The purpose of this cross-cultural study is to analyze the Primary School system in Slovenia and Croatia, and inclusion of sport (Slovenia) and physical and health education (Croatia) subjects in the Primary School program. We are interested in the similarities and differences in the two countries sharing a common history. Namely, Slovenia and Croatia are states that were created in 1991 after the fall of Yugoslavia. Since 1991, both countries have been operating independently.
In the introduction theoretical concepts related to the school system and curriculum are presented, followed by its description, comparative analysis of the curricula, extra-curricular programs and initial teacher training in Slovenia and Croatia. At the end of the master thesis, the good and less good solutions of each country are summarized and the possibilities for their improvement are offered.
Comparing Slovenian and Croatian school system, similarities and differences that occur within each area are discussed. The most differences were found in the chapter on the initial teacher training for teaching sport / physical and health education. Both, similarities and differences are presented in the chapters on the school system, sports / physical education program, curriculum and additional activities for students. After reviewing the primary school system in both countries, it was found that the Slovene system is slightly better structured than the Croatian one.
This master thesis can help curriculum providers to take a better look at the founding of education and physical education in the two neighboring states. It may also be of benefit to Croatian students, future teachers studying at a Slovene university with the intention of obtaining a Master degree of Physical education Teacher, and to all those who spend part of their education on student exchange in Slovenia or Croatia.
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