Search

The existence of an object, non-superimposable on its mirror image, constitutes the phenomenon of chirality. This phenomenon is often treated as a curiosity without broader practical consequences. This paper aims to show the significant implications of chirality for chemistry and biology. Chirality is inherent to all living organisms and is essential for their function. For instance, biomolecules are composed of chiral building blocks (amino acids, monosaccharides), which are chiral and occur predominantly with one sense of handedness (homochirality of life). The explanation of the evolution of the homochirality of life therefore helps answer one of the important questions connected with the origin of life.. The paper concludes with a section devoted to current Czech stereochemical terminology. An experimental procedure describing the isolation of carvone enantiomers from natural sources is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recording, reporting, and use of data on school attendance and absence (DSAA) play a crucial role in understanding attendance and addressing absence in educational systems worldwide. However, a comprehensive grasp of the diverse approaches adopted across and within different countries has remained elusive. To address this knowledge gap, the International Network for School Attendance (INSA) facilitated this special issue providing an in-depth investigation into DSAA practices in 13 countries. This opening paper serves two purposes. First, it lays the conceptual groundwork for readers before they delve into the recording, reporting, and use of DSAA in different countries. Second, it presents key insights that emerge from the diverse array of contributions and a discussion of challenges and opportunities for the field. These include the substantial inconsistencies within and across countries; the pressing need for standardised best practices for recording, reporting, and using data; and the importance of embracing technological advancements to enhance the use of data. We envisage that the collective effort of the 40 authors involved in this special issue will enrich knowledge, enhance collaboration, and create real-world impact by enabling interested parties to develop, use, and evaluate data-driven strategies related to attendance and absence. By working together to address challenges and seize opportunities related to DSAA, we help young people access the education they rightfully deserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of technical concepts is a prerequisite for science education. Education cannot proceed satisfactorily unless the teacher and the pupil have the same (or at least very similar) conceptions of the same content under the same word. The process of concept acquisition (crystallization) starts with motivation (the pupil’s willingness to acquire the concept), proceeds through isolated models and their generalization to generic models and abstraction. In this paper, one of the pathways by which crystallization can be fostered, i.e., systematic work with isolated models, is presented. Examples representing typical models, atypical models and apparent models are sought for basic systematic categories (classification of birds, fish, etc.). For reference purposes, QR codes linking to worksheets for teachers and pupils are embedded in the paper. This method can be recommended for practicing the understanding of all taxonomic categories as well as other abstract scientific concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolysis has long been a well-known and relatively widespread process in education at primary and secondary schools, which is used mainly as a demonstration experiment in front of students. We most often encounter simpler applications (for example, electrolysis of water or sodium or copper (II) chloride solution). This paper is focused on the lesser-known electrolysis of aqueous solutions of metal salts, which precipitate in a crystalline form in the form of micro trees (dendrites) when an electric current passes through it. For example, dendrites of tin, lead, silver, or copper, which differ in shape, can be prepared in this way. Dendrites are stable and can be easily isolated from a solution. The purpose of the paper is to bring electrolysis closer to high school students, which is effective and very interesting for them, but at the same time financially inexpensive and saves time, because these crystallizations take place in minutes and students can directly observe the nascent product. The paper also evaluates selected conditions (the influence of the substances used and their concentration in a solution, size of applied voltage, electrode material), which can have a fundamental influence on the rate of crystal formation or their shape and size. The theoretical background of electrolysis is mentioned only marginally in the paper, because it is quite extensive, complex, and not crucial for the given matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Speciální Pedagogika is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Speciální Pedagogika is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Most woody plants belonging to the order Pinales have needles. Their anatomy has adapted to external conditions – mainly the deficit of water during winter. In cross section, the needles are different in shape, but the leaf anatomy of coniferous species is quite similar. However, there are inter-species differences in arrangement of hypodermis, in the type of mesophyll, in the number and arrangement of resin ducts, and in the number of vascular bundles. Needles are a suitable material for Biology lectures. Their advantage is their availability every season of the year. This paper offers some options for the observation of needle anatomy, recognition of species differences, and the use of an anatomical identification key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Orbis Scholae is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The existence of an object, non-superimposable on its mirror image, constitutes the phenomenon of chirality. This phenomenon is often treated as a curiosity without broader practical consequences. This paper aims to show the significant implications of chirality for chemistry and biology. Chirality is inherent to all living organisms and is essential for their functioning. For instance, biomolecules are composed of chiral building blocks (amino acids, monosaccharides), which are chiral and occur predominantly with one sense of handedness (homochirality of life). The explanation of the evolution of the homochirality of life is therefore one of the important questions connected with the origin of life. The paper also shows why asymmetry with respect to mirror reflection is a general attribute of our world. Historical milestones in the scientific reflection on chirality are also presented, starting with the French crystallographers of the late 18th century, through the work of Pasteur, the fundamentals of organic stereochemistry postulated by van 't Hoff and Le Bel, the elucidation of a structure of monosaccharides by Fischer, and ending with the discovery of the absolute configuration of a molecule and the confirmation of parity violation of weak interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the World Health Organization, the well-being of university students is essential for students’ collective and individual ability to think, perceive emotions, cooperate with each other, earn a living and experience the joy of life. From this point of view, both the protection and restoration of mental health and the development of the student’s well-being should be of fundamental interest not only to individuals, but especially to communities and societies around the world. The paper presents the possible ways to actively support the health and well-being of students during distance learning at Czech universities and colleges, as specifi c institutions; comprehensively, beyond a circumscribed focus on student academics (e.g. student motivation), to the systematic development of the academic well-being of all students (e.g. building up well-being through the adoption of the principles of a healthy lifestyle). The paper presents methodological recommendations that are aimed at actively supporting the health and well-being of university students during distance learning. Specifi c recommendations are provided for each context with reference to nine routes to well-being: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, physical health, environment, mindset, and economic security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School attendance problems (SAPs) are a worldwide concern due to their significant impact on students' development. SAPs may vary across countries depending on the effectiveness of policy measures for prevention and care, the functioning of the educational systems, and the cultural and social environments, among others. According to the latest PISA results, 6.5% of Spanish students were absent from school once or twice per week. In Scotland, school absence rates increased from 7% to 8% from the 2018-2019 to 2020-2021 academic year even after accounting for COVID-19 related absences. This paper draws on official documents and statistics to investigate SAPs in Spain and Scotland, considering differences in the structure of the education system, approaches to recording absences in schools, strengths, and weaknesses of each system. It sets the scene by describing the educational context, the conceptualization of absenteeism, recording procedures, reporting issues and data in Spain and Scotland. The paper demonstrates that these countries have different ways of reporting and making this information available. Finally, comments on lessons learned and suggestions for policy and research relating to absenteeism are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing body of literature on school attendance, there is relatively little known about the different approaches that are used to define, record, and report school attendance across countries. This paper seeks to fill this literature gap by providing a policy analysis of how attendance and absenteeism are defined, measured and reported in Australia. This paper explores how school attendance is conceptualised in Australia, with a specific focus on New South Wales where the author resides. The analysis examines what indicators of absence are recorded and how schools along with education authorities make use of this data. The national setting of goals to improve the educational outcomes of all Australian young people has been a driver behind the collection and public reporting of attendance data. This policy analysis highlights the multilateral achievement of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments in Australia to nationally align the collecting and reporting of school attendance data. This has elevated the importance of attendance beyond an administrative task to its current position as a key performance indicator of school effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can chemical experiments also motivate students during distance learning if experiments that students are able to perform at home are selected? This paper presents the results of a research survey concerning the attitudes of 2nd-year grammar school students to home chemical experiments performed during distance learning. The paper also includes instructions for specific validated experiments, applicable in the home environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Speciální Pedagogika is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Výtvarná Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Výtvarná Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Practical exercises should form an essential component of high-quality first aid courses. However, incorporating them into school curricula often encounters several challenges. Among the most prevalent issues are the insufficient availability of resources, primarily resuscitation mannequins, and the relatively large class sizes. These factors can result in limited space for effective hands-on exercises for every student within a single class session. To address this, one potential solution involves dividing the students into smaller groups. In this approach, the teacher can focus individually on guiding practical exercises for one group, while the remaining students engage in alternate activities, such as completing independent worksheets. The groups can subsequently rotate, ensuring that all students receive dedicated attention during the lesson. Consequently, the objective of our research was to develop a collection of educational tasks designed to be compiled into worksheets, facilitating independent work among students. We devised a total of nine distinct task types, presented in four different variations (yielding a total of 36 tasks), and organized them into four comprehensive worksheets. Subsequently, we evaluated the practicality of these worksheets through a trial involving 86 elementary school pupils. The assessment questionnaire indicated that the tasks were highly practical, comprehensible, suitably challenging, and relatively enjoyable, according to the feedback from the students. The paper contains more detailed information about the evaluation process, as well as a link to download all of the prepared worksheets, including the author’s solutions and methodological recommendations for teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fieldwork education is a mandatory part of the educational process in Czechia. Within the framework of education, it is also recommended to use interdisciplinary (intersubject) relationships. However, such fieldwork education, which would ac- centuate this interdisciplinarity, is often absent from the conceptual strategy of schools in Czechia, or interdisciplinary links are often implemented randomly in fieldwork education. Their educational potential is used only to a small extent. The aim of this paper is to describe the didactic concept of the Geocamp summer school, which took place in July 2023 in the Ralsko National Geopark with the participation of experts from GeoCamp Iceland and, from a didactic point of view, focused precisely on the development of interdisciplinary relationships within the framework of fieldwork education and mainly in the educational area of Man and Nature at the elementary school level (ISCED level 2). Emphasis was also placed on the connection with the cross-cutting topic of Environmental Education (formation of a relationship to a place). The teaching is based on the constructivist concept; it is also based on the concept of inquiry-based learning and conceptual learning, uses various forms of fieldwork, and is aimed at fulfilling cognitive, conative, but also affective educational goals and the development of several important student competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Výtvarná Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Hudební Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Computer simulations are a good example of the use of ICT in teaching science subjects. They allow students to have a more detailed view of the principle of the real system under study and thus offer new possibilities to support teaching. However, with the increasing availability of online simulations, the problem of selecting them for a specific teaching situation arises. This paper focuses on the mapping of criteria for the evaluation of computer simulations, using the example of electrolysis and galvanic cell as important representatives of the electrochemistry curriculum. The evaluation criteria were selected based on the analysis of several research studies conducted in the field of the application of simulations to chemistry teaching. These criteria were then used to evaluate the cocreated online available simulations of electrolysis and galvanic cell. From the results of the fulfillment of the selected criteria, computer simulations for teaching electrochemistry in high school are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses carnivorous plants in biology education. It presents the results of a content analysis of the Czech curriculum and textbooks for teaching the thematic area of Plant Botany intended for students of secondary education. The aim of the research was to find out whether specific teaching about carnivorous plants is present in these documents and, if they are, to clarify its nature. Eighteen textbooks for the second level of primary school and two textbooks for upper secondary schools were analyzed. The results of the content analysis show that the concept of carnivorous plants does not exist in the Framework Educational Program for Primary Education, but there are themes that can be developed through the teaching of carnivorous plants. In 67% of the textbooks for primary education there was at least one mention of carnivorous plants, with the most frequent mention being of the round-leaved sundew as a plant found in Czech peat bogs, followed by information on how they “hunt”, what other functions the leaves have, or “why these plants are carnivorous”. Both textbooks analyzed for secondary schools contained brief information about carnivorous plants. The results showed no association between the frequency of information on carnivorous plants and the number of pages, valid Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports endorsement, the designated year, the year of first publication, and the authors of the textbooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hudební Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The goal of this paper is to present a peer project aimed at promoting student wellbeing. It is based on an analysis of the susceptibility to stress of students from different study fi elds (Tošnerová, Tošner, 2002) and published results of international authors – e.g. Reddy, Menon, Thattil (2018), Böke, Mills, Mettler, Heath (2019). The project focuses on salutoprotective resources applicable in the university environment in various situations (e.g. in the prevention of academic failure, development of selected life competences, with an emphasis on the promotion of self-effi cacy, etc.); it is then modifi ed in practice with regard to the specifi cs of particular students (from a particular fi eld of study) so that based on the given survey, students receive specifi c recommendations aimed at preventing those stressors that are typical for that particular target group. The project is based on the principle of the peer interaction of university students studying to be wellness specialists and is signifi cantly linked to real-life practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School attendance problems (SAPs) among young people in compulsory education appear to be increasing in Finland. A recent report showed that, according to school personnel, there are at minimum 4 thousand (2-3%) lower secondary students with SAPs, and the problem is perceived to be growing. To tackle SAPs, local action plans have been developed, most commonly by schools or education providers. Going forward, a key issue for schools and education providers is the way in which data on school attendance/absence is gathered and used. This paper provides and overview of the current approaches to recording, reporting, and utilizing school absenteeism data in Finland. In addition, we present the recent development work initiated to respond to identified challenges in these areas. Current challenges concerning SAPs are: (a) creating shared definitions/categories of problematic school absenteeism, (b) updating and clarifying national guidelines concerning the recording and reporting of absenteeism, (c) creating a shared systematic data collection procedure to collect local and national statistics, and (d) developing the utilisation of evidence-based practices at school and municipal levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the recording, reporting, and use of data pertaining to school attendance and absence in England. To establish a foundation, we outline the educational context in England, alongside an explanation of the legal framework guiding the collection and use of attendance and absence data. Subsequently, we elucidate the definition and documentation of various types of absence in England, the methodologies employed for data collection and dissemination, as well as the utilisation of this data for benchmarking purposes. Notably, attendance serves as a key performance indicator for schools, Trusts, and Local Authorities, aiming to improve the educational outcomes of young people. Through a critical examination of the current policy and practice in England concerning data on school attendance and absence, we identify strengths and weaknesses. Based on our findings, we propose additional actions to improve the consistency of data collection and foster the effective reporting and use of data to support prompt responses as needed. Through these suggestions, our endeavour is to drive continuous improvement and optimise outcomes for young people in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chile, attendance is recognized as an important component of school quality and educational equity. The Chilean education system has clear, standardized definitions that apply country-wide, and a good registration system for school attendance that compiles national databases containing student-level, daily attendance, absences, and withdrawals for all children attending public schools. Moreover, these data are publicly available via open access, which allows the entire education community and the Ministry of Education access to all schools' data in an organized, centralized manner. These data contribute to ongoing scholarship about the impacts of attendance and absenteeism on education outcomes. In practice, schools use attendance data to monitor progress toward goals. The Ministry of Education uses data to calculate and pay school subsidies that are linked directly to average monthly attendance in accordance with Chilean law, and to classify schools into categories of education quality. Chilean Fundación Educacional Oportunidad uses attendance data and continuous quality improvement methods to promote attendance and prevent chronic absenteeism with more than 150 schools via a regional Learning Network. Meanwhile, the Learning Network fills an important gap by repurposing the nationally reported data to calculate and focus on individual-level attendance and by creating opportunities for practitioners to learn together how to promote attendance and prevent chronic absenteeism. This paper describes the context of Chile and its educational system; the definition, recording, reporting and use of attendance data; and the methods, outcomes and lessons learned by the regional Learning Network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on a literature review and subsequent analysis of found publications published in the years 2000–2020 which showed an increasing trend in the use of mobile applications in science teaching and the current issues of using mobile applications as a support tool for science teaching. One of the main reasons for the use of mobile applications in science teaching is the modernization of teaching methods, to expand knowledge, to evaluate and test knowledge, to engage students and so on. Based on these conclusions, a search was made of available mobile applications that can be used to support the teaching of chemistry on the Google Play, Microsoft Store, and App Store platforms and their didactic analysis focused on their content and interactivity. The structure of the atom was chosen as the thematic area, which is especially demanding in initial chemical education for the creation of mental models. The use of visualizations in mobile applications can facilitate this situation or, conversely, lead to misconceptions. There are mobile applications on the market that are suitable for teaching. After entering the keyword “atom”, there is a large number of applications on the menu and it is necessary to select the most suitable one according to the specific educational goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with an experiment during the bachelor’s study at the Department of Chemistry, FPE UWB in Pilsen and its importance for the training of future chemistry teachers. The focus of the work is in the organization and content of laboratory exercises in organic chemistry. This ranges from the classic concept of laboratory exercises to procedures appropriate to current legislation and pursuing economic and environmental considerations. The exercises are spread over six working days and include work with smaller quantities of substances in addition to macro scale work. Particular attention is paid to the preparation of ethyl acetate using the classical method, including analysis of the individual steps of the procedure. A modified esterification procedure suitable for use in secondary education is also mentioned. In addition to work based on synthesis, the isolation of natural substances is also applied. Much attention is paid to the work on the stabbing and chromatographic methods. The importance of quoted sources for a deeper understanding of the incremental problems of certain procedures is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Speciální Pedagogika is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Speciální Pedagogika is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Speciální Pedagogika is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Within the order Neuroptera (net-winged insects), we find aquatic larvae in two families: lance lacewings (Osmylidae) and spongillaflies (Sisyridae). The giant lacewing (Osmylus fulvicephalus) is the only species of the Osmylidae in the Czech Republic. The adults are diurnal or crepuscular weak-flying insects which mostly prey on small invertebrates, supplementing their diet with some pollen. Eggs are deposited in damp places, usually near fresh water. Adults have transparent spotted wings, and short, thin antennae. They have two compound eyes, as well as three ocelli in-between. Giant lacewing larvae have peculiar mouthparts which look like a thin forceps with the ends bending outwards. The body is elongated and slender and terminates in two extensible graspers bearing tiny hooks; these are used to aid in locomotion and to grasp prey. The larvae are associated with damp, mossy habitats and are amphibious. They hunt small invertebrate prey, from which they suck the body fluids with their mouthparts. Giant lacewing larvae are best collected by picking through mosses and stones along the edges of streams. The forewings of adult spongillaflies (Sisyridae) have a span of 4-10 millimeters, and their wings are grayish or brownish, folded like a roof The sessile eggs of Sisyridae are laid singly, or in groups, on objects that overhang water. Their water larvae have spindly legs, long antennae, and flexible, threadlike mouthparts. However, the second and third instars carry seven pairs of jointed, movable tracheal gills beneath their plump abdomens. Sisyridae larvae probe sponges with their long, flexible mouthparts. They are believed to feed exclusively on freshwater sponges, and they are unique among the Neuroptera in having segmented abdominal gills that function for breathing. After feeding and development, the mature larvae swim to the shore, attach to objects close to the water, and spin double-layered cocoons within which they pupate. Rearing Sisyridae larvae in the lab can be complicated due to the difficulty of keeping their sponge host and food source alive. Larval Sisyridae can be collected via a variety of methods, including taking them by hand from sponges, using benthic samplers in lo tic habitats. This paper describes the conditions for rather short-term rearing of the larvae of lance lacewings and spongilla flies and some ideas for experiments and observations in a school aquarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hudební Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Transition to school lays the foundation for development of children throughout the school year. It is a research topic of interest across many countries including China. Extant reviews on transition to school mainly addressed international research written in English, however, the major foci and research findings of Chinese research were not included. This review included 131 international studies and 113 Chinese studies on school readiness and transition to school, from 1999 to 2021, to identify major foci and findings of both international and Chinese research on this topic. A considerable of overlap of foci and consistent findings between international and Chinese transition research were found in this review. The unique focus of Chinese research on psychological pressure of children in transition to school and its implication were discussed. Differences of methods adopted in international and Chinese studies were identified. Conclusions about the trends and future research directions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hudební Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Hudební Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Orbis Scholae is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Hudební Výchova is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Speciální Pedagogika is the property of Charles University Prague, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)