Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v26i2.5109
The Importance of Pets in Owercoming Future Preschool Teachers Fears of Animals in Order to Increase the Quality of Education
Gordana Miščević
orcid.org/0000-0002-7668-7596
; University of Belgrade, Teacher Education Faculty
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the expressed intensity of fear of animals among future preschool teachers with owning pet animals in childhood or in adulthood. The survey included 135 respondents, future preschool teachers, from two countries, Serbia and Slovenia. A questionnaire and an assessment scale were used as research instruments. According to the results, of all the animals in the offered sample, the respondents were most afraid of the snake, crocodile, wolf and lion. There was no statistically significant difference between the estimates of the respondents from Serbia and Slovenia in terms of showing greater fear towards the mentioned animal species. Owning a pet in childhood, or in adulthood, was not statistically significantly related to the intensity of the overall fear, neither certain animal species fear expressed. Apart from parents, preschool teachers represent an important model who can influence the relationships and experience that children build and adopt towards animals. That is why it is very important that future preschool teachers show calmness, consistency and proper treatment of animals, even if they feel fear or discomfort towards them.
Keywords
attitude towards animals; behavioural patterns; model learning; natural sciences; pedagogical interventions
Hrčak ID:
319143
URI
Publication date:
26.6.2024.
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