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The Epic of the Kreshniks in the literature of Ismail Kadare and a description of the rhapsodes of the Albanian mountains

Author(s): Denis Bizhga / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: rhapsodes; lyrics; songs;

In 1953, Milman Parry and Albert Lord published “Serbo-Croatian heroic songs”, to prove that the Homeric tradition of epic poetry was still alive in the Balkans of that time. The writer Ismail Kadare, seduced by this hypothesis, created the novel “The H File”, the content of which includes two fictional Irish-American researchers, Max Rothi and Vili Nortoni, who set out for the deep mountains of pre-war Northern Albania. Referring to the Epic of the Kreshniks as one of the most important artistic pillars of the spiritual culture of Albanians, the research of legendary epic songs testifies, among others, to their connection with lyrical epic songs.

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Book Review. Three forms of thought

Author(s): Dorian Sevo / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: thought; identity; origins;

The author Imam’s “Three Forms of Thought” explains almost in detail how important and how significant thought is as a substance and as a form for man. This book is a work of extremely high interest which has been missing from the university textbook and philosophy students in particular. He treats not only the forms of thought but also its origin, from the Greek and Egyptian myths and those of West Africa and Asia. The book in question is an outstanding contribution to the field of philosophy and the faculty of social sciences. Also, society can benefit from it as it has very detailed information. It deals with the evolutionary origin of thought both in the scientific and religious spectrums. In general, the work presents the forms of mythological, rational, and religious thought in a very clear manner.

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The implications of obsessive-compulsive disorder due to Covid 19 Pandemic situation

Author(s): Dorina Xhani,Joida Porozaj,Brunilda Hoxhaj,Elsida Sinaj / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: obsessive-compulsive disorder; case study; quality of life; social support; personal beliefs;

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of the anxiety disorders that directly affects many areas of life and its quality. Purpose: This study aims to explore how obsessive-compulsive disorder affects various aspects of quality of life such as family life, social relationships, and activities of daily living. Its focus is also on exploring personal beliefs and social support. Method: The quality method is based on a case study model, the subject of which was part of the clinical population of persons diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder in Tirana. The study showed that obsessive-compulsive disorder has major impacts on areas such as family life and activities of daily living and a significant impact on social relationships. Conclusion: The result showed that personal beliefs and social support were important factors during and after therapeutic treatment. It is recommended that the study should be applied on larger samples to gain more data for Albania.

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Efficient management of fitness centers, an important link of sport for all

Author(s): Dorjan Isufaj / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: Fitness Center; Management; Physical Education; Sport;

Background: Fitness is widely regarded as a fundamental premise of a good state of health for all ages, offering creative and fun opportunities, it can bring a comprehensive help for individual and social development that staff needs physical exercise for his psychological balance and physiological. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to present the current state of Fitness Centers, their management and marketing in accordance with the socio-economic changes that our country is going through, in accordance with the conditions of the market economy and the needs of customers. Management should be seen as a process by which personnel contribute to the choice of leadership, so that an organization functions efficiently in achieving that for which it was created. Conclusion: The next step in managing a fitness center is partnering with commercial gym equipment providers to equip your fitness facility with the latest fitness equipment and tools. Effectively managing a health center means making sure all your fitness equipment is in good working order. Professionally managing a fitness center means taking the time to hire experienced and resolute staff dedicated to helping your fitness center thrive. Employee incentives and well-organized employee training programs can help keep all staff members engaged and committed.

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Book review. “Metamorphosis of a capital” as a reflection of societies consciousness

Author(s): Dritan Idrizi / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: literary work; narrative; civic consciousness;

Background: Literature is the best narrative approach to society. A writer conveys his thoughts through the text he writes, to give some voice to his inner world and change the setting of the reality. The author of this novel tries to tell the story of the individuals whose consciousness is molded by the system and the country itself; a story that goes on for decades in the capital of Albania. Purpose: This article aims to analyze the reason why this topic is still a current phenomenon and how society tries to hide the truth. Conclusion: “Metamorphosis of a capital” is a kind of reflection of our consciousness. It builds the scene of an absurd, grotesque theatre, where the truth still hurts.

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Art in small circles

Author(s): Evi Veliu / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: Art; city; criticism;

As a researcher in the fields of Political Science and Intercultural Communication, my purpose here is linked with the current state of art in Albania, but only through the narratives, fables and symbolic structures that condition it. Even though art as it is now mainly composed of rigid shapes and colors thrown/scattered without much thought in it, I argue that for art to think (or work) outside this quasi-mainstream mindset, it has first to see how the latter dictates its horizons of possibility. I conclude that these are ready-made fables and concepts taken for granted in the mainstream and which very quickly create a “discursive tension” where our very space of not only artistic freedom is at stake, and for which a “discursive struggle” may be delineated.

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Public diplomacy as political communication in Albania

Author(s): Eriklenta Ymeri / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: Public diplomacy; political communication; political influence;

Public diplomacy represents an important activity that serves national interests and comes as a function of the development of the country and its people. The importance of public diplomacy is increasing, especially when considering the current global context – technological, digital, economic developments, interconnections, and interactions at multilateral levels. In Albania, little is known about public diplomacy, its role, and functions, how it is constructed and how it is represented through various initiatives. The study on Public Diplomacy as a Political Communication Tool in Albania aims to provide a general overview of public diplomacy in Albania, initiatives and activities taken in support of public diplomacy, and the role of public diplomacy in the development of the country and the benefits associated with it. For the realization of this study, a mixture of research methods was used, including desk review of exiting literature and key strategic documents, and interviews conducted with the public to assess public perception and knowledge on public diplomacy. The results show efforts made in years to engage in public diplomacy with countries all over the world, as a strategic intervention to promote the country’s development. It furthers shows the low levels of recognition and knowledge of the wider public about public diplomacy in country. The study highlights that public diplomacy in Albania is in the steps of its development and yet to consolidate.

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Multiple intelligence and its implications in education

Author(s): Etleva Haxhihyseni,Briseida Andoni / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: Multiple intelligence; education in early childhood; temper;

Individuals learn in different ways and likely they express their strengths. Gardner’s assertion, if everyone will have the same kind of mind and there would be just one type of intelligence, then we can teach everyone the same thing, in the same way; as well, we will assess them in the same way, and this would be fair. But, as soon as we understand that people have a variety of types of minds, different types of strengths, education, which treats everyone in the same way, is unfair education. Purpose: of this work is to give a definition and meaning to multiple intelligence and identify its implications in good manners and education. Method: will be literature research in the form of a metaanalytical analysis form and comparative including/melting the pedagogical and psychological studies.

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Social Media Influencers in Albania

Author(s): Irena Myzeqari / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: Social Media Influencers; attractiveness; similarities; generation Z;

Background: Social media influencers are gaining special relevance in many studies related to media, communication, and advertisement. Whilst a lot of research has been conducted in several countries on possible effects on different fields, in Albania SMI-s are still considered a pure marketing tool and there is little evidence on trends related to this topic. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand why the younger generation tend to follow social media influencers and to identify the most notable features they are looking for when following a specific SMI. Methodology: The data collection method used for this study was a questionnaire, spread out to students at the European University of Tirana, and the sample population age range was from 18 years old up to 26 years old. Conclusion: It results that youth tend to spend more than three hours on social media, and they are inclined to follow social media influencers based on the similarities they share with them. One of the most relevant findings is their tendency to strongly disagree in considering reality shows characters and politicians as social media influencers.

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The road to nowhere: Loer Kume’s "Snowman"

Author(s): Klementin Mile / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: rhetoric; progression; narrative; ethics; aesthetics;

Background: Ambitious narratives are being produced in Albanian literature usually by young writers who are making a name for themselves and are being honoured for their works by juries and the media alike. However, their ambition, being the drive behind their thematic works, is equally a challenge to rise to. Purpose: This article aims at analysing the reasons for failing to fulfil the literary ambition, as well as to clearly delineate the contribution of such works in their mission as literary narratives. Method: I have chosen to apply rhetorical analysis as developed principally by James Phelan on a tale by the young Albanian writer Loer Kume, for which he was honoured with a prestigious prize in literature, the “Kadare Prize” in 2019. Conclusion: Foregrounding of thematic interest in literature, such as that relating to our attitude to morality, fails to convince the readers when offered with too much guidance and becomes an aesthetic liability.

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Critical thinking development in students during coding in the subject of “information and communication technology”

Author(s): Pranvera Krasniqi,Tomi Treska,Anduela Lile,Andromeda (Keci) Lalaj / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: Critical thinking; coding; programming language; ICT; curriculum;

Background: Coding is solving problems while working. In coding, you must visualize and create map minds of your task or issue and break down the problem into smaller and more manageable parts, so that you can solve them more effectively and efficiently. So overall, coding includes the same process as critical thinking, and that of critical thinking process can be used very well and effectively in coding. Purpose: Exploring the possibilities and perspectives of the interaction between coding and encouraging, also developing critical thinking among students in the 15-18 age group. Evidence of students’ help in diversifying the ways of gaining knowledge and practical skills, as well as enabling young people to be more involved, among the approaches to education in the contemporary educational process. Method: This study is conducted at the “Arif Halil Sulaj” high school, Mamurras. To achieve the study objectives, a field survey was conducted through questionnaires and focus groups, both for teachers and for students of the “Arif Halil Sulaj” high school, Mamurras. Conclusion: Based on the searched results, it was evidenced that coding has a significant impact on increasing the involvement of students in the most active lessons and encouraging critical thinking, enabling them to solve problem situations independently, especially in the subjects of exact sciences. The recommendations determine the need to extend the curriculum in general with coding hours and algorithms as well as the addition of ICT hours in the 11th grade.

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The media research analysis as an approach to investigate the fabrication of an international subject in the news

Author(s): Belina Budini / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: media research analysis; fabrication; international subject; news;

How does the fabrication of an international subject happen in the media? This article focuses on the theoretical framework for media research analysis in the context of the international media coverage of the Western Balkans and Albania as a case study. The theoretical and methodological approach reflects on the media research conducted both in terms of content analysis as well as theoretical and agency analysis. As Philo C. Wasburn puts it in “The social construction of international news”, in the symbolic universe built by the American media, during most of the 20th century and after 1989, the United States were considered not only the center of the greatest world events but were understood as the “natural order” for the American citizen and consumer.

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Online media and broadcasting ethics

Author(s): Xhesjon Zogu / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: Media; online media; ethics; broadcasting; content; interests;

Background: The code of ethics, drafted by a group of local and foreign experts, aimed to establish a certain framework where a distinction was made between what should and should not be broadcast in the media. For many years this code of ethics was respected by most of the traditional media in the country, where quality content and ethics had the main weight during the broadcast. Purpose: This study tries to analyze one of the most common problems in the Albanian media, the transmission of unethical content. The study relies on quantitative and qualitative data, researching both the nature of the content being broadcast and the causes leading to its transmission. Method: In the framework of this study, monitoring was conducted in various online media, and also a survey was conducted with 22 surveyors, to understand if the public needs these contents and what access they have to them.

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Hate Speech and its Impact on Albanian Youth

Author(s): Xhois Kuta / Language(s): English / Issue: 22/2023

Keywords: hate speech; communication; affect; mental health; emotional well-being;

Background: The main topic of this scientific paper is based on what hate speech is, and how it affects young Albanians. The main problem raised in this paper is how hate speech is not much talked about in our everyday lives, and how young people do not have enough information about different examples of hate speech in their everyday lives and therefore not being aware how this can affect their mental health and emotional well – being. Purpose: The hypothesis that this scientific paper is based on is how today’s society faces a current situation of co-existence, where there is a lack of information on hate speech, and how young people (students) do not know how to identify what can be considered hate speech or not. Method: The theoretical basis of this scientific paper focuses on relevant literatures, studies conducted on this topic from all over the world, as well as previous studies focused on Albania, with relevant references. This paper contains the main study conducted by the author, a survey named “Hate speech and its effect on emotional Wellbeing” with open and closed questions, the data of which have been analyzed and interpreted. Conclusion: The creation of new platforms where young people can be informed about hate speech, report experiences is a necessary need.

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STUDY ABROAD AND PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ GLOBAL COMPETENCE

Author(s): Ching-Ching Cheng,Kuo Hung Huang / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: multicultural society; educational systems; inclusive world;

Globalization has made the world a more interdependent and multicultural society. Global issues, including regional conflicts, pandemics, and climate change, affect human life across boundaries and cultures and require people to collaborate in solving problems. Under this context, teachers with a global perspective and diverse values can enhance students' world views, foster respect for difference, and develop responsibility for a more sustainable and inclusive world. Thus, the need for professional development to prepare teachers to be globally competent has been extensively recognized. Recently, the study abroad program as an effective means of developing global competence has been increasingly researched and implemented in teacher education program (Huang et al., 2023; Okken et al., 2019). Unlike stand-alone training courses, studying abroad provides immersive opportunities for participants to expose themselves to different educational systems and cultures. Such intercultural encounter experiences can broaden teachers’ pedagogical repositories and skills to teach diverse students, enhance understanding of global issues, and facilitate reflection on personal and professional identities.

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CONTRIBUTIONS OF LAKATOSIAN THEORY TO THE EVALUATION OF EXPLANATORY MODELS OF INTERMOLECULAR FORCES MADE BY UPPER-SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Author(s): Ana Carolina Gomes Miranda,Maurícius Selvero Pazinato / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: London force and dipole-dipole interactions; progressive transition; chemistry teaching;

The focus of the present study is the learning processes of concepts related to hydrogen bonds, which were developed using a didactic sequence (DS). Based on the perspective of Imre Lakatos, it was observed whether the explanatory models created by upper-secondary students form progressive transition sequences, which are similar to what Lakatos, in his text The History of Science, calls a “problem” that increases the explanatory/heuristic power of the model. To evaluate the evolution of these models, which generally consist of progressive transitions, four phases were developed: 1) the categorization of answers obtained in the DS in Realist, Empiricist or Rationalist zones, as well as an attribution of scores; 2) the determination of a score range for said zones; 3) hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and 4) an analysis of the progressive transition of the explanatory models. A continuous review of the ideas expressed by the students during their learning of the subject revealed that a significant share of students progressed conceptually. In a general way, it can be said that the activities developed in the DS contributed substantially to the progressive transition of the explanatory models made by most students. Furthermore, the approach of the DS toward the subject of hydrogen bonds allowed the students to interpret the phenomena studied using their knowledge of Chemistry.

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PREDICTIVE POWER OF BIOLOGY TEACHER’S SELF-EFFICACY ON ACCEPTABILITY AND APPLICATION OF VIRTUAL AND HANDS-ON DISSECTIONS

Author(s): Veronika Havlíčková,Andrej Šorgo,Martin Bílek / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: biology lessons; biology teachers; hands-on dissection; teacher self-efficacy; virtual dissection;

Hands-on dissections of animals are traditionally regarded as an essential part of biology education. Nowadays, regardless of the reported educational benefits, there is a gradual change in the concept and acceptance of hands-on dissection, leading in many cases to its abandonment in schools and its replacement with alternatives such as 3D models, figurines, plastination and computer-based alternatives. However, the position of hands-on dissection has recently been challenged, mostly by computer-supported alternatives. The aim of the study was to explore whether teacher self-efficacy can be recognized as a predictor of the application of the different kinds of animals in hands-on and virtual dissections in Biology lessons. Based on responses from 405 Czech Biology teachers there are differences in the acceptability and implementation of organisms for hands-on and virtual dissection. It was established, that self-efficacy is not a predictor of either the acceptability of organisms or actual behaviour in both variants of dissection.

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INTEREST OF THE PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS IN THE ALCOHOL-RELATED ISSUES

Author(s): Anatolii Ivanchuk,Tetiana Zuziak,Oksana Marushchak,Viktor Solovei,Iryna Krasylnykova,Vitalii Hlukhaniuk,Viktor Krupka / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: alcohol-related phenomena; cognitive interest; integrated approach; narrative approach; safe behavior;

A typical didactic problem associated with teaching the discipline "Health, Safety, and Fundamentals of Occupational Safety" is the low level of student interest in the content of the educational material. The purpose of the study was a critical comprehension of the results of using narratives about alcohol phenomena in the process of studying a specific topic of this discipline by students of a pedagogical higher education institution. Two hundred and forty-six first-year students of Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University took part in the experiment. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that contained eight questions about alcohol phenomena. The level of students' interest in the educational material at the beginning and at the end of the academic year was assessed to determine the reliability of the shift in its features in the experimental and control groups. The significance of the shift in the values of cognitive interest indicators for students of the experimental and control groups was assessed using the G-sign test. The theoretical framework covered the integration of psychological and medical knowledge around the process of forming alcohol addiction. According to the results of the study, the experimental group showed an increase in cognitive interest in the new content of the educational material. The results of the study may be of international importance if they are used to educate students to consciously choose their own range of acceptable alcohol consumption.

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EXPLORING CURRENT TRENDS IN EDUCATION: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH TOPICS IN THE PROBLEMS OF EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY JOURNAL

Author(s): Haris Memišević,Inga Biščević,Azur Kuduzović,Selmir Hadžić / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: content analysis; scientific journals; Problems of Education in the 21st Century; research topics;

Scientific journals play a critical role in disseminating knowledge, and staying up to date with research findings in a particular field can be challenging given the vast number of journals and research topics available. Therefore, there is a need for researchers to occasionally summarize the main research topics in order to help fellow researchers navigate the contents more effectively. In this context, this article aims to review the research topics published in the Problems of Education in the 21st Century journal between 2018 and 2022. A total of 285 abstracts were retrieved from the Web of Science database and analyzed to identify the most common research topics and the contributing countries. The top 10 research topics identified were self-efficacy, distance education, professional development, critical thinking, foreign language, thinking skills, Covid-19, academic achievement, emotional intelligence, and special education. The authors of the papers came from 62 countries, with most of the papers coming from Türkiye, South Africa, Indonesia, Brazil, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Sweden, Lithuania, and Serbia. In conclusion, this study highlights the relevance and diversity of research topics in the Problems of Education in the 21st Century journal, underscoring the need for a nuanced, context-specific approach to education research. The findings of this study have important implications for researchers, policymakers, and educators seeking to address the key challenges and opportunities facing education in the 21st century.

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REFLECTIVE PRACTICE: THE ONLINE TEACHING QUALITY IN THE TIME OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Author(s): Jelena Ž. Maksimović,Sanja R. Sretić,Jelena Osmanović Zajić / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: contemporary teacher; Covid-19 pandemic; quality of online teaching; reflective practice;

This research is focused on the necessity to determine the impact of reflective practice on the quality of teaching conducted by means of various network platforms since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this research was to examine teachers’ attitudes towards the applicative potentials of reflective practice considering the improvement of online teaching and learning. These attitudes were studied by means of the empirical method, i.e. the quantitative research method and the scaling technique. The sample comprised Serbian primary school teachers and was voluntary. The results of the research showed that teachers’ reflective practice influenced the quality of online teaching during the pandemic. The findings proved that the influence of reflective practice on the quality of online teaching was recognized by primary school teachers, but that it was not applied consistently and accordingly by all teachers. The obtained results confirmed that for the reflective practice to become an inherent attribute of contemporary teachers, it would be necessary that it be acquired both as part of teachers’ university education and their continuous professional training. There has been little research on reflective practice and its impact on the quality of teaching. Therefore, this study contributes to a further understanding of the reflective practice aspects that directly influence online teaching within the framework of the Serbian educational system.

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