1. Predictors of Preschool Teachers’ Environmental Activities in Kindergarten : A Path to a Sustainable FutureMarina Semiz, 2025, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Opis: In line with the priorities of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the growing emphasis on competencies for sustainable development in education, early childhood and preschool education are increasingly recognized as critical stages for fostering environmental awareness and designing sustainable curricula. As key educational agents, preschool teachers play a central role in implementing environmental initiatives in kindergartens and nurturing environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviours in young children. This paper presents findings from a study examining the predictors of preschool teachers’ engagement in environmental activities, with a focus on selected personal and sociodemographic variables: years of service, education level, teaching group, and the development of environmental competencies. The study involved a sample of 101 preschool teachers from four administrative districts in Serbia. Data were collected using two instruments: one measuring the development of environmental competencies and another assessing the frequency of environmental activities implemented in kindergartens. The results indicate that teachers’ environmental competencies have a direct and moderately positive influence on their engagement in environmental practices. Strengthening these competencies increases the likelihood of preschool teachers’ involvement in environmentally sustainable practices. Other examined variables did not emerge as significant predictors of participation in environmental initiatives. The multiple regression analysis accounted for approximately 31% of the variance in the frequency of environmental activities, highlighting the need for future research to explore additional predictive factors. Based on the findings, the development and implementation of targeted training and professional development programmes are recommended to further enhance preschool teachers’ environmental competencies. Ključne besede: sustainable development, environmental education, environmental well-being, environmental skills, preschool teachers Objavljeno v RUP: 26.01.2026; Ogledov: 193; Prenosov: 0
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2. A study of motivational strategies in arts activities for preschool children in special education unitsBarbara Kopačin, Ana Kovačič, Eda Birsa, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Among preschool children with special educational needs, art can open additional pathways to expression, safe exploration and experimentation, and it can foster motivation for creation. The purpose of the study was to determine which strategies educators in developmental departments use to encourage the active participation of preschool children in artistic activities (RQ1), and how motivation is expressed among these children during artistic creation (RQ2). A qualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews and observations of preschool children during interdisciplinary artistic activities. The results showed that educators use diverse and tailored strategies, such as linking art with play, taking children’s interests into account, and creating a supportive and safe environment. Musical activities proved particularly effective, as they stimulated intrinsic motivation and acted as a bridge to visual/artistic expression. Children’s motivation manifested itself in active engagement, curiosity and persistence, especially in activities that allowed for choice and sensory-adapted approaches. The findings emphasise the importance of individualisation, a process-oriented approach and interdisciplinarity for fostering intrinsic motivation in children with special needs.The study originally examines the integration of musical and visual activities as a strategy for promoting the motivation of preschool children with special needs in developmental departments. In doing so, it opens up a new research and pedagogical area and offers practical guidelines for encouraging motivation through the effective incorporation of interdisciplinary approaches into special-educational practice. Ključne besede: artistic activities, visual arts, music education, interdisciplinary integration, motivation, developmental department, preschool children Objavljeno v RUP: 09.01.2026; Ogledov: 213; Prenosov: 8
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3. Different approaches to early childhood education for sustainability from the preschool teacher’s perspectiveAleksandra Šindić, Adrijana Višnjić-Jevtić, Jurka Lepičnik-Vodopivec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: education for sustainable development, early childhood education, social sustainability, preschool teachers, macro-level approach, micro-level approach Objavljeno v RUP: 11.09.2025; Ogledov: 542; Prenosov: 2
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