As interest in creativity is rising, kindergarten teachers are looking for ways to strengthen the creative potential of young children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of music and movement activities to creative thinking in preschool children. A three month educational programme was designed and implemented, using an experimental research method. The effect on fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration of thought of 5-year-old children, as well as how the programme affected creative behaviours, was studied. The results, upon completion of the educational programme, showed that the growth rate of these variables in the experimental group was statistically significant compared to the corresponding rates in the control group. In addition, the emergence of creative behaviours, such as an increased freedom of expression, a tendency to explore and experiment, and a questioning of what is commonly accepted, were considered to be a consequence of the implementation of the specific educational programme. The experimental research produced valuable information about the design and philosophy of educational programmes, and about the teaching methods of music and movement activities in kindergarten.
This study aims to investigate the effect of lockdowns on self-esteem and the locus of control (LoC) of individuals with visual impairments. This research question is important to be answered, as there is no previous research on the topic, and the findings of this study add significant elements to our knowledge on the subject. It is the first time that a study examines the effect of the pandemic on the self-esteem and LoC of individuals with visual impairments. The sample of the research consisted of 321 individuals with visual impairments; 176 of them participated in the pre-COVID period, 50 in the first wave of COVID period, and 95 in the second wave of COVID period. Two research instruments were used: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Rotter Internal–External LoC Scale. High self-esteem and a more internal LoC are positively associated with the pre-COVID period and negatively associated with first- and second-wave COVID periods. The participants with high self-esteem and internal LoC are most likely males, people with blindness, people who work, people who have a university degree, and people who frequently move independently. However, the individuals with low self-esteem and a more external LoC are most likely older people or people with higher age at onset of visual impairment. The first- and second-wave COVID periods are negatively associated with self-esteem and LoC of individuals with visual impairments.
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