MASTER APPLIED STUDIES FOR PRESCHOOL TEACHERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DURING THE COVID 19 EPIDEMIC

Abstract

In the circumstances caused by the epidemic of the Covid 19 virus, higher education institutions in Serbia, as in most countries, are facing numerous challenges and changes in their regular functioning. The paper presents the results of the research aimed at establishing the opinion of students about the conditions of distance learning as well as what obstacles they face during the implementation of professional practice. The research was quantitative and qualitative, relying on primary and secondary data sources. The sample consisted of students of master applied studies at the Department of Studies for Preschool and Nursery Teachers in Sabac, who evaluated the study conditions and the quality of teaching, with special reference to the success of professional practice. Survey and analysis techniques of professional practice diaries were applied, which were a source of data on online communication with families whose children did not attend kindergartens. Based on the obtained results, the authors analyze the effects of the combined model of online learning and live teaching, the specifics of the organization and the way of realization of professional practice during the epidemic. The combined teaching model offered to students is in line with their expectations regarding the content of teaching and the quality of communication with subject teachers. The professional practice, despite the difficult circumstances, enabled the students to strengthen their competencies for the application of information technologies and the cooperation of the kindergarten with the family.