Suchergebnisse

Discussions about synergy or independence of teaching and research are present in many studies (Bilić, 2009; Brew & Boud, 1995; Enders & Teichler, 1997; Griffiths, 2004; Jakovljević, 2010; Jenkins, 2000; Ramsden & Moses, 1992). Humboldt's model introduced synergy between teaching and research, thus highlighting the importance of originality in scientific work and of the dissemination of the knowledge stemming from it. The synergy between teaching and research is also referenced in the education policy of the European Union, with the Berlin Communique (2003) introducing a request for the promotion of better synergy between European educational and research areas. However, studies reveal a different understanding of the teaching-research relationship between those who advocate their synergy (Brew & Boud, 1995; Jenkins, 2000; Neumann, 1993) and those who advocate their mutual independence (Hattie & Marsh, 1996; Ramsden & Moses, 1992). Examining different perspectives of the teaching-research relationship, the research presented in this paper focused on understanding how academics see their dominant roles. Its objective was to examine how academics perceive their roles as teachers and researchers. A qualitative approach was used, with data being collected using a standardised semi-structured interview. A total of 60 interviewees participated in the research, all academics from Croatia. The results revealed that the research participants see themselves most frequently as teachers, then as teachers and researchers, and least frequently as predominantly researchers. Their identification is mainly determined by external factors, most frequently negatively connoted, which presents a challenge within the context of job satisfaction. Such results also point to legal, material, personnel and administrative difficulties in the Croatian higher education system. (DIPF/Orig.)

The social context in Croatia in which universities operate shows two dominant trends. Market orientation is being promoted as a response to globalization processes. Growing resistance and concern about this tendency brought initiatives to strengthen civil engagement in higher education. Since academic knowledge is increasingly expected to be based on real life circumstances and connected to practice, the need to strengthen civic engagement, social responsibility and active citizenship at universities is further stimulated. Requests are being made to bring university instructors and practitioners into closer relationships, expecting academic knowledge to directly improve living conditions in local communities and affect democracy and civil society development (Ostrander, 2004). Students should acquire knowledge, develop skills and opinions through active participation, which in turn develops their sense of active involvement in making political decisions and controlling its implementations. Many authors agree how active citizenship is the ideal contemporary society should aspire to (T.H.McLaughlin, D. Miller, C.Wilkins, R.Griffith, D. Heather, K. Faulks). The purpose of university's civic mission is to enable the development of this ideal. ; Peer Reviewed

The social context in Croatia in which universities operate shows two dominant trends. Market orientation is being promoted as a response to globalization processes. Growing resistance and concern about this tendency brought initiatives to strengthen civil engagement in higher education. Since academic knowledge is increasingly expected to be based on real life circumstances and connected to practice, the need to strengthen civic engagement, social responsibility and active citizenship at universities is further stimulated. Requests are being made to bring university instructors and practitioners into closer relationships, expecting academic knowledge to directly improve living conditions in local communities and affect democracy and civil society development (Ostrander, 2004). Students should acquire knowledge, develop skills and opinions through active participation, which in turn develops their sense of active involvement in making political decisions and controlling its implementations. Many authors agree how active citizenship is the ideal contemporary society should aspire to (T.H.McLaughlin, D. Miller, C.Wilkins, R.Griffith, D. Heather, K. Faulks). The purpose of university's civic mission is to enable the development of this ideal. ; Peer Reviewed

This paper presents results of a survey among school children aged 10 to 14 years, who participated in science or mathematics workshops. It particularly relates to their interest and motivation determined immediately after the workshop had finished. A total of 70 workshops were held in elementary schools of Rijeka, Croatia, involving the participation of 1240 students aged from 10 to 14 years. The workshops were designed in order to encourage active engagement in class work and a deeper approach to learning stemming from meaningful involvement in a real problem related to everyday life. The results of the survey on student's attitudes towards science and mathematics after the workshop indicated that students accept this type of lesson eagerly, they value demonstrations, applications and practical, hands-on experimentation, and that after this type of classroom activity they express positive attitude towards science and mathematics.