Counselling, educational and school psychology

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. 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.

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.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: Mgr. Miroslav Charvát, Ph.D.
Co-organisers: Mgr. Lucie Viktorová, Mgr. Aleš Neusar, Ph.D.

Abstract: The aim of the project is to find out what makes good guidelines when creating tests for study skills, knowledge tests and other psycho-diagnostic tools, i.e. which sections of tests and items exhibit a good ability to differentiate and which are ineffective or less appropriate. The project focuses on the psychometric properties of tests and questionnaires using CTT and IRT, especially for reliability (parallel version, and internal consistency) and validity (content and criterion). Further, the project tests the possibility of using computer adaptive testing in the field of study skills and consequently also in other areas such as the prevention of risky behavior, or generally in psychodiagnostics.
Grant support: SGS IGA FF_2013_011

Guarantor: PhDr. Martin Dolejš, Ph.D. and Mgr. Miroslav Charvát, Ph.D.Co-organisers: Mgr. Ondřej Skopal, Lucie Vavrysová, PhDr. Eva Maierova

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)