Vasile Alecsandri Research Articles

PREFERENCES OF YOUTH IN RELATION TO THE ORIGIN OF BRANDS - ROMANIAN AND FOREIGN - AND ITS MAIN MOTIVATION

This paper is based on some results of a direct research conducted among youth 18-30, students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau. The research was conducted in the month of April 2016 on a sample of 100 students selected by group sampling scheme and has an exploratory character offering a guideline on youth preference for Romanian or foreign brands for product categories: food products, alcohol beverages, personal hygiene products, cosmetics, cleaning products, clothing, footwear, consumer electronics and cars. They are also shown and the main reasons underlying preferences in terms of brand origin. The results of study highlights that the youth prefer in a greater extent Romanian food products compared to foreign ones, but, for products encompassing high technology (cars, appliances and electronics) and for fashion products (clothing and footwear) over 50% of respondents prefer foreign brands.

ROMANIAN BRAND NOTORIETY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

Based on the results of a direct research conducted in April 2016 among students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, this paper highlights the notoriety of Romanian brands in general, as well as for product categories: food products and alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and personal hygiene products, cleaning products, clothing, footwear, consumer electronics and cars. The research was conducted on a sample of 100 respondents aged between 18-30, having an exploratory character. We studied unaided brand awareness, respondents being asked to indicate the top three brands that come to their mind for each evaluated product. The results of the study revealed the most recognized Romanian brands on the investigated sample, both in terms of known brand enunciation among the top three, and as first nominations made (Top-of-mind awareness).

YOUNG PEOPLE'S PREFERENCES FOR ROMANIAN AGRO ALIMENTARY GOODS

Based on the results of a research undertaken among young people (18-30 years), students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, this paper reveals their preference for local or foreign brands (on the Romanian market) for various categories of food products. It is also highlighted their views on certain essential evaluation criteria for food products (sanogenetic potential, value for money, appearance, taste, availability within commercial network, promotions, image), comparing Romanian and foreign products. The survey shows that the preference for Romanian brands applies particularly to: eggs, bakery products, grain mill, milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, meat and meat products (over 50% of the investigated people). A large proportion of young people believes that Romanian products are tastier and healthier than foreign ones, the better image enjoyed by foreign brands being a result of the promotion and packaging of products and not the quality of product; they also believe that Romanian brands are insufficiently promoted nationally, perceiving offer of imported products as being broader than the local one. The research was conducted on a sample of 100 students selected by the group sampling scheme and has an exploratory role for the community of 18-30 years people in Romania, offering, for it, only an indicative perspective on the raised issues.

Improving the Efficiency Learning Through Adapt the Teaching Style to the Learning Style

Education in recent decades has focused on the debate over adolescent affection which has a great influence on the mind. Many studies have shown that teachers adapt the teaching to student learning style can improve learning efficiency. To do this study we focus on a sample of 124 students aged 14 to 16 years, including 84 girls and 40 boys (from five classes IX from different profiles) at the National Pedagogical College ” Stefan cel Mare “of Bacau, 5 mentors teachers and 15 students participated in educational practice conducted by the Department of teacher Training at the ”Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau . The paper starts from the following assumption: if adolescent affection has a great influence on his intellect, then learning is strongly influenced by the emotional state that is mastered. In the present research, the research hypothesis is considering the implementation of steps to the observation of the behaviour in high school and its subsequent impact on the adolescent behaviour. The hypothesis arising from the research objectives: – establishing strategy analysis approaches for achieving positive affective education in high school; – create a systematic observations of how education can be found affective steps a day program teaching practice;- analysis, data processing and presentation of observational research methods to realize affective education by infusional approach. The result shows that it takes a positive affective approach to education in high school and affective state of students is of paramount importance in expressing interpersonal cognitive, communicative, cooperative or competition within the school group they belong. Therefore, depends in particular on how the individual is impressed, moved, affected by what is taught, what you perceive this to affect its relations with others, its role busy group and school reality.

Numerical Simulation of HVAC System Functionality in a Sociocultural Building

The study presents the functionality of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for an important and prestigious objective of Iasi, the “Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre. A numerical model was created, for the indoor climate analysis, obtaining the main thermal comfort parameters, in different zones of the auditorium. The model carried out on the CFD tool ANSYS-Fluent, is based on the recently implemented HVAC system of the theatre. The results are presented comparatively in two distinct scenarios of the ventilation and conditioning system: when the theatre is occupied and during the breaks. Results from simulation showed that the system provides suitable conditions for occupants and decorative finishing.

The Role of the Computer in Learning Mathematics Through Numerical Methods

The paper exploits the results of an experimental, formative-ameliorative research conducted by 30 3rd-year students from the Department of Mathematics, Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau, during their teaching practice at the Ștefan cel Mare National Pedagogical College from Bacau, involving 150 students from 6 11th-grade classes with a real specialization profile. The research was based on the following hypothesis: if we use numerical methods to solve linear equations systems and to the graphical representation of functions in the instructive-educational process, then we shall enhance the efficiency of these activities and increase the students’ performance by enhancing intrinsic motivation. In order to achieve the objectives, there were presented various techniques for solving linear equations systems and for the graphical representation of functions through numerical methods, followed by the application of sets of tests on the different methods for solving mathematical problems integrated in the various moments of the lesson, either in teaching new content or in consolidating and checking it. The paper highlights the role and values of computer use in learning Mathematics, in the informative as well as formative-educational sense, in agreement with the taught objectives and contents, based on the tendencies of updating and upgrading the school activity, and enhancing its role in preparing students for life. The research objectives were: - knowledge of the students’ (initial) training level as a basis for implementing the experiment; - presentation of the theory on numerical methods; - evaluating the contribution of the methods for solving linear equations systems and the graphical representation of functions through numerical methods to the enhancement of school performance; - recording progress following the application of the progress factor, respectively the various methods for solving linear equations systems and the graphical representation of functions through numerical methods.

Intercultural Education – Tensions and Prospects Case Study – The Approach of the 1st-year Students from the Pedagogy of Primary and Pre-school Education

The contemporary trend of the globalization does not cancel the cultural differences among the various human entities: states, nations, individuals. It currently constitutes the economic, financial, political frame, able to facilitate interactions and connections. Under these circumstances intercultural education represents a opportunity. Our study aims at identifying the way in which 1st-year students from the Pedagogy of Primary and Pre-School Education, from “Petrol-Gaze” University of Ploieşti and “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, understand this type of education and its place in the context of their training. Finally, we propose several themes and lines for approaching this education's objectives and principles.

A Study on Raising Awareness of the Students’ Needs of Career Counselling

In the current context of career services’ development in Romania, the need to counsel students is real and rising. The specific objective of our study aims at identifying the relation between the need for counselling, active involvement in the career counselling process and the profile of the faculty attended by the students. The tool used in our research is a questionnaire with a set of 14 items. The questioned sample comprised 60 students, from “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău. The data enabled the verification of the 2nd hypotheses of the study designed to lead to new directions of action.

The Role of Technology in the Process of Learning Mathematics

The research was achieved by applying several questionnaires and evaluation tests that have shown the efficacy of using the computer in building active thought and skills in the graphical representation of functions , within a Cartesian reference system xOy. Our research was based on the following hypothesis: if we systematically use, in lessons of algebra and mathematical analysis, the GeoGebra software for drawing the graph of a function, then we shall contribute to building attitudes and competences in using the computer for the graphical representation of functions , within a Cartesian reference system xOy. The purpose of our study is to present a practical computer use model for the students from the Pre- and In-Service Teacher Training Department, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, during their pedagogical practice stage of continuous training, aimed at building practical skills in supporting the teaching-learning process with computers. To deal with these issues, we are trying to find the best teaching-learning strategies by using the calculus technique. The research was conducted at the “Stefan cel Mare” National Pedagogical College from Bacau, by assisting 20 lessons of mathematics and 20 lessons of Information and Communication Technology, involving a group of 104 students in the 11th grade. In order to verify the hypothesis, we have established several objectives that orient and guide our activity: knowing the initial level of mathematical training in terms of graphical representation of functions; identifying the frame and reference objectives of the curriculum for mathematical education regarding the graphical representation of functions; designing and conducting a teaching process focused on the use of the computer and the GeoGebra software in learning the graphical representation of functions; final evaluation of the students’ level of training regarding the graphical representation of functions in a plane.

The Importance of Computers with Matlab Software in the Teaching and Learning of Geometry in Space

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of using computers with MATLAB software in the teaching-learning of Geometry in middle-school, by the students from the specialization of Mathematics, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau. During the pedagogical practice stage, the students in the 3rd year, although better trained in Mathematics than the students from other departments, face various problems related to their practical skills in using the computer in teaching, as well as to their lack of teaching experience. The research was conducted at the National Pedagogical College “Ştefan cel Mare” from Bacau and consisted in assisting and observing 28 lessons of Mathematics and 28 lessons of Information and Communication Technologies, involving a group of 200 students from grades 1-4, 180 middle-school students and 40 teachers of various specializations. The applied tests and questionnaires have shown the efficacy of using the computer in building active thought and competences in the graphical representation of geometrical figures and shapes, as well as in solving problems of plane collinearity. In relation to these problems, we are looking for a solution to comprise the best teaching-learning strategies using the calculus technique. With nearly 5000 functions, the MATLAB software menu provides techniques for acquiring knowledge in an electronic format, calculus techniques, explanatory mathematical texts, graphs, sounds and diagrams, e-learning solutions, including online testing and evaluation, as well as web-based learning tools designed for Mathematics (www.maplesoft.com).

Research on the Individual Development of Children by Eliminating Stressors

This study presents an empirical research on the identification and observation of the students’ manifestations under various circumstances of stress, among which: time pressure, unexpected exam, unknown examiner, overstrain, language. The research was conducted at the National Pedagogical College “Ştefan cel Mare” from Bacău and consisted in assisting and observing 26 lessons of Mathematics and 26 lessons of Information and Communication Technologies, involving a group of 126 middle-school students and 24 teachers of various specializations. The tests and questionnaires applied have shown the relevance of becoming aware of the impact of stress, as well as of finding ways to minimize its harmful secondary effects, as many diseases are highly associated with wrong responses, adaptation to stress, external factors, sanctions, failure of the adjustment process, which lead to the onset of illness or unhappiness. Regarding these problems, we are looking for solutions in the form of best teaching-learning strategies, in order to increase enthusiasm for school activities, decrease the number of school absences, control alcohol, coffee or drugs consumption. The 20 students in the third year from the Faculty of Mathematics, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, have conducted a research during their pedagogical practice included in their initial teacher training. The research has focused on emotional intelligence and implied direct observation of the students’ behaviour during an unannounced test at Mathematics, with the subsequent application of a questionnaire.

The Model Object-product-cognitive Operation Through Mathematical Education

The aim was to investigate the efficiency of the model to operationalize D’Hainaut with applications in mathematics, the formation of concepts, theorem proving, problem solving.Hypothesis can be reduced to the claim that the use of operationalization model object, product, cognitive operation in mathematics education will lead to the formation of effective skills and problem solving approach to mathematics and the development of thinking. From this hypothesis derives research objectives: presenting mathematical problem solving examples using this model, observation and application of these approaches in solving mathematics teaching practice days, achieving a systematic research using questionnaire and method tests the effectiveness of the model operationalization. The research was conducted in the second semester from February to May 2013, in the process of observation and evidence in support of teaching practice lessons with 46 students in the third year of the Department of Mathematics - Informatics, University Vasile Alecsandri in Bacau through systematic observation on how it is assisting 46 math lessons and support of 46 lessons followed by testing a sample group of 260 middle school students and application of questionnaires to 65 teachers from different disciplines. This study deals with such aspects as: the object-product-cognitive operation model in mathematical education; the analysis and classification of problematic tasks; the building of certain learning skills characteristic of the mathematical content; the comparative analysis of the essential characteristic of the learning methods. This study is concerned with aspects such as: the model object-product-cognitive operation through mathematical education; achieving a systematic observation regarding the initiation in the particularities of mathematical activity; gaining knowledge of the elements and priorities of certain fundamental notions and configurations; using concepts and theorems in solving mathematical problems.

Internationalization of Higher Education at Home. An Initiative for Teaching Informatics

There is an increasing trend towards internationalization of the Romanian universities, as an expression of the possibilities arisen by globalization. In this context and within the framework of a project developed together with Università della Svizzera italiana from Lugano, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău aims to improve its study programmes in Informatics, a field with an important role in the sustainable economic growth. An important perspective in teaching Informatics is related to the collaboration and communication skills that students need to acquire. Because nowadays, most of the work teams are international, we consider providing our students a double-degree master's programme. In order to determine the opportunity of such an initiative, we have explored the profile of the graduates in Informatics from “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, as well as the interests of the final year students. The study allowed us to envisage the topics that the students are interested in, therefore, to design the most appropriate curricula for the double master's degree.

Career - Counselling Practices for University Students

In the last 10 years, career-counselling services for students have experienced a real growth in the Romanian universities. Generated by the real needs of the clients, these services were not certified, from the beginning, in their own system of tested and validated good practices. Our study relies on a model of counselling designed and implemented at the Department of Professional Counselling from “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău. The integrated model of career counselling called AKA, shows the relationship between action (A) and knowledge (K), through the combination of the most diverse and attractive forms of activity, to raise awareness and student's involvement in this kind of actions, but also to achieve the anticipated effects. The purpose of this study is to (re)validate the impact of the career counselling actions integrated in the AKA model. Based on an analysis of the specific literature and the expertise achieved in the career-counselling field, the study will highlight a number of action ways, exploited through the department activities. For illustration, we shall present the latest seminar organized for this purpose, in March 2014, with the students in the final years from two faculties. Then, we shall analyse the results obtained on this occasion. The practices highlighted in this study and the conclusions may contribute to inter-university exchange of actionable strategies and the use of new and more efficient models during the career counselling services for university students.

The Role of Non-verbal Communication in the Coach-athlete Relationship

The starting point in choosing this theme was the belief that in the specific professional sports instructive activity the dominant form of communication is the nonverbal communication in the coach-athlete relationship, with implications for the improvement of the training process. The study consisted in a sociological approach through an inquiry conducted on a group of athletes. The questionnaire comprised items with prefigured and open answers to facilitate the research in the female gymnasts of the “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau team. A dominant form of expressing in the sports training is represented by body movements as “an expression of energy and information through posture, movement and indices”, a psycho-somatic connection (body-soul) through which feelings and emotions are expressed. The gestures of illustration, the artifacts, the facial expressing are other landmarks of the existence of nonverbal communication perceived by the athletes in the sports training process. The body language communication is perceived by most respondents, the messages transmitted this way being continuous, facilitating a dialog between the coach and the female gymnast.

Is there an Axiological Background Favoring the Initial Training in the Didactic Career for the Primary and Preschool Didactic Career?

By applying a questionnaire-based inquiry we have investigated a group of 40 subjects, students in the 1st year at Pedagogy of Primary and Preschool Education, Faculty of Sciences, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău. The values that students believe in have not constituted, so far, the object of a direct research in Romanian higher education. The existence of an outlined set of values shared by the students in the 1st year at Pedagogy of Primary and Preschool Education may constitute an interesting issue from several perspectives. The formative, curricular and managerial ones come across as decisive in favoring a successful initial training in the field. The results obtained and their analysis has highlighted a series of interesting aspects that we shall present in the study. Also, they open generous perspectives in conducting a longitudinal study on the same topic.

Contributions Regarding the Learning of the Specific Motor Content of Artistic Training in the Aerobic Gymnastics

This paper's contribution envisages the effectiveness of an applicative intervention in selecting the most efficient motor structures to improve the artistic training during the general training process, and making the useful combination in creating exercises that are specific to the rules of this sport for the competition activity. This research started from the hypothesis stating that presumably, the structures selected from the specific motor content and their algorithmics ensure the improvement of artistic training in the beginner aerobic gymnastics athletes. The study was conducted on the 15 female athletes comprising the “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău aerobic gymnastics group. The observations were assessed during the training process (training period), and during the competitions that took place between 2011 and 2012. The assessment tests consisted in rhythmicity and motor musicality challenges, using percussion and movement to observe the tonality, the sense of tempo, the concordance between music and movement. After organizing the special themes in the training sessions for the artistic training, and after creatively using the suggested operational models, an improvement was recorded concerning the space orientation ability, general and segment coordination, creative behaviour, and artistic performance. The means suggested in this paper have proved to be accessible, and by looking at the values recorded at the end of the study, one can say that they have facilitated the learning of the artistic component of the specific aerobic gymnastics motor content.

Study Regarding the Motivation of the Aerobic Gymnastics Team Members of the “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau

The aim of this research is to determine, through a socio-psychological approach, the elements that influence the athlete's motivation, by discovering the best sources acting on the individual engaged in athletic activity. The study was conducted between January and March 2012, on a group of 15 female gymnasts aged 21-23, members of the aerobic gymnastics team of the “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau. The results of the research contributed to identifying the useful characteristics for the female gymnasts in the practice of aerobics, and for the selection of the right athletes for the university's representative team.

D’Hainaut's Operationalization Model in Mathematics

The article is specific to the sciences of education and describes effective practices for students from the Faculty of Mathematics, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau.The aim was to investigate the efficiency of D’Hainaut's operationalization model with applications in mathematics, the formation of concepts, theorem proving, problem solving. The hypothesis can be reduced to the claim that the use of the operationalization model in relation to an object, product, cognitive operation in the teaching of Mathematics will lead to the building of effective skills in solving Mathematical problems and the development of thinking.

A Study on the Correlation between Execution Techniques and Timing Performance among First-Year Students in a Ski Course

This is a constative study carried out on a number of 40 students. The study was organised and took place in February 2012, within the Science of Movement, Sports and Health Faculty at the “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau, at the Vatra Dornei sports facility with the purpose of highlighting the efficiency of the instructive-educative act organised with the students studying in the Physical Education and Sports, as well as the Sports and Motor Performance sections. In order to acknowledge the level of practical and technical acquisition we used as an evaluation instrument the exercises of rounding swivel swing, and christianias with distancing the skis (performed on a ramp with a 30 degree inclination) on a 200 m distance, with the obligation of performing at least 3 rounds. In order to appreciate the students’ applicative capacity, we organized a descent contest, which involved passing 16 (8 red and 8 blue) gates on a 400 m distance, on a 40-43 degree inclined ramp, with a lower incline on the finishing line. The results have highlighted the efficiency of module work over a 15-day period, with 42 teaching hours, and 42hours of individual study.