Lefkios Neophytou, University of Nicosia
Dr Efi Paparistodemou, Cyprus Pedagogical Institute
Differentiated instruction provides a model for instructional planning that meets the requirements of both established national learning standards and the realities of student variance. Effective differentiation, utilises research findings on quality teaching practices and provides a framework that guides teachers in orchestrating all the components of teaching so that each student can succeed. This workshop aims to introduce participants to the key features of differentiated instruction and how this can be effectively incorporated into everyday practice.
Social and emotional competences in adolescents: A theoretical approach towards an integrative measurement model
Dr Magda Tufeanu, Petre Andrei University of Iasi, Romania
Dr Viorel Robu, Petre Andrei University of Iasi
Dr Anisoara Sandovici, Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, Romania
The development of social and emotional competencies during early childhood years and adolescence is an important foundation for children’s later success. From a holistic perspective, the social and emotional competence is conceived as the possession and use of all personal skills to integrate thinking, feelings, and behaviours to achieve social tasks and outcomes that are valued within a cultural context. Children and adolescents who possess multiple social and emotional skills tend to be more competent as to social relationships with peers and adults.
