Bøker av Milos Kankaras

In the world of educational and psychological assessment, few endeavors are as challenging or as rewarding as the development of instruments that accurately measure social and emotional skills. The OECD's Study on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES) represents a monumental step in this field, with the creation of the SSES Inventory - an instrument crafted through a global, multidisciplinary effort. This manuscript delves into the intricate process and the significant outcomes of this landmark study, as detailed in the comprehensive account of its development.At the heart of the SSES study lies a rigorous instrument development process, tailored to assess 15 social and emotional skills across 45 scales. This expansive project marshaled the collective expertise of 15 international research teams and engaged more than 150,000 participants-students, parents, and teachers. Its reach spanned eleven cities globally, underscoring the universal importance of these skills. With the coordination of over a thousand professionals, including project managers, researchers, translators, and data analysts, the process was a mosaic of cultural and methodological diversity, aiming for an assessment tool of unparalleled scope and precision.Initially grappling with 380 assessment items, the teams' methodical analysis and meticulous refinement culminated in the selection of the most robust 120 items, some unaltered and others slightly adapted. The multi-faceted approach merged quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, yielding a harmonious synthesis of data and insights. This approach ensured that the resulting scales were not only reliable and valid but also resonant across different cultures, languages, and educational contexts.The book sheds light on the SSES Inventory's performance along the various stages of its empirical testing. The instrument demonstrated remarkable versatility, adapting to the developmental stages of students beginning from the age of ten. One of the key highlights was the Inventory's triangulated approach, utilizing feedback from students, parents, and teachers to enrich the data and enhance scale validity.As Kankarä et al. (2019) indicate, the triangulation not only solidifies the SSES Inventory as a multifaceted measure but also underscores the value of gathering diverse perspectives. The Inventory's structure allows for the application within individual respondent groups, yet the most comprehensive picture emerges when the scales are administered collectively to students, parents, and teachers.The book concludes by emphasizing the SSES Inventory's significance as a psychometrically sound tool for measuring the social and emotional skills of youths aged 10 to 18. The study's implications extend far beyond the academic domain, signaling potential applications in policy-making, educational interventions, and cross-cultural understandings of student development. The SSES Inventory stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of international research and the pursuit of nuanced, culturally competent assessment methods in the evolving landscape of social and emotional learning.

The widespread prevalence of physical, sexual and psychological abuse and violence that affect many women and girls was a largely overlooked topic of policy interest for a long time. Fortunately, this has started to change over the last two decades after a consistent effort of women-rights and aligned non-governmental groups at local, national and international levels. With the attention of policymakers on the issue now largely secured, what is needed is a collection of solid empirical evidence on the effectiveness of various intervention programs that aim to reduce, eliminate or prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG). Such empirical evidence would help inform and guide the formulation and implementation of effective support programs, policy actions and prevention strategies.Unfortunately, until recently, most empirical research on this topic was based on anecdotal accounts or exploratory studies administered on non-representative samples. However, the situation is gradually improving in recent years with the administration of a growing number of empirical studies on issues related to violence against women and girls (VAWG). Some of these studies have also evaluated their impact, offering clues about the effectiveness of various intervention approaches in preventing different forms of VAWG.This book aims to overview and synthesise existing empirical evidence from impact assessment studies that have evaluated intervention programs in the area of VAWG. Namely, this report tries to answer "what works" and "what doesn't work" in VAWG interventions, but also "what is still unknown" regarding the effectiveness of such interventions. The evidence is collected from both high-income and low- and middle-income countries and includes findings across different types of VAWG and intervention approaches.

Despite the persistent data gaps, a large amount of empirical evidence on the state of gender equality has been gathered worldwide, especially during the last few decades. This international data-gathering activity over the last decade largely revolved around the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Still, many other global, regional, and national initiatives and empirical programs have also contributed to the pool of available gender data. This book represents a concise overview of the key aspects of the available empirical evidence on the state of gender equality worldwide. The book starts with an overview of the status of the SDGs in terms of gender equality. It follows with a short outline of the main results across available global gender equality indicators and measures and other important global empirical programs dealing with this topic. The book also discusses the observed data inadequacies and gaps and the possible ways of improving the quantity and quality of gender data.

Domestic violence was long ignored or underestimated policy topic. It was not until the last decade of the 20th century that most countries started focusing on this issue and introducing lawful protections against it in their legal systems. Increased attention to the problem resulted in a growing number of intervention programs aiming to prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of various forms of domestic violence. Unfortunately, in the beginning, these interventions mainly relied on anecdotal accounts and untested assumptions. However, this is slowly changing in recent years, with an increasing number of programs using more robust empirical methods to evaluate their desired impacts.Without valid and reliable data on the effectiveness of domestic violence interventions, we will not be able to introduce positive change in this area. That is why this book focuses on examining and evaluating existing empirical evidence from around the world on the effectiveness of interventions in the field of domestic violence. In other words, we try to answer "what works", i.e. what is known to be an effective intervention strategy against domestic violence, under which conditions, and for which outcomes.

Discover the transformative power of Lev Vygotsky's theory in this concise and engaging book. Dive into the captivating world of cognitive development as we unravel Vygotsky's ideas and their impact on education and beyond.In this accessible exploration, we delve into Vygotsky's groundbreaking concepts, revealing the crucial role of social interaction and cultural context in shaping children's minds. Through relatable examples and clear explanations, we illuminate the core principles of Vygotsky's theory, including the Zone of Proximal Development and the influential role of language.From the classroom to everyday life, this book highlights practical applications of Vygotsky's theory. We delve into the benefits of collaborative learning, the significance of play, and the importance of scaffolding to support children's cognitive growth. With each page, readers gain practical insights and inspiration to enhance their teaching, parenting, or understanding of child development.The book invites readers on a journey of discovery, illuminating the enduring legacy of Vygotsky's theory and its relevance in today's world. Whether you're an educator, student, parent, or curious mind, this book equips you with valuable knowledge and tools to unlock the potential of young minds. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and equipped to make a positive impact on the minds of children.

This book provides a brief and up-to-date overview of the global state of gender equality policy and research. In the first part, dealing primarily with policy, the book lists the main actors and stakeholders in the field and outlines the development of international legal and policy frameworks on gender equality and related issues. The book also introduces key frameworks and perspectives on gender equality and briefly discusses the main aspects and dimensions identified across various approaches. In the second part, dealing with empirical issues, the author examines the main sources of empirical evidence, international analytical studies and indicators, and data depositories on gender equality. Finally, the book concludes with the chapter outlining key limitations and empirical data gaps in internationally available empirical evidence.

This book represents a brief but still comprehensive guide to Jean Piaget's influential theory of cognitive development. It inspires readers to embark on a captivating journey through the stages of human intellectual growth, exploring the profound insights and discoveries of one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century.Drawing upon Piaget's extensive research and groundbreaking ideas, this book presents a clear and accessible overview of his theory. From the sensorimotor stage to the formal operational stage, readers will gain a deep understanding of how children's thinking evolves and develops over time.Through engaging anecdotes, real-life examples, and relatable scenarios, the book brings Piaget's theory to life, providing readers with practical insights into how children learn, reason, and make sense of the world around them. It delves into the key concepts of assimilation, accommodation, object permanence, conservation, and more, illustrating their relevance in everyday situations.This book not only serves as an essential resource for educators, psychologists, and parents but also appeals to anyone interested in understanding the fascinating intricacies of human cognition. The book will empower readers to support children's cognitive development better, fostering their intellectual growth and unleashing their full potential.