How can student autonomy be improved? How stable are children’s reading habits, and what role do community radio stations play? Can we feel unexpected shame over a bite of meat? The latest studies from ELTE PPK researchers cover a wide range of topics, from consistent advocacy to our everyday ethics.
Consistency is key to assessing the credibility of support
Members of advantaged groups can play a significant role in promoting social change by standing up for disadvantaged groups. The study examined how the consistency of supporters’ behavior influences the motivations attributed to them and the trust placed in them by members of minority groups.
The results indicate that inconsistent commitment over time raises doubts about the motives of the alliance members.
Four studies conducted in the United States showed that Black Americans viewed white participants who regularly attended protests for racial equality as more trustworthy and committed than those who had participated only once. Similarly, members of the LGBTQIA+ community viewed heterosexual allies whose participation declined over time or became sporadic as less intrinsically motivated and more trustworthy. The findings highlight that sustained, consistent advocacy is key to credibility and trust.
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Fostering Learner Autonomy Through Student-Led Writing and Speaking Support in Teacher Education
One of the cornerstones of foreign language learning is learner autonomy, which is particularly important in higher education, as students must be able to acquire knowledge independently outside of class. Although institutions offer a wide variety of systems to support independent learning, their effectiveness depends not only on resources but also on the motivational influence of instructors. The research examines student advisory programs (aimed at improving writing and speaking skills) designed to foster student autonomy and prepare teacher candidates for learning outside the classroom. The authors use the writing and speaking development procedures of a Hungarian university as a case study. Experience shows that these programs serve a dual purpose: they enhance students’ skills and promote the reflective mindset and consultative pedagogy that are essential in higher education. The study outlines models through which independent learning can be organically integrated into curricula, strengthening student autonomy and professional development. The programs presented serve as examples of how similar initiatives can be adapted in other institutions to promote autonomy, improve the quality of teacher training, and support lifelong learning.
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The stability of reading profiles in elementary school
One of the key tasks during elementary school is mastering fluent reading and spelling. Although most children develop successfully in this area, many struggle with specific or combined difficulties. The study examined the extent to which reading profiles identified at a given point in time remain stable after six months or a year. The study included children who, based on previous results, had combined or isolated difficulties or typical reading and spelling abilities.
They found that reading and spelling skills were relatively stable, but the degree of stability varied across groups. The greatest stability was observed among children with combined difficulties, while the majority of typically developing children also maintained their high performance. In contrast, isolated disorders proved to be more variable:
Some of the students who struggled with reading were placed in a different group, while many of those who struggled with spelling caught up.
It is worth noting that improved spelling skills were associated with greater phonological awareness. The study highlights the predictive role of early skills and the importance of phonological awareness.