Studies in Social Science
Alexandros Argyriadis; Olga Drakopoulou; Agathi Argyriadi
Abstract
The literature consistently emphasizes the significance of primary formal education in addressing social inequalities, fostering inclusivity, reducing stereotypes, and promoting critical thinking regarding discrimination, violence, and prejudice. However, the lack of specialized undergraduate studies ...
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The literature consistently emphasizes the significance of primary formal education in addressing social inequalities, fostering inclusivity, reducing stereotypes, and promoting critical thinking regarding discrimination, violence, and prejudice. However, the lack of specialized undergraduate studies for teachers raises questions about their cultural competence and their ability to effectively teach and cultivate appropriate attitudes and values. This research aimed to evaluate the cultural competence skills of preschool teachers, explore social inequalities, and develop an intervention plan. A quantitative study was conducted, involving the translation and validation of a cultural competence measurement scale, which was then administered to preschool teachers. The survey included 532 participants, consisting of 500 women and 32 men, with 27 individuals having received training or postgraduate specialization in intercultural education. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v. 28). The study revealed that teachers possess a high level of knowledge in cultural matters and demonstrate good cultural awareness; however, their cultural abilities are limited. The survey results provide valuable insights for ongoing intervention design. In conclusion, while preschool teachers exhibit satisfactory theoretical knowledge of cultural work, weaknesses are identified in the acquisition of skills, attitudes, and behaviors.
Studies in Social Science
Alexandros Argyriadis; Olga Drakopoulou; Maria Athanasekou; Agathi Argyriadi
Abstract
The present research highlights the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on the entire population. However, greater signs of stress and inadequate self-management of children's emotions have been reported during childhood. This study aimed to design and implement an educational intervention ...
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The present research highlights the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on the entire population. However, greater signs of stress and inadequate self-management of children's emotions have been reported during childhood. This study aimed to design and implement an educational intervention titled "A Dragon with 19 Flying Wisps," targeting preschool students with typical and non-typical development. The ultimate goal was to promote students' mental health, help them manage their emotions during the pandemic, and support their overall development. The ethnographic method was employed, allowing for data collection through various means and facilitating multi-level data exchange and interaction. The study sample included 210 students, with 159 exhibiting typical development and 51 attending special schools or inclusion classes. The intervention yielded several positive outcomes, including student engagement, the tool adaptation into an inclusive resource for students with disabilities, the incorporation of new technologies, the academic advancement of schools, and the creation of a more supportive environment for managing pandemic-related challenges and students' emotions effectively. In conclusion, the intervention successfully achieved its goals and sparked interest from other schools, leading to its expansion beyond the initial implementation. This positive response can be attributed to the intervention's design and the chosen research methodology.
Studies in Social Science
Alexandros Argyriadis; Charikleia Andreadaki; Maria Chalkia; Argyriadi Agathi
Abstract
The covid-19 pandemic has affected various areas of everyday life, especially young people. Many students studying abroad feel like they have been excluded in a foreign country and are fighting with their independence and fears at the same time. This research study aimed at conducting an ethnographic ...
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The covid-19 pandemic has affected various areas of everyday life, especially young people. Many students studying abroad feel like they have been excluded in a foreign country and are fighting with their independence and fears at the same time. This research study aimed at conducting an ethnographic research on the experiences of students who were studying abroad during the pandemic. The research sample was consisted of 27 students from Greece who study in Cyprus. For the researchers' data collection; we used semi-structured interviews, in-depth discussions, and participatory observation. The main result of the study was the emotional surcharge to the individuals who felt excluded due to studying abroad. Students were forced to stay in the foreign country where they were studying with no support from the government. According to them, this fact revealed the lack of political will to consider their needs and their cultural background in order to design any support.
Studies in Social Science
Alexandros Argyriadis; Thomas Palantzas; Maria Vlachadi; Agathi Argyriadi
Abstract
Recent research highlights the importance of art in the educational process and its benefits in the holistic psycho-emotional development of the individual. Current literature focuses mainly on visual arts and music, while studies on dance and its contribution to mental health have increased only recently. ...
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Recent research highlights the importance of art in the educational process and its benefits in the holistic psycho-emotional development of the individual. Current literature focuses mainly on visual arts and music, while studies on dance and its contribution to mental health have increased only recently. The aim of the present study was to analyze recent literature that correlates the art of dance with mental resilience. In particular, the contribution of dance during school age was studied with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of development of mental resilience in students who are characterized by cultural diversity. This literature review was conducted in electronic databases, which was basically due to the restrictions imposed during the pandemic period. The duration of the study was 7 months, from November 2020 to May 2021. The results of the study showed that research activity on the effect of dance on mental resilience has not been adequately assessed. However, certain characteristics of mental resilience studied in relation to dance seem to contribute positively to the holistic psycho-emotional development of children by providing multiple benefits. It has been found that dance works beneficially and holistically across all ages, genders, socio-cultural, and socio-economic environments. It would be useful to plan more research to evaluate the effect of dance in greater depth and also in relation to more factors of psycho-emotional development.
