KICER 2024

KICER 2024 marks the fourth edition of this conference format, organized by the Faculty of Education at the University of Prishtina. It is now considered the largest annual forum that gathers education researchers to share their experiences and research.

For the 2024 edition of the KICER conference, around 80 applicants from Kosovo and the region have expressed interest. Over the past four years, the quality of scientific studies within KICER has improved, with the goal of addressing even more specific topics in the future. The conference also aims to enhance research capacities and promote evidence-based ideas and debates at the system level.

This year, KICER has focused on the theme ‘Successful Implementation of Innovative Approaches in the Classroom and Effective Institutional Management.’ The objective is to advance the debate on improving the quality of changes in the classroom and at the institutional level.

The contributions of conference participants, presented in various formats, are oriented around four main themes:

1. What are the best models for implementing changes in educators’ and teachers’ practices in education and learning?

2. What are the examples, models, and best practices for implementing competency-based curricula?

3. What are the best practices for subject integration, interdisciplinary approaches, and technology integration to enhance learning quality?

4. What are the best organizational approaches and managerial practices for implementing education policies and reforms?

The conference was opened by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education, Assoc. Prof. Majlinda Gjelaj, with opening speeches delivered by:

• Ms. Arbërje Nagavci, Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation

• Prof. Dr. Qerim Qerimi, Rector of the University of Prishtina

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blerim Saqipi, Dean of the Faculty of Education

Keynote Speakers – First Day On the first day of the conference, two keynote speakers presented:

• Prof. Dr. Agniezska Czejskowska from the University of Graz, Austria, on the topic: Strategies for Transforming Local Schools in Austria: Educational Changes and Inclusion.

• Prof. Dr. Anne Christian Frenzel from Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany (via online connection), on the topic: Emotions! Their Beauty and Importance for Teaching and Learning.

Parallel sessions continued at the Faculty of Education, providing attendees the opportunity to listen to and discuss over 60 presentations over two consecutive days.

Keynote Speakers – Second Day On the second day of the conference, two additional keynote speakers presented relevant topics for the current educational landscape:

• Prof. Dr. Jari Laru from the University of Oulu, Finland, spoke about AI Usage Policies in Europe and the Need for National Policies and Guidelines for AI Application.

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blerim Saqipi presented findings from a study on Teachers’ On-the-Job Behavior and Their Experiences in Implementing Curriculum Reform.

FEDU TALK: Integrating AI in Education and Ethics FEDU Talk is a new format introduced at this conference, which will traditionally be the pre-conference event held one day before the official opening of the conference.

Invited speakers included:

• Prof. Jari Laru (Finland)

• Italo Masello

• Prof. Heike Wendt from the University of Graz

• Prof. Krenare Nuci, an expert in educational technology and technology integration in teaching from the Faculty of Education at UP

Discussion Panel As part of KICER 2024, a debate panel on effective school organization and management was organized. This panel was led by Dr. Dukagjin Pupovci and included participation from local school directors, policymakers, and education management researchers invited specifically for this discussion.

Practical Workshops KICER 2024 provided opportunities for both pre-service and in-service teachers to engage in discussions on crucial topics based on findings from their own research, as well as actively participate in two practical workshops focused on innovative and inclusive teaching approaches.

The first workshop, designed for early childhood educators and inclusive teachers, was titled: Developing Social and Emotional Intelligence Through Play-Based Learning.

The second workshop, aimed at primary education teachers (both pre-service and in-service), was titled: Training Primary Education Teachers for STEM.

Poster Presentations The KICER 2024 conference concluded with poster presentations.

Important Documents

• To download the agenda, click here.

• To download the Conference Book, click here.