Katedra Psychologie Filozofické fakulty UP

Guarantor: PhDr. Martin Dolejš, Ph.D. and Mgr. Miroslav Charvát, Ph.D.

Co-organisers: Mgr. Ondřej Skopal, Lucie Vavrysová, PhDr. Eva Maierová

Abstract: The project is focused on the possibility of early diagnosis of risk factors for various addictions and a tendency to risky behavior. The main objective is to analyze the existing psycho-screening tools aimed at adolescent risk behavior and related variables. On the basis of this analysis,  the research will focus on creating new diagnostic methods, which will cover most features and variables that influence the emergence of risk behavior. Further, we will focus on the development of new methodologies for selective and indicated prevention (primarily for education and residential care), implementation, and possibly subsequent quasi-experimental verification of the efficiency.

Grant support: FF UP within SGS/IGA (FF_2013_012)

Guarantor: PhDr. et MUDr. Miroslav Orel , PhDr. Radko Obereignerů, Ph.D.
Co-organisers: RNDr. Eva Reiterová, Ph.D.

Abstract: The project aims to introduce, standardise, and adapt new diagnostic tools in the schools of the Czech Republic. It is a Czech version of the five-factor personality questionnaire for children (FFI – C) and methods of self-evaluation of school success (PHCSCS -2). The outcomes will be compared and evaluated with the results of the d2 test of attention, other psychodiagnostic methods, and outcomes of the assessment of the current level of knowledge and relative increase in skills in students over two years. The aim is to give a comprehensive picture of the selected psychological characteristics and knowledge level of pupils in primary and secondary schools and formulate measures to optimize the educational process in schools. Part of the project is to strengthen and develop cooperation with the Department of Psychology and KPPP ZDVPP Zlin, Ostrava University and other entities to obtain the largest possible research sample. The project counts on the psychodiagnostic examination and evaluation of at least 10,000 pupils.
Grant support: ESF Development and support of education quality

Guarantor: PhDr. Eleonora Smékalová, Ph.D.
Co-organisers: PhDr. Jan Šmahaj, Ph.D., PhDr. Veronika Kavenská, Ph.D.

Abstract: The present situation in school psychology in the Czech Republic is a challenge for researchers and professionals in education. It is desirable to map out the situation in the field of school psychology – the work conditions for school psychologists, their personal characteristics, how these characteristics correlate with their success and learning needs. Further, it is also necessary to examine the expectations of teachers and school boards have in regards to school psychology. The importance of studying and training in this topic is linked with an emphasis on preventing failure and risk behavior in schools, and with the schools´ societal importance for the development of children and youth, which are topics closely related to the work of school psychologists.

Grant support: IGA

Guarantor: PhDr. Jan Šmahaj, Ph.D.

Co-organisers: Ester Šromová

Abstract: The research project will increase interest in the issue of intellectually gifted children among the professional and general public. We intend to focus on the exploration of the self. The concept of self is one of the cornerstones of the human psyche, determining an individual’s quality of life (Vymětal, 2010). The aim is to determine whether intellectual aptitude influences children’s sense of self, and whether there is a difference between gifted and averagely talented children. The plan is to examine a sample of school-aged children in the Zlín and Olomouc regions. The collection of data will be conducted through personal meetings, which means visits to the selected schools where the children will do intelligence tests and tests examining their concept of self. Planned outputs are, for example, publications in professional journals and participation at the international conference Psychological Days. The results will hopefully be able to be put to use as a framework for the whole topic.

Grant support: IGA, FF UP, MŠMT

Guaranor: PhDr. Eleonora Smékalová, Ph.D.
Co-organisers: PhDr.Soňa Lemrová, Ph.D.

Abstract: Teachers are undoubtedly the main actors involved in education, not only because of their expertise, but also due to their personality traits, beliefs and attitudes. Among the factors that have seldom been studied previously are certain social phenomena and their impact on student performance.  The aim of the project is to update the current knowledge about the personalities of teachers in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities in the Czech Republic, their attitudes towards children and parents, and to put this into the context of their working conditions and other variables (age, levels of approval, length of experience, type of school, etc.). The knowledge gained by the research will be able to serve those working with teachers and teachers themselves.
Grant support: IGA

Guarantor: PhDr. Marek Kolařík, Ph.D.
Co-organisers: PhDr. Martin Dolejš, Ph.D.

Abstract: The project deals with the allocation of teacher assistants in integrated classes with children with behavioral disabilities. The aim is to obtain information about the occurrence of the phenomenon in primary school, acquire an overview of the current work of teaching assistants for children with behavioral disorders, describe the process of the work of these assistants and the attitudes of the actors involved in the integration process (parents and teachers), and finally to try to assess the impact of the co-operation of assistant teachers and child on the school performance and social relationships of the child.

Grant support: ESF partner network

Guarantor: PhDr. Martin Dolejš, Ph.D.

Co-organisers: PhDr. Marek Kolařík, Ph.D.

Abstract: The practice of postponing school enrolment for some children has long traditions. The number of children entering school a year later is increasing. The aim of the research project is to investigate the phenomenon of postponing the school attendance of children that are recommended for examination in school counseling centers and assessed to be as yet unprepared to start school. It is a topic arises from practices conceptually developed in cooperation with counsellors working with our department in connection with the PAPSAV project. During this research, data about the school readiness will be compared. These data will be obtained from the children recommended for an examination of school readiness and from the group made of the remaining children who should start school in the following year.

We expect that the results of the survey will form the basis of an evaluation of the current practices and enable recommendations for further steps.

Grant support: ESF Partner network

Guarantor: PhDr. Eleonora Smékalová, Ph.D.

Co-organisers: Mgr. Kateřina Palová, Mgr. Lucie Viktorová

Abstract:

The Second Step Program was created by Committee for Children, Seattle. The goal of the program is to promote five basic social and emotional skills: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Prof. Eva Gajdošová spread the program in Slovakia and helped us to spread it in the Czech Republic, too. At the end of 2016, approximately 60 Czech teachers and school psychologists were trained to work with this program.

Our project team also realizes several researches to validate the program in the Czech Republic. The topics that have been already covered are social and emotional skills, responsible decision making, self-concept, school climate and creativity. The main validation of the Second Step Program for primary schools starts in September 2017 and it is supposed to last 3 years. Also a smaller research to validate the program in kindergarten has been started.