1. The Quality of the Study Program from the Perspective of Students
- Author
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Zrinka Šimunović, Višnja Vekić Kljaić, Damjanović, Darko, Stojšić, Josip, Mirosavljević, Krunoslav, and Sivrić, Hrvoje
- Subjects
studijski program, kompetencije, studenti, predškola, kvalifikacijski standard - Abstract
Preschool educators work in kindergartens and provide care and education, upbringing, and social and health care of children from the first year of life until they start primary school. In order to perform the duties of a preschool educator, it is necessary to complete an undergraduate and/or graduate university study program Early Childhood and Preschool Education. Preschool educators’ training includes scientific and professional education implemented through lectures, seminars, exercises and professional pedagogical practice. As part of scientific and professional education, students learn basic didactic, methodological, pedagogical and psychological skills. Exercises and professional pedagogical practice in kindergartens have an impact on the future professional development of students. After completing an undergraduate study program, the academic title of university Bachelor’s degree is awarded, while upon completion of a graduate study program, the academic title of university Master’s degree is awarded. In the Republic of Croatia, Early Childhood and Preschool Education study programs are not uniform. The Department for the Training of Preschool Educators is a constituent of the University of Slavonski Brod. Based on its vision and mission, the University is committed to the continuous development of its quality of study. The importance of developing study programs based on the results of scientific research is emphasized. The paper uses a questionnaire to examine the opinions of undergraduate part-time students enrolled in Early Childhood and Preschool Education study program on the quality of this study program. The questionnaire contains questions about qualification standards, sorted by key tasks and competencies of preschool educators. The aim of the research is to determine the quality of the study program from the perspective of students. The results of the research will help in planning future changes in the study program.