Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2020

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the quality of the adaptation of the transnational teacher training programme for character education "Arete catalyst" to the socio-cultural context of Latvia. Based on the theory of cultural adaptation of educational programmes, and on a qualitative analysis of documentary sources, the quality of the adaptation was discussed by comparing the features of the adapted programme with Latvian societal needs and policy makers' guidelines for character education (research question 1), and with the legal and institutional requirement for teacher training (research question 2). The findings revealed that the adapted Latvian programme responds widely to the needs of Latvian society and of the educational sector regarding character and virtue education, and addresses values and virtue education, as foreseen in the governmental guidelines for upbringing at school. It also complies with the Law of Education and the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the professional development of teachers, and with the rules for approval and implementation of teacher training programmes at the University of Latvia. The adaptation process described can be useful for academics adapting existing programs to new socio-cultural contexts. This work should be continued by piloting and refining the adapted programme.

Exploration of Eurasian Prison Chaplains’ Psychological Well-Being to Raise Their Job Satisfaction

“…The research analysis has raised rather more questions for the researchers than produced ready recipes. Before the research started in their initial ambition the researchers had planned to design an educational platform for professional chaplain training to maintain their well-being (Ignatssons, Odina, 2020). However, during the research and afterwards, the findings lead to other conclusions.…”