Search

Social work education is faced with the serious challenges of adequately reflecting the main trends of practical activity oriented towards individual target groups. In this context, the essential characteristics and specific features of social work with unemployed persons as a mandatory element and basic form for the realization of the functions of social protection in case of unemployment, should be adequately reflected in the content of the training of future specialists. The article examines the conceptual view of social work with unemployed persons as a certain sequence of social activities and a variety of social interventions aimed at individuals, families or certain groups with the aim of material support and employment creation. Focusing on the content characteristics of social work with this target group as a sequence of targeted social activities differentiated by various criteria in the individual components of the unemployment protection system, the research focuses on systematizing basic requirements for the content of training in the professional direction “Social Activities”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses theoretical and practical dimensions of the value approach in education and practice of social work. Theoretically, the importance of values and human rights in the social sciences and in particular in the training of students in social work and in the professional realization of social workers is justified. The results of an empirical study on human rights as fundamental values in social work are also presented and analyzed. On this basis, conclusions and recommendations for improving the academic training and the continuing qualification of professionals in the field of social work are formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is aimed at bringing out the relevancy of postmodernism in understanding the phenomenon of elder abuse. The article which is based on review of the available literature on postmodernism and elder abuse argues that postmodernism is an eye opener in understanding elder abuse. It relevancy in understanding elder abuse rises in its beliefs of recognition of multiplicity, complexity, dynamism, context specificity and having grounded knowledge about any social phenomenon. The article argues further that such relevancy has significant implications on frontline workers like social workers who deal with elder abuse situations. Limitations of postmodernism with regard to understanding elder abuse are also provided.

This article presents results from research on preferences of social work students (n=60) towards particular methods and forms when practicing their profession. A conceptual model has been applied, where measurements and analysis lead to identification of two methodological orientations: micro- and macro-orientation. Based on research data conclussions are made about the profile of the students' interests for practicing the social work profession in particular areas and settings. Presented analysis concludes that social work education prepares professionals with profiles relevant to the needs of social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the legal framework in the country in terms of the possibilities, regulations and conditions for the implementation of integrated (extracurricular or extracurricular) activities combining formal and non-formal education. A leading method for the qualitative study is the analysis of documents, which in this case covers the fields of educational and social legislation. On this basis, the various forms, and activities for more individualized and differentiated activities are analyzed in parallel as pedagogical but also as a specific type of social work in support of their interests and stakes, as well as for their personal and professional development. the opportunities of non-formal education and social work to support the education system and its institutions in unity. Special attention is also paid to the contribution of non-formal education to the objectives of social work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the changes in the mathematics curriculum. The place of Combinatorics in new curriculum is considered. An idea for geometric modeling application is proposed for solving combinatory problems. Three different types of models are suggested. The proposed idea is applicable for differentiation on training, for implementation on a project-based approach, and for working in the extracurricular education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main priorities of our country's state policy is to facilitate the smooth transition of students into the workforce, ensuring their successful integration into the labor market. A viable solution to this challenge lies in the effective organization of practical training, which guarantees a comprehensive immersion in real work processes. Research Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the satisfaction levels of students specializing in "Social Activities" within the Department of "Medical-Social Sciences" at South-West University "Neofit Rilski" regarding the organization and implementation of their practical training. The research focuses on gathering the opinions of the class of 2020 students who have completed their practical training. A total of 58 respondents, including both full-time and part-time students, participated in the survey. The survey comprises 13 questions designed to gauge students' satisfaction with their practical training experience. The questionnaire can be divided into four sections, the first three of which correspond to specific criteria and their respective measures. The final question allows trainees to freely express their opinions about the value of the practical training. The assessment system for evaluating trainees' satisfaction consists of three criteria, each measured through a qualitative evaluation of several relevant indicators. In total, the system includes 12 indicators. The analysis of the survey results clearly indicates an overwhelmingly positive overall assessment by the interns, satisfying all three stakeholders: the students themselves, the mentors, and the academic supervisor. However, the analysis also identified certain areas of concern that require further attention and improvement in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Following a flood, public health risks increase significantly due to the complication of the epidemiological situation and prevention measures are needed. Aim of the research: Analysis of methods for prevention related to the behavior of the population, as a modern approach to protection of public health. Material and methods: Through a survey, descriptive and comparative methods analyzed the attitude to antiepidemic measures of 306 respondents (employees of specialized institutions and the population) from Plovdiv, Pazardzhik and September after the flood along the Maritsa River. Results: The survey shows that 98.1% of respondents are aware of the risk of gastrointestinal diseases after a flood. Over 96% of the respondents prefer the intake of bottled water, but 60% of them would not drink boiled water and water delivered with water carriers. Respondents from institutions responsible for anti-epidemic measures rescue , humanitarian activities and another workplace, would not use skin protection products in case of flooding. Over 83% of respondents refuse to consult a doctor regarding measures to prevent gastrointestinal diseases despite the risks. Conclusions: The results of the study is regardless of place of work, education, age and gender, people are aware of the risk of gastrointestinal diseases after a flood, but are reluctant to take all measures to protect their health. By not complying with the anti-epidemic measures, the respondents put their own health at risk. There is a need to increase the preparation of the population and the representatives of various institutions. Conclusion: Floods are associated with a risk of an increase in gastrointestinal diseases among the population. Prevention is the best approach of protecting public health. To be effective, preventive measures must involve both institutions and the population. With a developed legal framework and functioning institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is aimed at clarifying one of the essential aspects in the professional profile of the social pedagogue, namely his educational role and functions. The work of the social pedagogue is primarily aimed at helping people, groups, communities at risk in the direction of improving the quality of life, social inclusion, self-realization. Therefore, the training of the specialists to provide educational support is essential for their success. The material examines different approaches to structuring the profile of social pedagogues, including philosophy, competence and culture, and, based on theoretical and empirical data, their content elements are argued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to present within the context of urban-rural migration the role of mobility between the village and the city in structuring the everyday life of the household members in the implementation of different activities related to work, education, leisure, social contacts and consumer practices. Therefore, various examples of mobility patterns of individuals and families in active age – some commuting daily and others visiting the city several times a month, some travelling short distances and others visiting more remote locations – are presented. From a theoretical point of view, in the article, migration is not perceived as a “movement from one place to another” (according to the classical migration definition) but as socio-spatial lifestyle strategies and practices of multi-place connectedness based of variable engagements with rural and urban activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study aimed at identifying and analyzing the conceptual frameworks and dynamics of the steadily growing research interest in the transformative potential of non-formal education. The main research question addresses the leading features of the identified conceptual and thematic interlink, correlation between non-formal education and transformative learning, as it has developed over the past 2 decades. The methodology of the study combines bibliometric analysis and literature review of a broad range of selected samples of articles, scientific reports and books (based on data available in Scopus) after 2000. The analysis of the data has clearly demonstrated that, during the period under review, the interrelationships between transformative learning and nonformal education has been in the focus of research increasing quantitative dimensions and an expanding holistic conceptual scope. The latter relates primarily to the field of lifelong learning by adults and young adults with a focus on education for sustainable development. These conclusions give ground to expectations that non-formal education will continue to set innovative directions for transformative learning and development [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic chemistry is one of the most difficult topics for students from High school Chemistry. The current study aims to identify the actual learning difficulties in organic chemistry (at the basic level) of 15 – 16 years old Bulgarian students in 9th grade. An online diagnostic test consisting of 29 test items is used as an instrument for data collection. The test has been validated by experts. The reliability of the test (Cronbach‘s alpha) is a = 0,89. A total of 379 students (211 girls and 168 boys) from 15 schools participated in the study. Results reveal Chemical processes & Experiment and research as most problematic areas for students. Most students are unable to: represent chemical reactions using equations (59%); predict and explain the structure-properties relationship (58%); determine types of organic reactions (54%); represent structures of organic molecules (52%); plan chemical experiments (52%). Retrieving and evaluating chemical information from graphs and diagrams is most difficult for students (60%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humility is a concept that is most often explained in religious and philosophical terms. In recent decades, there has been an increased interest in specific manifestations of humility as a virtue in the fields of medicine, social sciences and education. The article aims to discuss contemporary interpretations of humility in a pedagogical context, focusing on the views of Western educators and scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to study the attitudes of students in "Management of medical and social activities and public health" at the Medical University of Plovdiv, on the role of medical and social services in the struggle with alcoholism in Bulgaria. A qualitative research method was used. The study found a positive attitude of the participants to the activities of informal organizations in the struggle with addictions in our country and a negative assessment of the state's participation in the whole process. They are aware of the importance and role of medical and social services in this struggle, which should influence their future work as social workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 epidemic has prompted higher education institutions to move to e-learning, regardless of their technological, organizational and pedagogical readiness. E-learning is usually conducted through virtual learning environments. They provide a set of tools for creating and publishing e-resources, conducting real-time video lectures, providing organizational information about learning, assessment, communication, uploading of students‘ work electronically, assessment by peers, work in different distribution and size groups of students, tracking personal progress of each student and the quality of the course as a whole. Despite the benefits of elearning, most participants experience feelings such "isolation", "lack of relationship with colleagues", "emotional coldness". This is especially evident for students from Arts and Humanities specialties. The present paper offers a possible solution of this problem based on the integration of virtual worlds in the VLE system. Second Life was chosen as the platform, which provides many free opportunities in a variety of educational contexts. Some of them are: the teachers are part of the learning group; participants learn together and from each other; sense of community/atmosphere; independence of the learning process from time and space; exchange of ideas; social life; multisensory interaction; self-construction of identity through an avatar; creating a learning context; easy access to various learning resources. Pedagogical foundation of educational usage of SL is based on the paradigm of social constructivism of Lev Vygotsky. Learning process in SL is based on learning from other people, through other people and through interaction with the environment (virtual and social). Based on this paradigm, SL implements a number of learning approaches: inquiry learning, experiential learning, learning through collaboration and interaction, authentic learning, learning through role-playing games and simulations, gamification. The very nature of SL encourages authentic learning, in which the student acquire new knowledge and updates existing ones by performing actions in a close to real professional environment, for which he prepares and solves real problems in the field of his or her future profession. The lack of real contact and the transition to fully e-distance learning caused by COVID-19 create psychological challenges for students and university tutors that can be overcome by integrating virtual worlds into the learning process. In this paper, we will propose a model for integration of SL in fully distance learning course for students from humanitarian specialties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research aiming to identify social work students’ attitudes towards application of a co-supervision model in social work practical training. The content and organizational-technological specifics of different models of social work supervision with students are analysed, and their main characteristics are outlined. The methodology used corresponds to the purpose and the specificity of the research. The results of the analysis of empirical data reveal a sustainable tendency to express the positive attitudes of the respondents towards applying a co-supervision model. The contribution of the developed technological construction for improving the quality and effectiveness of the social work practical training, the acquisition of competences in the professional field and the development of the students is highlight. The organizational, technological and practical-applied dignities of the model and the opportunities for its development in the modern dynamic educational, professional and social context are presenting [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents results of a survey on preferences of social workers (n=256) for different levels of practicing the profession. A conceptual model which explains and supports categories of direct and indirect social work was used. This way the measurements and the analysis lead to an establishment of a quantitative appearance of two methodological orientations of the survey participants: micro-and macro-practical orientation. According to the results of the survey some summarizing and conclusions about the preferences of the professionals for a definite type of practicing were made. The analysis leads also to a conclusion about the accordance between estimated methodological orientation and the needs of a real practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At a time when higher education is modernizing and becoming more dependent on technology, the paradigm of master's degree in allied health specialties such as speech-language pathology (SLP) and social work (SW) requires decisive and urgent change. The development of information technologies prompts revisioning the preparation of distance education (DE) curricula in these health disciplines. Allied health professions, including SLP and SW, need to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies in graduate student education. This article presents a theoretical overview and subsequent analysis of the existing paradigm in a number of countries, focusing on the role of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the implementation of DE at the master's degree level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend of escalation of the number of children with special educational needs, in resource centers data, increases the importance of resource specialists in this field. This relatively new professional field already has its successes, but there is more to be done to be more effective and useful. The special features of supervision convert it into a possible alternative form of solving problems with professional orientation and future professional achievements in the study area. The established efficiency of supervision in international aspect makes it attractive, but the sudden implementation could cause significant disruptions. The study of attitudes and ratio to supervision in its future fields of activity will not only facilitate eventual entry, but also a prerequisite for the quality of its offering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]