Schools In Kosovo Research Articles

CHALLENGES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF LESSONS THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF ICT

The topic of this research has to do with the challenges of the principals of the primary schools of the municipality of Istog in supporting teachers for the development of lessons through the integration of ICT. Considering the state of many schools in Kosovo, the many changes and reforms in the education system, and the necessity of ICT integration to meet the demands of these reforms, I think that this research is useful and important to understand what challenges school principals face in order to create the necessary conditions for teachers and students to hold lessons using ICT. In order to achieve the most effective and accurate results, quantitative methods were used during this research - questionnaires for teachers and qualitative methods - interviews for the leaders of primary schools in the municipality of Istog. The research was carried out in the municipality of Istog from a total of 25 schools (ShFMU), with 5 principals and 140 corresponding teachers of these schools. At the end of the realization of this research, the challenges of school leaders in the integration, cooperation and initiation of teachers for the use of technology in the teaching process have been identified, as well as contributing to new leaders who will research in this field.

Primary school teachers opinions on effective use of music in language and speech development of autistic children

The use of music helps with autism as in: the development of language and communication, cognitive, emotional skills. Music as a tool should be used in schools so that teachers and assistants incorporate music to improve communication skills. The purpose of this study is to obtain the views and practices of teachers and assistants on how music affects the development of language and communication in students diagnosed with autism. This research was carried out with 6 teachers and 6 assistants of autistic students of elementary schools, grades (1-5), with the aim of including music in the development of communication. The research methodology is oriented to the review of local and international literature that deals deeply with this topic and with the use of semi-structured interviews with teachers and assistants of elementary schools in Kosovo. After carrying out the research, obtained satisfactory results that argue our topic that music is a tool that develops communication in students with autism. Although teachers and assistants encounter some challenges during the teaching process, they still apply comprehensive practices, methods and new contemporary strategies by applying music as a tool that helps develop language and speech in autistic students.The recommendations in this study are addressed to relevant institutions that aim to support the work of teachers and assistants and the improvement of practices related to the development of language and communication through music in the framework of primary education.

The relationship between workload and mental health of university teachers in Kosovo

Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationship between job stress and mental health among university teachers in Kosovo. The research focuses on teachers aged 29-60 working in various universities within Kosovo aiming to contribute valuable insights into the impact of job-related stress on the mental well-being of this specific demographic.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: A sample of 100 teachers from six different high schools in Kosovo was used to collect the data. 46% of the teachers were female and 54% were male. A paper-and-pencil survey was administered using purposive sampling techniques. Statistical analyses including descriptive statistics and Spearman's analysis were performed using SPSS to investigate non-parametric relationships. The research instrument demonstrated appropriate psychometric values ensuring the reliability and validity of the collected data.
 Findings: The results revealed a positive relationship between job stress, anxiety and depression levels, although relatively weak. The relationship between overall stress levels and job stress was shown to be more significant. These findings suggest that higher job stress is associated with elevated stress levels among teachers emphasizing the interconnectedness of professional stressors and mental health.
 Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the relationship between job stress and mental health among university teachers in Kosovo. The relatively weak correlation between job stress and anxiety or depression levels implies nuanced influences while the stronger correlation with overall stress levels emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to manage job-related stress. Recognizing and managing these stressors can contribute to the enhancement of teachers' mental health and overall well-being in the specific context of Kosovo.

Factors in preventing violence in schools

Relevance. It becomes important to search for factors and determine their role in the organization of a favourable educational environment in schools in Kosovo, to develop a methodology that contributes to the prevention of violence among schoolchildren based on mutual help and mutual respect. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the factors that can influence the eradication of bullying, mobbing and cyberbullying in the school environment of Kosovo. Methodology. The methodological approach of the research is based on theoretical methods (comparative analysis, synthesis and generalization of theoretical data); empirical (questionnaires, testing, observations, surveys, heuristic conversation, dialogue, discussion, psychological and pedagogical trainings, seminars, debates); diagnostic (pedagogical observation and pedagogical experiment (diagnostic, formative, control). Results. In the course of an experimental study conducted at the stage of ascertainment among students of 6-9 grades in Lower Secondary School No. 1, Lower Secondary School No. 2, Lower Secondary School No. 3, problems of violence between schoolchildren in classes were identified, and methods of creating a favourable educational environment to prevent bullying were outlined. A methodological toolkit was developed to improve the educational environment, which will contribute to the eradication of bullying among students of 6-9 grades. In particular, four elements of creating a favourable educational environment were highlighted: creating a favourable psychological climate, updating the content of education and learning technologies; favourable about food environment; providing opportunities for development. The outlined levels were assessed at high (5 points), medium (4 points) and low (1-3 points) levels. Conclusions. After conducting an experimental study, promising directions for improving the favourable educational environment in schools in Kosovo were formed. The practical value of the work lies in the development of methods of organization and implementation of a favourable educational environment in schools in Kosovo, which contributes to the eradication of bullying among students.

Reducing STEM test anxiety through classroom mindfulness training for lower secondary school children: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Although mindfulness is effective in reducing anxiety, research on its impact on test anxiety among lower secondary school children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related disciplines is limited. Using a one-group pre – post-test research design, this pilot study evaluated the impact of classroom mindfulness meditation training on test anxiety in STEM-related disciplines with 197 sixth-grade students (54.3% boys, aged 10–12 years) from public schools in Kosovo. Mindfulness training significantly decreased students’ test anxiety levels in STEM-related disciplines. Mindfulness helped students calm down, reduced their academic anxiety, and increased their self-esteem. A significant decrease in test anxiety among participants who reported that the training improved their self-esteem and reduced their academic anxiety and stress was ascertained. Regarding sex differences, meditation activities significantly decreased test anxiety scores among girls. Mindfulness training can be employed as a stress-reduction strategy that can be easily incorporated into classroom pedagogy.

Media Literacy and Young People’s Digital Skills

This paper aims to address the preparation of students for their digital skills in relation to media literacy and information technology. The research was conducted at the country level with students aged 11-15 years with 600 respondents from primary and secondary schools in Kosovo. The results show that most of them believe that the inclusion of the subject of “Media and Information Literacy” would help them in developing the necessary skills to properly use the new technology available. A survey was used as a working method, with the aim of obtaining results that tested the main hypothesis of the paper. The main theoretical approaches for media and information literacy are addressed in this paper, in order to contextualize the research and link it with the aspect of scientific theoretical treatments. The case study has extracted data for the first time on this issue in Kosovo, a country where the extent of the Internet access is the largest in the Western Balkans region.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Schools in Kosovo

There is increasing scientific evidence of the adverse health effects of indoor exposure to a collective mixture of chemicals in children. People spend 80–90% of their time indoors, breathing air that is often even more polluted than the air outside. This study presents results of school inspection and sampling of selected chemical pollutants—formaldehyde, benzene, and nitrogen dioxide—in classrooms and outdoors in ten schools in Kosovo, conducted by the National Institute of Public Health and the WHO. Nitrogen dioxide and benzene were most affected by outdoor concentrations and were too high in at least one school (NO2: >80 µg/m3, benzene: 1–2 µg/m3). Formaldehyde was significantly higher indoors than outdoors and higher in newer schools than older ones, but overall levels were not alarming (maximum around 20 µg/m3). CO2 levels during class indicated insufficient ventilation. The temperatures were occasionally too high during the cold season. This not only results in unnecessary energy wastage but also too low relative humidity. Improvements in air circulation and temperature control, as well as the identification and elimination of certain sources of pollution would improve the health and learning of school children.

Multiple Intelligences Theory in EFL Classrooms and its Implementation in Lower and Upper Secondary Public Schools in Kosovo

Multiple Intelligences Theory in EFL Classrooms and its Implementation in Lower and Upper Secondary Public Schools in Kosovo

The right choice of choral repertoire - a weakness or good opportunity for encouraging students’ musical talent development

This study investigates the views and practices of teachers on the way of selecting the choral repertoire and the opportunities that this repertoire offers for encouraging musical development of from primary and lower secondary schools students within the framework of general education in Kosovo. In this aspect, the experiences during the practical work of choir teachers and the technical or professional difficulties they encounter during the selection of choral songs have been studied. Among other things, the research aims to identify and analyze these factors, through which it is intended to pave the way for further improvement in this matter. The design of this research was carried out through semi- structured interviews, including the detailed analysis of choral songs, both in terms of musical content and pedagogical aspects. The research was carried out with choir teachers of different schools in Kosovo and satisfactory results were achieved, which highlight the real situation regarding the selection of the repertoire, its quality in terms of musical and textual content and the opportunities it offers to students in encouraging and developing musical talent. The recommendations from this study are addressed to the relevant institutions which should aim to encourage and support the work with choral ensembles and the improvement of practices regarding work with choir within general education.

The Relationship between Musical Skills and Creativity in Children

Developing creativity at school is an essential element in teaching activities. One of the many factors that are crucial for developing creativity, according to much relevant research, is the developed artistic skills among the most prominent and musical skills as determinants for the development of creative thinking and skills. This study was conducted to determine whether this association of musical skills with levels of creativity is complementary and realistic in elementary schools in Kosovo. Therefore, 106 students aged 7–12 in several elementary schools in Pristina were surveyed through two standard instruments, a protocol for evaluating student achievement in the subject of music education and through the Williams Standard Test of Creative Thinking (WCTT 1994). The results showed a strong connection between musical skills and students’ creativity, these findings are also complementary in Kosovo, where according to the results we found that there is a significant statistical correlation between musical skills and creative thinking, in other words, students who display higher levels of musical skills also manifest themselves with a higher level of creativity in the educational process and in everyday life, as well as those students with a solid level (many of well) of musical skills have a high level of creative thinking and vice versa.

Variables affecting the attitudes of teachers’ towards inclusive education in Kosovo

Inclusive education is a priority and a challenge for education systems. The success of the inclusive practices’ implementation depends on the attitudes of teachers’ towards inclusive education. This research reflects the current state of pre-university teachers’ attitudes towards the inclusion in Kosovo, as well as it examines the relationship between teachers’ attitudes and selected background variables and self-efficacy. The research conducted a quantitative design and included 499 teachers from 40 schools in Kosovo. The instruments that were used to collect the data are Teachers’ Attitudes towards Inclusion Scale (TAIS) and Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests. Results show positive attitudes of teachers’ towards inclusive education. Secondary level teachers have more positive attitudes towards inclusion than those from primary ones. Correlation results found a negative relationship between teachers’ and educational qualification and experience of teachers with students with special needs. The factors that predict teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion are self-efficacy for inclusive practices, professional qualification and work experience with children with special needs. The findings highlight the need to develop teaching skills and provide systematic support for teachers, while placing them as a priority in education agendas to ensure the success of inclusion.

Effects of Critical Thinking Implementation on Enhancing of Teaching Quality

Critical thinking is a training program for teachers in order to improve teaching and the educational approach to students. The aim of this research is to address the implementation of this training program from the viewpoint of students and teachers. In this paper, we investigated the effects of the application of critical thinking in raising the quality of teaching in 9-year schools in Kosovo. But this paper initially treats from the theoretical aspect, which as a training program is based on the constructive and progressive approach. This philosophy of education sees the student as a subject engaged in the acquisition of knowledge and positive school experiences. While for a more complete illumination of the research, we received the opinions of 517 students from schools where the philosophy of critical thinking is applied and from schools that still work according to traditional educational practices. Here we compare the opinions of students about the quality of teaching of teachers who have been trained with critical thinking techniques and strategies and of other students whose teachers have not yet received the aforementioned professional training. Regarding the effects of the application of critical thinking in improving teaching, through questionnaires we also received the opinions of 234 teachers trained in critical thinking and teachers who have not yet been trained in the approach and teaching strategies according to critical thinking. The use of critical thinking techniques and strategies has raised the teaching quality and mobilizes students in the active acquisition of knowledge, creating a positivist spirit and a stimulating learning environment. Also, students engage with awareness and full will towards achieving their successes. Through this new philosophical approach, educators have also contributed to improving the quality of students' learning and raising their learning results. At the same time, playing the role of instructor in the classroom, they initiate learning debates on environmental and social topics. This approach prepares students for lifelong learning by creating work habits and creative skills found for work and being active in their social environments.
 
 Received: 25 August 2022 / Accepted: 27 October 2022 / Published: 5 November 2022

The Relationships of Schools Conditions and their Impact on Economic Growth

The purpose of my research is to measure the relationship between school conditions and economic growth in the Republic of Kosovo. The research was conducted with vocational high schools during the period 2020-2021. The research was conducted through a closed-ended questionnaire of students and teachers of vocational schools in Kosovo, while the data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program (version 25). Descriptive analysis, Alpha Cronbach's reliability test, and normality analysis were first performed by Kolmogorov Smirnov and Shapiro Wilk. The results are presented in descriptive form through frequency and percentage, while the verification of hypotheses is performed through Spearman Correlation. I Can conclude that Kosovo is progressing well in terms of the implementation of vocational education, thus providing a link between vocational education and practice in business or economic development. The research was conducted over two years, during the time of the pandemic, and can be considered as a barrier to investment in school conditions. The research was conducted through questionnaires that I administered, and the data are relevant to the research issue. Research is of great importance in improving the school conditions of vocational high schools in the Republic of Kosovo.

Communication channels consumption across awareness building, information search and school choice - perspectives from the VET sector in Kosovo

This study aims at understanding the channels through which the students have become aware, the channels which they used to search for information on the schools and the key factor that pushed them to apply for a given school. Through a primary data research with n=788 respondents which are currently enrolled in VET across eight schools in Kosovo, the study has identified a critical importance of the word-of-mouth through family & relatives and friends on generating awareness for a given school and to share information on the school offering. As critical elements to take the decision to apply for the school has been considered the applicants visit directly to the school to get informed more on the offering and the desire to get equipped with the given qualification the school offers. It is important to note the impact that parents have across all the levels from brand awareness development to information search and decision making. The study provides pragmatic recommendations to school management on better optimizing their marketing efforts from a communication channel perspective, such as the importance of the open-days events of school and the usage of the social media channels (especially Facebook) to communicate their offering.

Instructional Leadership of Private and Public Schools in Kosovo

Abstract Managing a company or organization in today’s market is a challenge that each leader has to face. Companies have to adapt and embrace challenges, or they will be left behind by the competitors in the market. The leadership of a company has to be creative in order to fulfill the needs of the customers, the market, and its employees. The same rules apply for language teaching organizations, which have to follow the rapid changes in the field of education, technology and marketing all the same. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to acquire knowledge of key aspects of instructional leadership in private and public schools, to find the parameters that make an organization successful, and to compare key management decisions taken by organizations over the years. In focus of this paper is a case study with two primary schools in Kosovo, one public and one private, how they operate, how are they managed and the possible ways of further development. Interviews with the leaders of the schools have been conducted, and the findings have been compared and supported with contemporary literature review. The paper starts provides an introduction, the literature review, the framework used, an interpretation and critical discussion of the data collected, and it ends with the conclusion on instructional leadership.

The Importance of Project Based Learning in Teaching English as a Foreign Language - A Case Study from the Republic of Kosovo

Abstract This small-scale research paper analyses both teachers’ and students’ perceptions and their roles towards the use of Project Based Learning (PBL) in a research context in the Republic of Kosovo. The study was completed by sixty students of three lower-secondary private schools in Kosovo and eight English language teachers who work there. The aim of this study was to investigate teachers’ perspectives on using PBL in their classes, the challenges they face while applying PBL, the most common benefits PBL implementation, the materials used with this method, and the impact of PBL on students’ motivation to learn English as a Foreign Language. The data obtained from interviews with teachers highlight that teachers use PBL to a certain extent, though it works much effectively with lower-secondary and upper-secondary education. Teachers preferred to use Project Based Learning in their classrooms in general, although there appears to be some uncertainty between doing projects and Project Based Learning as a strategy. English language instructors have only seen themselves as facilitators of initiatives carried out in the classroom, resulting in a student-centered environment. In contrast to the past, it appears that teachers make extensive use of technology and involve students in a variety of activities to boost their learning and keep them engaged in PBL. Students on the other hand, through a very small number, highlighted that PBL is a better teaching approach in comparison to the traditional textbook teaching and learning.

Models of use of technology in elementary schools at Kosovo

There is relatively little research on the use of technology in contemporary teaching in our schools, therefore it is very important to explore this topic and to produce realistic results that reflect the use of technology in teaching in elementary schools in Kosovo. The topic of this research is going to be studied in terms of theory as well as in terms of practice. Regarding the theoretical aspect, various literature related to this issue will be analyzed and explored, respectively with the elementary school planning, the use of technology in teaching, curricula, laws, administrative instructions and regulations in force, whereas regarding the practical aspect, a special attention will be paid to the use of technology in contemporary teaching in Kosovo elementary schools, by analyzing the findings of the research that will be presented statistically in this study. Particular focus will be given to the use of technology in the curricular area society and environment. The research will be carried out through method, respectively qualitative methods. The teacher interviews will contain 5 questions. This research is expected to define the level of the use of technology in the curricular area society and environment in elementary schools of Kosova.

Student Self-Assessment Practices in Lower Secondary Education in Kosovo

Self-assessment has a direct impact on students’ achievement. Through self-assessment students have the opportunity to assess themselves in regards to learning goals and assess their achievement. The purpose of our research is to reflect on the use of the self-assessment practices of students in schools, as well as the impact that student self-assessment has on their achievement. Another purpose of this research is to evaluate if students compare their knowledge with other students in the class and to evaluate if students during the self-assessment process can overestimate or underestimate themselves. Two hundred and two students, from four classes of seventh grade (n=112) and four classes of eighth grade (n=90) of lower secondary schools from five urban schools and five rural schools in Kosovo, in the subject Civic Education, participated in the research. The results show that there is a significant difference between seventh-graders and eighth-graders on the use of student self-assessment. There is also a difference between schools in the city and schools in the village. There is a significant difference between classes and based on residence even when the students are asked if they are encouraged to have self-confidence and be independent.
 
 Received: 13 October 2021 / Accepted: 26 November 2021 / Published: 3 January 2022

Education and Healthcare Reforms in Post-Conflict Setting: Case Studies in Kosovo

Kosovo is a small country that was first declared an independent state on 17 February 2008. Albanians make up 90% of the overall population, whereas the Serbs, Turks, Bosnians, and Roma make up to 10% of the total population as the minority group. Before 1999, Kosovo was part of the Yugoslav organization, but after the March –June 1999 conflicts, the North Atlantic Treaty Forces (NATO), thus bringing Kosovo under United Nations administration (Solana, 114-120). Post-conflict recovery is heavy for Kosovo as it entails rebuilding numerous systems' infrastructure for both the healthcare system and education system (Solana, 114-120). The infrastructure and procedures need to be carefully reorganized to curb both communicable and non-communicable diseases to restructure family care and also to better the education provided in Kosovo. The new state is experiencing a slow economic growth rate of less than 4% causing a slow growth rate of both the education and the healthcare system. This rate of economic growth is caused by almost half of the Kosovo people being unemployed and young. The state of the education system in Kosovo has been affected by many different players that have over the years disintegrated the education system and particularly left adverse effects on children and women. According to the PISA international exam for international students OECD exam that was conducted to test the ability of learners to study, Kosovo students became the last three position out of the 73 counties that took the test for math and reading. This shows that the quality of education at these schools is still low. This indicated poor planning in the Kosovo education system for instance the high congestion in schools since due to the overcrowding, students do not get to experience the personalized teaching they require hence both the learners and teachers end up feeling stressed, poor funding for schools in Kosovo, poor working standards and low salaries for teachers. These reforms were to help Albania to reform from the adverse effects of conflict by the Serbians. The aim of these reforms for both healthcare and education was to improve the current unfavorable conditions like lack of equipment as the learners would sit on the floor and write on each other’s backs and hospitals lacked equipment for work.

Principal’s Role in Supporting Teacher Collaborative Learning

Teacher collaborative learning remains one of the fundamental professional development methods that help teachers improve their professional skills and competencies. Consequently, responsible institutions as well as scholars and experts encourage and instruct teachers to partake in collaborative learning activities as much as possible. Nevertheless, teacher collaborative learning does not happen per se. Due to various factors and circumstances, teachers have to be counselled, encouraged, and supported for taking part in such activities. This responsibility and competence is usually entrusted to school principals. This research shows that principals play a major role in this process by fostering organizational learning, collaborative culture, creating a trustworthy environment, making structural arrangements, and securing infrastructural facilities. It also shows that collaborative learning in the research context takes place in a limited number of formats, mainly in the activities of professional communities and mentoring pairs, and principals have to apply various leadership approaches for protecting and advancing the collaborative climate in the schools they run. This article, which presents only one portion of a doctoral research, is based on the data collected from 518 teachers and eight principals of 24 schools in Kosovo. The sequential-explanatory mixed-method approach was utilized to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the quantitative data and the qualitative ones were explored through the thematic analysis.