34th ATHENS International Conference on Education: AICE-26

Call for papers/Topics

Topics of Interest for Submission include, but are Not Limited to:

1. Pedagogical Theories & Foundations

The philosophical and psychological building blocks of how teaching and learning occur.

• Learning Theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Connectivism, and Humanism.

• Instructional Models: Direct Instruction, Inquiry-Based Learning, Montessori Method, Waldorf Education, and Flipped Classrooms.

• Educational Psychology: Cognitive development (Piaget), Social development (Vygotsky), Motivation theory, and Metacognition.

• Bloom’s Taxonomy: Cognitive (thinking), Affective (feeling), and Psychomotor (doing) domains.

2. Curriculum & Instruction

What is taught and the strategies used to deliver that content.

• Curriculum Design: Spiral curriculum, Hidden curriculum, Interdisciplinary studies, and Standards-based grading.

• STEM/STEAM Education: Integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

• Literacy & Numeracy: Early literacy, Phonics vs. Whole Language, Mathematical fluency, and Financial literacy.

• Differentiated Instruction: Tiered assignments, Learning centers, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

3. Educational Technology (EdTech)

The use of digital tools to enhance and support the learning experience.

• AI in Education: Generative AI for lesson planning, Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), and Ethical AI use.

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Canvas, Moodle, and Google Classroom.

• Digital Literacy: Cyber-safety, Information evaluation, and Digital citizenship.

• Gamification: Use of game mechanics (badges, leaderboards) in non-game contexts to increase engagement.

4. Special Education & Inclusion

Ensuring equitable access to education for all learners regardless of ability.

• Disability Categories: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Dyslexia, and Speech/Language impairments.

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): 504 Plans, Accommodations vs. Modifications, and Transition planning.

• Inclusive Practices: Co-teaching models, Sensory-friendly classrooms, and Neurodiversity advocacy.

• Gifted and Talented Education (GATE): Acceleration, Enrichment, and Social-emotional needs of high-achievers.

5. Educational Leadership & Policy

The "macro" view of how systems are run and governed.

• School Administration: Principal leadership, Budgeting/Finance, and Human Resources.

• Policy & Reform: Standardized testing, School choice (charter/vouchers), and Decentralization.

• Educational Equity: The Achievement Gap, Funding formulas, and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT).

• Global Education: International Baccalaureate (IB), Comparative education systems, and UNESCO goals.

6. Levels of Education

The stages of the educational journey through the lifespan.

• Early Childhood (ECE): Preschool, Kindergarten, and Play-based learning.

• K-12 Education: Primary/Elementary, Middle, and Secondary/High school systems.

• Higher Education: Undergraduate/Graduate studies, Academic freedom, and Student debt.

• Vocational & Adult Education: Trade schools, Continuing professional development, and Lifelong learning.

7. Assessment & Evaluation

Measuring what students have actually learned.

• Formative Assessment: Exit tickets, Quizzes, and "Check-for-understanding" during the process.

• Summative Assessment: Final exams, Portfolios, and Capstone projects.

• Diagnostic Assessment: Pre-tests to identify gaps before instruction begins.

• Data-Driven Instruction: Using standardized test data to inform classroom interventions