Publishing frequency: 4 issues per year Editor-in-Chief: Matjaž Duh The Journal of Elementary Education (JEE) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes scientific articles primarily but not limited to the area of elementary school education. It brings together academics and researchers from different European countries who seek to promote a vigorous dialogue between scholars in various fields both central and related to scientific enquiry in education. JEE accepts articles which promote advances in education also from closely related fields in Slovene, English and German language. Indexed databases: Scopus, DOAJ, Dimensions. Informational directories: AskBisht Journal Directory The Journal of Elementary Education is published with the support of the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency Licence: CC BY
Univerzitetna založba Univerze v Mariboru
The Influence of Knowledge and Skills on Self-Efficacy in Using ChatGPT for Mathematics Instruction
This study examined the influence of knowledge and skills on mathematics teachers’ self-efficacy in using ChatGPT for mathematics instruction. A total of seventy-three primary school mathematics teachers in Tambunan, Sabah, were selected through stratified sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire measuring knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results showed high levels of knowledge but moderate levels of skills and self-efficacy. Significant positive correlations existed between knowledge and self-efficacy and between skills and self-efficacy. Regression findings showed both knowledge and skills significantly predicted self-efficacy, with skills being the stronger predictor.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rayner Tangkui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Preschool Children’s Use of Digital Technology from the Parental Perspective
Preschool children increasingly encounter and use digital technology. This study explores how often they use it, for what purposes, and what content they engage with. A total of 166 parents of preschool children participated. Results show that screen time increases with age; children up to six years old use digital devices for up to 60 minutes daily, regardless of urban or rural living environments. Digital technology is most often used for entertainment, primarily to watch cartoons. The findings provide timely insight into digital technology use among preschool children.
Copyright (c) 2026 Polona Gradišek, Polona Golob https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editorial Address on the Coming of Age of the Journal of Elementary Education
Dear readers, esteemed authors, reviewers, and friends of our journal, today we stand before an important milestone – with the last issue of this year (Volume 18, Issue 4), the Journal of Elementary Education has officially come of age. This is not merely a number, but a symbol of the maturity, perseverance, and dedication that have guided us through all the years of our existence. When we set out on this path in 2008 with enthusiasm and courage, the decision to publish four issues per year seemed bold to many. Yet that very decision became the foundation upon which we have built our story. From the first double issues, humble beginnings, and limited resources, to the present day, when the journal stands as a recognized scientific forum, we have proven that perseverance and quality always pay off. Each year brought new challenges and new victories. In 2015, we gained valuable partners – the University of Primorska and Charles University in Prague. In 2019, we reached a turning point: inclusion in the Scopus database, which was both a recognition of our work and a promise for the future. Since 2020, the journal has been published in five issues per year, including special thematic issues that open new research horizons. Today, we can proudly say that more than 760 authors have published in our journal, contributing over 550 scientific papers, reviewed by nearly 800 experts. We receive more than ten submissions weekly, yet because of our high publication standards, we reject an average of 85%. It is precisely this unwavering commitment to quality that has led to our inclusion in the third quartile (Q3) of the global quality ranking as of 2024. The coming of age of our journal is more than a chronological milestone – it is proof that the Journal of Elementary Education has established itself as a reliable companion to researchers, as a space for dialogue, and as an echo of scientific discourse that enriches the field of primary education. Our journal covers a wide range of topics related to primary-level education. On this occasion, we call on colleagues, professors, and researchers to explore our archive when preparing their scientific contributions. We are confident that they will find content that sheds light on new perspectives and can be incorporated into their research. Citing articles from the JEE will contribute to the journal’s international recognition and elevate it further on the quality scale. On this occasion, we extend our sincere gratitude to all who have co-created our journey: the authors, reviewers, partner institutions, and loyal readers. Without your support, our story would be incomplete. May this coming of age mark the beginning of a new era in which we continue to strengthen quality, broaden horizons, and reinforce the importance of scientific inquiry. May the Journal of Elementary Education continue to be a beacon of knowledge, illuminating the path for future generations of researchers and educators. For the Editorial Board of the Journal of Elementary Education Editor-in-Chief Faculty of Education, University of Maribor
Copyright (c) 2025 Matjaž Duh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Towards Sustainable Inclusive Education: Empirical Analysis Using the Index for Inclusion
The concept of educational inclusion is grounded in human rights, equal oppor-tunities, and social justice, and requires the coordinated engagement of the entire school community. Its implementation, as well as the effective inclusion of pupils with special educational needs, calls for a holistic, evidence-based approach that fosters individual and collective responsibility among stakeholders in developing inclusive practices. Although national and international documents emphasise the importance of systematic and long-term planning, research consistently highlights a gap between declarative goals and everyday school practices. Key challenges in-clude the absence of a national strategy, quality standards, and tools for monitoring progress. This paper synthesises findings from national and international studies that have employed the Index for Inclusion and explores its potential application in the Slovenian context, considering current challenges in educational inclusion.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mateja Petek, Majda Schmidt Krajnc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Critical Thinking in Elementary Mathematics: A mindful, Meaningful, and Joyful Learning Model
This study evaluates a deeper learning model integrating mindful, meaningful, and joy-ful learning to bridge the procedural-conceptual knowledge gap. Using a sequential exploratory mixed-method design within a Lesson Study framework, we involved 7 teachers and 20 Indonesian fourth graders. Quantitative results showed significant critical thinking improvement (F = 528.603, p < .000) with a large effect size (d = 7.36). Qualitative findings revealed that the model established a psychologically safe environment, facilitating student-led knowledge construction. Despite the small sample, this study provides a validated pedagogical framework for fostering higher-order mathematical reasoning through affective safety and metacognition.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pariang Sonang Siregar, Neni Hermita, Firman Santosa, Tety Herti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Temperamental Correlates and Predictors of Toddler Adaptation to Nursery
This study aimed to analyse the relationship between children’s adaptation to nursery and children’s temperament. The results show a statistically significant relationship between children’s shyness and emotionality and the time of adaptation to nursery. Shy children displayed more negative and less positive behaviours during adaptation. Children with less control over their emotional reactions showed more negative emotions and behaviours during separation from their parents. Moreover, further statistical analysis divided by sex showed that the older and shier the boys were, the more negative behaviours they displayed—as perceived by the nursery staff—during nursery adaptation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ewelina Świdrak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Using Background Music in Preschool and Primary Education: a Systematic Literature Review
This systematic literature review aims to determine the benefits of using back-ground music in preschool and primary education. The study included scientific journal articles, conference proceedings, and doctoral theses published between 2014 and 2024. The results demonstrated the positive impact of background music on the cognitive and socio-emotional development of preschool children. At the primary education level, the benefits of using background music are re-lated to reading comprehension, cognitive processes, and performance quality on written tasks. The pieces of music used during learning activities should be structured, rhythmically balanced, melodic, and instrumental rather than vocal, but should not be too fast or loud.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ligita Stramkale https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Recognizing Everyday Mathematical Concepts in a Text Depicting Daily Life
This research investigates the relationship between mathematics teachers' performance and students' recognition of everyday mathematical concepts in real-world texts. A quantitative, non-experimental, multilevel correlational design was employed, utilizing Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) to analyze nested data from 17 teachers and 796 middle school students. A text depicting daily life served as the data collection instrument. Results showed a statistically significant but limited fixed effect for teacher performance, explaining 6.2% of Level-2 variance. Regarding student-level factors, sixth graders underperformed compared to fifth and seventh graders, while gender showed no significant differences, supporting evidence of gender parity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Feride Ozyildirim Gumus https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating Generative AI in Primary English Material Design: Insights from Indonesian Teachers’ Perceptions
This study explored primary school teachers’ perceptions of Generative AI (GenAI) in English material design. Data from 20 certified Indonesian teachers were collected through interviews and document analysis. Findings indicate GenAI is valued for enhancing efficiency and personalization, especially in creating worksheets, reading texts, grammar tasks, and vocabulary lists. However, concerns emerged regarding pedagogical integration, ethical use, and lack of training. Teachers’ perceptions were shaped by their professional development experiences. The study underscores the urgent need for continuous, practice-based teacher training to develop AI literacy and ensure that GenAI supports, rather than replaces, instructional decision-making.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tommy Hastomo, Utami Widiati, Francisca Maria Ivone, Evynurul Laily Zen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This special issue of the Journal of Elementary Education addresses the topic of healthy lifestyles in the context of sustainable development and lifelong learning. It is based on content developed as part of the Healthy Lifestyle for Sustainable Development and Lifelong Learning project, implemented by the Faculty of Education, University of Maribor (The project is part of the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (NOO) and is co-financed by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility). The focus is on striving for a holistic approach to understanding the factors under consideration and the relationships between them, contributing to the well-being of individuals and society. In recent years, a healthy lifestyle has become a topic of discussion at the interface between science, policy, and everyday life. The chosen topic goes beyond individual disciplines and signals a shift in understanding healthy lifestyles and well-being as complex and dynamic processes that go beyond physical and motor aspects, holistically treating the individual. It encompasses reflections on physical, mental, and social balance, cultural and environmental aspects of life, the importance of creativity and belonging, and how an individual establishes relationships with the self, others, and their surroundings. Precisely because of its complexity, the topic is relevant from the scientific research perspective and in its quest for answers to practical, systemic, and long-term challenges. The papers in this issue highlight various aspects of a healthy lifestyle and well-being by analysing physical, mental, social, and environmental factors. The authors address issues related to a range of life stages (from early childhood through school years, and higher education to professional development), contexts, and professional foundations. They examine topics related to physical activity, dietary habits, the use of digital technology, nature, art, emotional responses, the sense of safety, and the well-being of both children and adults. The authors Loudová Stralczynská, Lipnicka, and Chytrý examine preschool teachers’ views from the Czech Republic and Slovakia on the criteria for admitting two-year-olds to kindergarten. They highlight the tension between institutional expectations and children’s developmental characteristics and emphasise the importance of child-centred, developmentally appropriate practices that promote children’s well-being. Pölzl-Stefanec and Gutmann analyse the inclusion of children in kindergarten from the parents’ perspective. Using the concept of sense of coherence, they identify both stressors and sources of support in the process of introducing children to preschool and emphasise the importance of cooperation between preschool institutions and families as a basis for the child’s well-being and sustainable integration into institutional settings. Kobler discusses the importance of the natural environment, especially the forest, for developing resilience and well-being in preschool children in today’s often stressful world. She presents the forest as an experiential space that positively impacts children’s emotional stability, physical health, and social connectedness, shaping sustainable attitudes in early childhood. The role of art in preschool education is compared by the authors Štirn Janota and Dýrfjörð, using examples from Slovenia and Iceland. They place art at the centre of the educational process as a factor in creativity, reflection and community that strengthens emotional well-being and lays the foundation for sustainable coexistence. They also recognise that both students and educators need educational programs that integrate health, well-being, and art. Authors Komzáková and Koželuhová pay particular attention to the role of transitional objects and rituals used by primary school teachers to support students’ emotional well-being. Their contribution highlights the importance of a safe, engaging learning environment, along with attention to children’s emotional needs during the transition to compulsory education and in the early school years. Also at the level of early primary education, Jančič Hegediš examines the teaching of social studies outside the classroom. She emphasises the importance of experiential outdoor learning that promotes active student participation, stimulates curiosity, and contributes to forming a sustainable mindset and a sense of well-being as a physical and environmental learning experience. Fošnarič and Dolenc explore a different aspect in the same age group: the influence of digital technology on children’s daily habits related to physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. They emphasise the need for a balanced approach and cross-sectoral cooperation in creating an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle for children in a digitised everyday world. Matejek and Kukovica examine differences in body composition and lifestyle habits between normal-weight and overweight or obese trainee teachers. Using a combination of questionnaires and body composition measurements, they investigate the interplay between perceived and objective aspects of lifestyle among university students. They conclude that it would be helpful to develop targeted programs to promote a healthy lifestyle at universities, particularly for future teachers, who play a key role in shaping healthy habits among school students. Prskalo and Planinšec, working with the same target group, analyse the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and academic success among students. Their paper encourages reflection on the balance between learning, movement, and rest, and calls for a holistic understanding of health and success in the university environment. Also with the same target group, Vršnik Perše and Grafenauer Ekart analyse the relationship between student well-being and factors such as social and mental balance, physical activity, dietary habits, and daily routines. The paper fits into a broader framework of reflection on a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle among youth. It emphasises the need for sustainable supportive environments that promote psychological, physical, and social well-being among students. Educational professionals are a key factor in raising awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Poche Kargerová, Göbelová, Šimlová and Seberová present the WANDA method as a structured approach to group reflection for educators. The paper highlights the importance of professional support, collegial learning, and concern for staff well-being as the foundation of sustainable and high-quality educational practice. Despite the methodological and content diversity of these contributions, they share a common ground. Health, well-being, and sustainability are not concepts to be addressed in isolation but must be understood as interwoven, interdependent, and embedded in a broader social and cultural context. The scientific papers in this issue make a valuable contribution to understanding complex relationships by placing them within the broader framework of lifelong learning. The international contributions provide an additional scientific contribution to the topic of healthy lifestyle in relation to sustainable development and lifelong learning, offering insights from diverse societal perspectives. We believe this thematic issue will stimulate reflection on the links between research, everyday practice, and systemic design of conditions aimed at a lifelong development of quality, safe, and healthy lives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tina Vršnik Perše https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The WANDA Reflective Method as a Tool for Improving Teachers’ Well-being
This qualitative research study focuses on teachers’ well-being in the context of the WANDA reflective method. The aim was to explore teachers’ subjective perceptions of the benefits of WANDA on their well-being. Data were collected through a qualitative written interview technique. The research sample consisted of sixteen primary and pre-primary teachers who had completed the WANDA method. Content analysis of the data was conducted using thematic analysis based on the PERMA model. The results showed that WANDA contributes to teachers’ well-being in the areas of Relationship, Meaning, Positive Emotions, and Engagement. The Accomplishments category was the least represented.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jana Poche Kargerová, Taťána Göbelová, Žaneta Šimlová, Alena Seberová https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Predictors of Well-Being in University Students: The Dominant Role of Social and Mental Balance and Physical Exercise over Dietary Habits and Daily Routines
This study examines the relationship between well-being, social and mental balance, physical exercise, dietary habits, and daily routines among university students. Using standardised questionnaires, we obtained results showing that social and mental balance is the strongest predictor of well-being, followed by organised physical exercise. Although dietary habits and daily routines are correlated with well-being, their predictive influence remains limited. The results point to the importance of holistic interventions that integrate social support, structured physical activity, and healthy lifestyle choices in increasing overall well-being. Future research should investigate longitudinal effects and intervention-based approaches to develop sustainable well-being strategies tailored to students' needs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tina Vršnik Perše, Živa Grafenauer Ekart https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
University Students' Lifestyle in the Context of Physical Activity, Sedentary Habits, and Academic Achievements
This study aims to explore the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and academic achievement among university students. A total of 243 students aged 18 to 24 years participated. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form, while sedentary behaviour was measured with the SIT-Q-7d. Academic achievement was based on self-reported average grades and compared across physical activity levels using one-way ANOVA. Results indicate that higher physical activity is not necessarily linked to better academic performance. Excessive involvement in physical activity may reduce study time, potentially leading to lower academic outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ivan Prskalo, Jurij Planinšec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lifestyle Characteristics of Students who are Overweight, Obese, or have Normal Body Weight
This study examines the differences in body composition and lifestyle habits between normal-weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW&O) university students. A sample of fifty-five students aged 21–25 years completed validated questionnaires (HLPCQ, IPAQ-SF, WHO-5) and underwent body composition analysis using the InBody 270 device. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes. OW&O students had significantly higher scores for body fat, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass. While body composition differences were evident, lifestyle habits did not significantly differ between weight groups. Bias in lifestyle and well-being self-assessment calls for the development of more objective assessment tools and further research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Črtomir Matejek, David Kukovica https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Digital Technology to Healthy Habits: Interdisciplinary Foundations for Developing Training Programs for a Healthy Lifestyle Among Children
This article explores the impact of digital technology on children’s development, focussing on the physical, cognitive, and emotional domains. The introduction emphasises the benefits of digital tools for education and language acquisition, but also points out the associated risks such as physical inactivity, sleep disturbances and mental health problems. A rigorous methodological approach ensures the inclusion of high-quality data, while subsequent sections explore key themes, including the interplay between screen time, physical activity, and diet. The conclusion emphasises interdisciplinary interventions, including the ZŽS project framework, which integrates technology, health, and environmental responsibility. This approach aims to promote healthier lifestyle choices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kosta Dolenc, Samo Fošnarič https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Does teachers’ Interest Affect the Frequency of Teaching and Learning Outside the Classroom in Early Social Studies?
The article presents the findings of a study aimed at determining whether teachers’ personal interests and other factors influence the implementation of teaching and learning outside the classroom in early social studies within primary education. A convergent mixed-method research design was employed. The results indicate that, in practice, teaching and learning outside the classroom in early social studies is implemented less frequently than would be expected based on the didactic guidelines for early social studies instruction. Most teachers conduct such lessons only once a month or less. Teachers’ personal interests emerged as a significant factor influencing the frequency of teaching and learning outside the classroom.
Copyright (c) 2025 Polona Jančič Hegediš https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Support for and Development of Well-Being Through Transitional Objects and Rituals in Primary Education
Well-being is essential for pupils’ academic and personal growth. Since schools are central to children’s lives, they must provide a safe environment that supports emotional needs. This study explores how primary school teachers use transitional objects and rituals that help children adapt to school and feel secure. Findings reveal that teachers employ these tools intuitively, often without theoretical grounding. Despite their informal use, these practices positively influence pupils’ adaptation and the classroom climate. The study underscores the importance of integrating transitional elements into educational practice and calls for enhanced teacher training focused on emotional well-being and its role in early education.
Copyright (c) 2025 Martina Komzáková, Eva Koželuhová https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Art for Well-being: Insights into Early Childhood Education in Slovenia and Iceland
In this article, we explore how arts education promotes well-being in preschool education by comparing the views of Slovenian and Icelandic educators and students. In Slovenia, a structured curriculum approach predominates, while in Iceland creativity, learning in nature and finding solutions in an open learning environment are emphasised. Both approaches promote emotional expression, ethical awareness, and sustainable education. We highlight the challenges in teacher training and emphasise the need for training and inclusion of pedagogical practises in the arts in relation to health and well-being, while also demonstrating the importance of the arts experience for the health and well-being of both educators and preschool students.
Copyright (c) 2025 Petra Štirn Janota, Kristín Dýrfjörð https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Forest Experiences in Enhancing Child Well-being and Resilience
Given the alarming prevalence of (mental) health problems in children and young people, exacerbated by the pandemic and environmental fears, the question of how we can strengthen children for an increasingly complex world with all that it entails is more topical than ever. This article therefore addresses the importance of resilience, well-being, and experience of nature for children’s development, particularly through time spent in a forest. Experiencing the forest strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, and promotes social and motor skills, and can therefore have a positive influence on children’s well-being and the development of resilience.
Copyright (c) 2025 Evelyn M. Kobler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Parents’ Perspectives on Stressors and Resources: Well-being and Social Support During Early Childhood Transitions
The transition from familial to institutional early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings is a critical phase for both children and parents. In this study, we examined the stressors and resources affecting parents during nursery and kindergarten settling-in processes. Using Antonovsky’s concept of coherence as the theoretical framework, we conducted fifteen qualitative semi-structured interviews with parents and analysed the emotional, organisational, and social challenges they perceived as stressors and resources during the transition phase. The findings showed that a resource-oriented approach can reduce stress and support the emotional and social adjustment of both parents and children.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eva Pölzl-Stefanec, Nina Gutmann https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Teachers’ Opinions on Kindergarten Admission Standards: Risks to Toddler Well-Being?
The aim of this paper is to present the opinions of teachers on the standards for admitting toddlers to kindergartens in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and to discuss these standards in relation to the risks to children’s well-being. Opinions were obtained through a quantitative survey among teachers from the Czech Republic (n=574) and Slovakia (n=593) in 2023. Results showed that most teachers do not support the admission of children under three to kindergartens. They conditionally support admission based on self-care skills, hygiene habits, and socio-emotional independence, which do not match typical toddler development, posing pressure on the child and family.
Copyright (c) 2025 Barbora Loudová Stralczynská, Milena Lipnicka, Vlastimil Chytrý https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Acquiring Linguistic Knowledge and Environmental Attitudes through the Literary Text Madu and His Friends Help Save the Sea
The purpose of the article is to highlight how pupils (today’s children, tomorrow’s adults) face current environmental issues and how they communicate about climate/environmental change. Pupils can acquire both linguistic knowledge and environmental attitudes with the help of the literary text Madu and His Friends Help Save the Sea (Gračner, 2021). To make optimum didactic use of the story, the lesson can take into consideration the goals of addressing ecological problems (i. e., ocean pollution), on the one hand, and linguistic aspects (professional terms from ecology), on the other.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alenka Valh Lopert, Melita Zemljak Jontes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Inclusive Education for Vietnamese Primary School Children with Motor Disabilities: Challenges and Support
This qualitative case study explores the experiences of five Vietnamese primary students with motor disabilities to identify barriers to and facilitators of inclusive education. Findings reveal significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, social isolation, peer rejection, and teacher overprotection, especially in physical education. Effective inclusion is achievable through teacher training, adapted teaching methods, peer disability-awareness education, and strong family-school collaboration. The results highlight the need for a multifaceted approach addressing environmental adaptations, pedagogy, peer relationships, and community engagement. This study provides valuable insights into inclusive education in developing contexts and offers practical strategies for educators and policymakers to enhance educational equity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pham Ngoc Thien Nguyen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Misconceptions Among Primary School Teachers – The Contribution of Sociodemographic Factors
With the aim of examining the contribution of sociodemographic factors to differences in the recognition of misconceptions, the Misconceptions of Teachers in Science ques-tionnaire was developed. This study addresses two main objectives: evaluating the reli-ability of the newly designed questionnaire and examining the influence of sociodemo-graphic factors on the identification of scientific misconceptions among elementary school teachers. The results indicate that the questionnaire exhibits satisfactory reliabil-ity. A statistically significant difference in the recognition of misconceptions was found based on gender and place of employment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tena Rak, Edita Borić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Challenges in Recognizing and Supporting Gifted Students with Dual Exceptionalities in the Educational Process
Twice-exceptional students, who have giftedness combined with special educational needs, are often overlooked, which hinders the provision of appropriate support in the educational process. This paper analyses the attitudes and competences of professionals working with this group of students, as well as the ways knowledge is acquired in this field. The research results show that most professionals recognize the importance of identifying twice-exceptionality, yet only a few systematically incorporate appropriate pedagogical approaches into practice. Knowledge in this area is mostly gained through informal sources and experience sharing, since formal professional training is limited. The need for developing specialized training programs is emphasized to improve the identification and effective support of this specific group of students.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sandra Hrenič, Mojca Kukanja Gabrijelčič, Vanja Riccarda Kiswarday https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Parental Attitudes Towards School and Everyday Mathematics and Their Engagement in Children’s Mathematical Activities
Although parental involvement plays a crucial role in children’s mathematical education, few studies examine how their attitudes towards mathematics influence their participation in specific activities. This study investigates the relationship between parental attitudes towards mathematics in school and in everyday contexts and their engagement in these activities. Results from a survey of 245 Slovenian parents reveal that most parents exhibit a neutral attitude towards school mathematics, while they generally hold a positive attitude towards the practical use of mathematics. Parents with less positive attitudes towards school mathematics tend to assist their children more often, whereas a positive attitude towards everyday mathematics is associated with greater parental involvement in daily mathematical activities at home.
Copyright (c) 2025 Darja Antolin Drešar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital Stress and Teachers' Psychosomatic Health
This study validated the Croatian version of the Digital Stress Scale (DSS) and examined its relationship with psychosomatic symptoms, self-efficacy, and ICT use on a sample of 152 Croatian teachers. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a ten-factor structure for the DSS with high internal reliability. All ten dimensions of digital stress as well as the total digital stress score showed significant positive correlation with both the frequency of psychosomatic symptoms and their interference in daily life. Total digital stress significantly predicted both psychosomatic symptom dimensions, while self-efficacy demonstrated a protective role, highlighting the importance of ICT education in preventing digital stress.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sanja Tatković, Sanja Smojver-Ažić, Martina Mavrinac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Career Aspirations of Slovenian Ninth Graders: The Influence of Personal Factors and Attitudes Towards Engineering Professions
The study examines the career aspirations of Slovenian ninth-grade students and analyses how these are influenced by personal factors and their attitudes towards engineering professions. Regression analyses on a sample of 779 students show that interest in outdoor work is a significant predictor of engineering career aspirations across all educational levels. Physical demands positively influence aspirations for engineering occupations requiring secondary or elementary education, while intellectual demands and employment opportunities encourage interest in engineering occupations at the tertiary level. A positive perception of engineering professions as interesting is a key factor for all levels of education. The results emphasise the importance of fostering interest in technical careers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mateja Ploj Virtič, Igor Košak, Andrej Šorgo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Parental Motivational Beliefs, School Involvement, and Perceptions of Adolescent Academic Self-Efficacy
Grounded in the revised Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler model of parental involvement, this study examined motivational beliefs of parents regarding their school involvement, specific forms of involvement, and how these relate to parents’ perceptions of their child’s academic self-efficacy. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from a sample of 331 Slovenian parents of adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. Parents reported high levels of general invitation to participate in school, high levels of beliefs about their active role in their child’s education, and generally positive attitudes toward school. These motivating beliefs were consistently and positively associated only with their direct involvement at the school level. Both forms of involvement (school and home activities) were negatively related to adolescents’ academic self-efficacy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Melita Puklek Levpušček, Lea Štravs https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating Advanced Technologies in Education: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future through New Literacies
The quasi-experimental study explores how contemporary technologies, such as artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, enhance sustainability education for pre-service teachers. The study, involving 112 participants, assessed the effectiveness of these technologies compared to traditional methods in improving sustainability literacy. Pre- and post-tests revealed significant improvements in understanding sustainability concepts, with humanoid robots increasing response variability. Results highlight the technologies’ ability to engage educators in sustainability topics, promoting new literacies critical for addressing environmental challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Andrej Flogie, Daniel Hari, Matevž Bratina, Dr. Maja Kerneža, Ddr. Boris Aberšek, Dejan Zemljak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0