Giustizia e ingiustizia a scuola nelle parole dei futuri maestri

The words justice and injustice often feature in students’ reflections on their experience of school, most frequently in relation to assessment, teacher-student relations and modes of class management.In this paper, we present the preliminary results of a study in which 82 trainee primary school teachers described both an episode of justice and an episode of injustice that they had either directly experienced or witnessed during their own school years. The data analysis was carried out using mixed-mode methodology and provided interesting insights into issues such as assessment and relationships in the classroom, as well as highlighting the need for teachers to receive training in interpersonal skills to complement their subject knowledge.Le parole giustizia e ingiustizia ricorrono spesso nelle riflessioni che gli studenti fanno sulla loro esperienza scolastica e coinvolgono la valutazione scolastica, la relazione insegnante-allievi e in generale le modalità con cui è gestita la classe. In questo articolo vengono riportati i primi risultati di un’indagine condotta chiedendo a 82 studenti universitari di Scienze della Formazione Primaria di descrivere un episodio di giustizia e uno di ingiustizia di cui erano stati soggetti o testimoni a scuola. L’analisi, condotta con metodi qualitativi e quantitativi secondo il paradigma del mixed-method, ha fornito interessanti riflessioni sul tema della valutazione e della relazione in classe oltre a suggerire indicazioni per una formazione degli insegnanti che ai contenuti disciplinari affianchi buone capacità relazionali

Do observers like curvature or do they dislike angularity?

Humans have a preference for curved over angular shapes, an effect noted by artists as well as scientists. It may be that people like smooth curves or that people dislike angles, or both. We investigated this phenomenon in four experiments. Using abstract shapes differing in type of contour (angular vs. curved) and complexity, Experiment 1 confirmed a preference for curvature not linked to perceived complexity. Experiment 2 tested whether the effect was modulated by distance. If angular shapes are associated with a threat, the effect may be stronger when they are presented within peripersonal space. This hypothesis was not supported. Experiment 3 tested whether preference for curves occurs when curved lines are compared to straight lines without angles. Sets of coloured lines (angular vs. curved vs. straight) were seen through a circular or square aperture. Curved lines were liked more than either angular or straight lines. Therefore, angles are not necessary to generate a preference for curved shapes. Finally, Experiment 4 used an implicit measure of preference, the manikin task, to measure approach/avoidance behaviour. Results did not confirm a pattern of avoidance for angularity but only a pattern of approach for curvature. Our experiments suggest that the threat association hypothesis cannot fully explain the curvature effect and that curved shapes are, per se, visually pleasant