Suchergebnisse

Relevance of the research. Recognition and education of children and teenagers gifted in sporting activity is an important part of the attainment of particular results in sports. Identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a process, when athletes are recognised at the early stage of their development and have a possibility to attain high results in adulthood (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008). It means that individually or in combination, their physical, physiological, psychological and social features, as well as technical capabilities can help to predict their potential in the future (Williams, Reilly, 2000). Some scientists maintain that aiming to achieve high results in sports gifted athletes should be selected by appropriate methods at an early age and involved into a long and systematically planned training (Sevim, 2007; Bompa, Haff, 2009). However, recognition of young gifted athletes is a complex process, since the results of teenagers' physical development, as well as their value-based provisions, attitudes and motives change in the process of growing and development (Callender, 2010; Gonçalves, Rama, Figueriredo, 2012). According to some scientists (Byrne, Davenport, Mazanov, 2007), adolescence is a specific and rather complicated age period, when rapid and big changes occur not only in physical development, but also in psycho-social maturity. Therefore, recognition and selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a multi-faceted process, when it is important not only to evaluate an athlete's present appearance considering their physical, physiological, psychological, cognitive and sociological features, and technical capacities, but also evacuating such important aspects as social, emotional, motivational and temperamental factors (Pruna, Tribaldos, Bahdur, 2018). Whether the talents will be disclosed depends not only on an athlete's innate capabilities, but also on the educational factors affecting them. A great influence is made by the coach and educational environment created by the school, which allows developing and growing an athlete's personality (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Pensgaard, Roberts, 2002). However, it is not the school that affects the educational environment and motivational climate. The attitude of family members towards physical activity, their support for an athlete, the coach and his/her ability to appropriately plan the training content, teammates, facilities, attention from the media and other people, as well as values and social provisions also contribute to this process (Hassandra, Goudas, Chroni, 2003; Lenzen, Brouwers, Dejardin et al., 2004). An effective programme of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports can help to recognize talents at an early stage, which can become a vitally important element when trying to enhance successful competitiveness of the country (Vaeyens, Gullich, Warr, Philippaerts, 2009). The programmes of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports facilitate the process of athlete selection, which maximizes the number of gifted persons (Anshel, Lidor, 2012). Early recognition of gifted athletes can attract funding and training opportunities for athletes having the greatest potential for success (Durand-Bush, Salmela, 2001). Countries are concerned with creating research-based methods to select the most gifted athletes that could successfully compete on the international sports arena. Over the past two decades, the increasing number of studies have been accomplished trying to understand the issues concerning experience in the identification and education of children and teenagers gifted for sports (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Abbott, Button, Pepping et al., 2005; De Bosscher, De Knop, Van Bottenburg, Shibli, 2006; Pearson, Naughton, Torode, 2006; Lidor, Cote, Hackfort, 2009; Anshel, Lidor, 2012; Roth, 2012; Brouwers, De Bosscher, Sotiriadou, 2012; Nijs, Gallardo-Gallardo, Dries, Sels, 2014; Swann, Moran, Piggott, 2015). However, despite considerable achievements in the process of identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports, a universally recognized model of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist Hohmann, 2001; Abbott, Collins, 2004; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008; Davids, Araujo, Vilar, Pinder, 2013; Louzada, Maiorano, Ara, 2016). There are cases when decisions concerning the selection of athletes are made subjectively, without scientific validation (Regnier, Salmela, Russell, 1993; Williams, Franks, 1998; Abbott, Button, Pepping, Collins, 2005), whereas a lot of potentially gifted athletes are not selected due to inappropriate selection criteria or applying no selection criteria at all, as well as due to athletes changing a sports branch or a large number of drop-outs from sports (Abbott, Collins, 2004; MacNamara, Collins, 2011; Tranckle, Cushion, 2006; Winfried, 2001). It is important that children and teenagers get interested in sports, are selected to appropriate sport branches, as well as attempts are made so that they do not break their sporting career too early (Schiffer, 2013); every year approximately 35% of young athletes quit sports and it is not clear if they ever resume their sporting activity again (Purcell, 2005; Breunner, 2012). Therefore, the application of these selection criteria and a large drop-out of athletes from sports can be partly justified in countries with high population. The principle of natural selection can have a greater influence. In the case of a small country (for instance, Lithuania), such a selection is not suitable. Trying to avoid subjectivity, the majority of the latest scientific studies in sports science are related to the investigation of the influence of innate (natural) and acquired (educated) features on sporting results (Baker, Bagats, Büsch, Schorer, 2012; Coutinho, Mesquita, Fonseca, De Martin-Silva, 2014; Davids, Baker, 2007). With the increasing competition among athletes over the past period (De Bosscher et al., 2006) and sports becoming a political and commercial phenomenon (Green, Oakley, 2001), there appears a necessity for timely and appropriate choice of a specific branch of sports, which would help to achieve good results in the future. Different methods and programmes of selecting the most capable athletes are applied all over the world. In the majority of countries, selection models consisting of several stages are applied, which rely on a coach's competence, test results and analysis of competition results, whereas the selected athletes are invited to learn and do sports in specialised schools. Similarly to some other countries, in Lithuania concern about (self-) education of children gifted for sports has led to the emergence of sports gymnasiums. Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium is one of the three general education schools of Lithuania that implement basic and general education alongside with sports education, and in which a part of sports education in the field of specialized education aims at training students that have special educational needs due to their giftedness in sports for high excellence and results (Order No. V-1010 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 24 October 2014). The programme outlines the knowledge, abilities and attitudes that athletes should acquire to comply with physical, technical, tactical requirements, as well as requirements for fitness and achievements. The purpose of Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium gives a possibility to analyse the gymnasium as a case revealing the aspects of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports, which can help to better understand what educational preconditions are created and how to select teenagers gifted for sports and to disclose their talents, as well as to help create and improve practical models for schools educating teenagers gifted for sports. Therefore, the research question was formulated: how does the selection of teenagers gifted for sports occur and how are the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports created? The problem-based question and the fact that a universal and effective model of the selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist, highlight the research object, i. e. the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The aim of the research is to reveal the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The research objectives: 1. To theoretically validate the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 2. To identify the educational factors and notice of the choice of sporting activity by athletes. 3. To explore the physical and functional fitness of athletes and its dynamics. 4. To determine the attitudes of athletes as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 5. To determine the attitudes of coaches as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Scientific novelty and practical significance of the doctoral research ● The validated educational factors that influence the selection of teenagers gifted for sports allow better understanding of the factors of choosing a sporting activity and survival in sports as educational preconditions for the development of capabilities. ● The determined dynamics of physical and functional fitness of teenage athletes in an educational environment beneficial to the development of their innate capabilities for sports helps to understand the dynamics and multi-dimensionality of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports as a process, as well as problematic control of its components when identifying and developing their capabilities. The case of one of the three sports gymnasiums of Lithuania has been explored in terms of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports – such studies have not been performed in Lithuania so far. ● The results of the theoretical and empirical research complement the theory of sports science with innovative and original data on the expression of the educational preconditions affecting the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Practical significance. The educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports that affect athletes' decision to choose a sporting activity from other spheres of supplementary education have been analysed and generalised. The determined peculiarities of motivation will help coaches to select appropriate pedagogical and psychological tools to motivate athletes to seek for high results in sports. The educational factors stimulating and aggravating athletes' selection and motivation to seek for high results in sports have been distinguished during the research, the role of a coach as one of educational factors has been revealed in the process of selecting and training athletes – these findings will allow a more purposeful planning of the (self-) development of coaches' competences and provision of all the necessary support concerning the selection of athletes to them. The analysis of the changes in the results of athletes' physical and functional fitness will give a possibility to make a more thorough selection of teenagers gifted for sports to 12 sports branches, as well as to train them more purposefully and effectively for national and international competitions. The research data can be applied in compiling model characteristics of different age periods and different sports branches by specifying training programmes and evaluating the changes in athletes' individual fitness. The research results can be used by the administration, coaches and other employees of athletes' educational centres, federations and sports schools. CONCLUSIONS 1. The search and selection of gifted children is a complex, dynamic, long-lasting, and special educational process that depends on a variety of factors interacting and constantly changing in the process. The factors influencing the selection and results in the sporting activity can be divided into four groups: genetic-physiological, psychological, social, and educational factors. The genetic potential, anthropometric data and physical abilities are essential indicators for the identification and selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Psychological features, such as perseverance, self-confidence, positive attitude, devotion, dedication, strong intrinsic motivation, concentration, attentiveness, and emotional control, are important in selecting gifted teenagers. Social factors include sports policy, culture, natural conditions, geographical location of the country, various opportunities, specific tendencies in the development of modern sports, and support rendered to the participants of the educational process. Educational factors – educational environments, parent support, practice, the coach and teammates, have an educational impact on athletes and can influence their decision making, motivation, habits, training and skills.Therefore, the selection of gifted teenagers should be specific to each sports branch and include a multi-disciplinary approach when clearing out athletes' motives, the attitudes of athletes and coaches, as well as implementing the monitoring athletes. 2. Regardless of gender and a group of sports branches, the main factors that motivate the choice of sports activities include educational (motivation of the coach, parents and friends) and internal cognitive motives (desire to master a sports technique). The least important motives involve material (possession of own inventory, good facilities for training), geographical (a sports school close to home), not being admitted into another sports branch, or lack of other choices. The choice of a sport from other areas of supplementary education is determined by a desire to be physically fit and a desire to engage in leisure activities. The least important motives are the desire to become famous and the desire to be attractive. Intrinsic motivation is more pronounced than extrinsic.The boys' external motivation is stronger than that of girls. Amotivation is more characteristic of the girls. The internal and external motivation is more expressed by the athletes of team sports; external motivation in individual sports appears to be the weakest, whereas the weakest intrinsic motivation and the strongest amotivation is revealed in duelling sports. 3. The results of physical development, physical fitness and functional capacity of stronger athletes are not always statistically significantly different from those of other athletes or control group athletes. A part of the indicators of stronger athletes are better, which leads to an assumption that alongside with psychosocial abilities, social factors, educational factors, and high motivation, they are essential to achieve high results. The correlation study reveals which indicators need to be taken into account and developed when selecting teenagers gifted for sports and achieving high results. 4. The most important factors for teenagers' decision to start doing sports and choose a sports branch include the surrounding environment, where the most important roles are ascribed to the coach, family members and friends. The genetic-physiological and psychological factors that are affected by the coaching and environmental factors are considered as the main factors determining success in sports. The coach is identified as the most important educational factor in the selection of gifted teenagers, whereas a favourable climate, motivating influence of the coach, his/her competence and ideal conditions help to disclose the athletes' talents and achieve high results. While choosing a sport and training, the self-educational factor is distinguished seeking to change oneself, as well as to change own or others' future relating it to sports. The factors that reduce the motivation of athletes and thus prevent the full potential of talented athletes, as well as leading them to end their sporting careers are highlighted: stabilisation of their progress in the results, injuries and high loads of physical activity. 5. The coaches distinguish the importance of psychological and physiological factors in selecting teenagers gifted for sports. The coaches consider the teenagers to be prospective athletes who have a strong internal and external motivation to train, innate capabilities, and physical abilities that are influenced by environmental factors, coaching competence, and practice. The role of the coach as the most important educational factor is highlighted in the search for gifted athletes among those already in the sport or referring to the competence of other coaches, recommending athletes who can achieve higher results in other sports branches. Identifying gifted teenagers-athletes, the coaches look for dedicated, hardworking and goal-seeking athletes with strong motivation. Family members and peers are recognised as educational factors that have a significant impact on athlete selection. The research also highlights the problems faced by coaches in the selection process. These are physiological and psychological changes in the body and the priorities of teenage athletes, which are influenced by their surrounding environment.

Relevance of the research. Recognition and education of children and teenagers gifted in sporting activity is an important part of the attainment of particular results in sports. Identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a process, when athletes are recognised at the early stage of their development and have a possibility to attain high results in adulthood (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008). It means that individually or in combination, their physical, physiological, psychological and social features, as well as technical capabilities can help to predict their potential in the future (Williams, Reilly, 2000). Some scientists maintain that aiming to achieve high results in sports gifted athletes should be selected by appropriate methods at an early age and involved into a long and systematically planned training (Sevim, 2007; Bompa, Haff, 2009). However, recognition of young gifted athletes is a complex process, since the results of teenagers' physical development, as well as their value-based provisions, attitudes and motives change in the process of growing and development (Callender, 2010; Gonçalves, Rama, Figueriredo, 2012). According to some scientists (Byrne, Davenport, Mazanov, 2007), adolescence is a specific and rather complicated age period, when rapid and big changes occur not only in physical development, but also in psycho-social maturity. Therefore, recognition and selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a multi-faceted process, when it is important not only to evaluate an athlete's present appearance considering their physical, physiological, psychological, cognitive and sociological features, and technical capacities, but also evacuating such important aspects as social, emotional, motivational and temperamental factors (Pruna, Tribaldos, Bahdur, 2018). Whether the talents will be disclosed depends not only on an athlete's innate capabilities, but also on the educational factors affecting them. A great influence is made by the coach and educational environment created by the school, which allows developing and growing an athlete's personality (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Pensgaard, Roberts, 2002). However, it is not the school that affects the educational environment and motivational climate. The attitude of family members towards physical activity, their support for an athlete, the coach and his/her ability to appropriately plan the training content, teammates, facilities, attention from the media and other people, as well as values and social provisions also contribute to this process (Hassandra, Goudas, Chroni, 2003; Lenzen, Brouwers, Dejardin et al., 2004). An effective programme of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports can help to recognize talents at an early stage, which can become a vitally important element when trying to enhance successful competitiveness of the country (Vaeyens, Gullich, Warr, Philippaerts, 2009). The programmes of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports facilitate the process of athlete selection, which maximizes the number of gifted persons (Anshel, Lidor, 2012). Early recognition of gifted athletes can attract funding and training opportunities for athletes having the greatest potential for success (Durand-Bush, Salmela, 2001). Countries are concerned with creating research-based methods to select the most gifted athletes that could successfully compete on the international sports arena. Over the past two decades, the increasing number of studies have been accomplished trying to understand the issues concerning experience in the identification and education of children and teenagers gifted for sports (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Abbott, Button, Pepping et al., 2005; De Bosscher, De Knop, Van Bottenburg, Shibli, 2006; Pearson, Naughton, Torode, 2006; Lidor, Cote, Hackfort, 2009; Anshel, Lidor, 2012; Roth, 2012; Brouwers, De Bosscher, Sotiriadou, 2012; Nijs, Gallardo-Gallardo, Dries, Sels, 2014; Swann, Moran, Piggott, 2015). However, despite considerable achievements in the process of identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports, a universally recognized model of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist Hohmann, 2001; Abbott, Collins, 2004; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008; Davids, Araujo, Vilar, Pinder, 2013; Louzada, Maiorano, Ara, 2016). There are cases when decisions concerning the selection of athletes are made subjectively, without scientific validation (Regnier, Salmela, Russell, 1993; Williams, Franks, 1998; Abbott, Button, Pepping, Collins, 2005), whereas a lot of potentially gifted athletes are not selected due to inappropriate selection criteria or applying no selection criteria at all, as well as due to athletes changing a sports branch or a large number of drop-outs from sports (Abbott, Collins, 2004; MacNamara, Collins, 2011; Tranckle, Cushion, 2006; Winfried, 2001). It is important that children and teenagers get interested in sports, are selected to appropriate sport branches, as well as attempts are made so that they do not break their sporting career too early (Schiffer, 2013); every year approximately 35% of young athletes quit sports and it is not clear if they ever resume their sporting activity again (Purcell, 2005; Breunner, 2012). Therefore, the application of these selection criteria and a large drop-out of athletes from sports can be partly justified in countries with high population. The principle of natural selection can have a greater influence. In the case of a small country (for instance, Lithuania), such a selection is not suitable. Trying to avoid subjectivity, the majority of the latest scientific studies in sports science are related to the investigation of the influence of innate (natural) and acquired (educated) features on sporting results (Baker, Bagats, Büsch, Schorer, 2012; Coutinho, Mesquita, Fonseca, De Martin-Silva, 2014; Davids, Baker, 2007). With the increasing competition among athletes over the past period (De Bosscher et al., 2006) and sports becoming a political and commercial phenomenon (Green, Oakley, 2001), there appears a necessity for timely and appropriate choice of a specific branch of sports, which would help to achieve good results in the future. Different methods and programmes of selecting the most capable athletes are applied all over the world. In the majority of countries, selection models consisting of several stages are applied, which rely on a coach's competence, test results and analysis of competition results, whereas the selected athletes are invited to learn and do sports in specialised schools. Similarly to some other countries, in Lithuania concern about (self-) education of children gifted for sports has led to the emergence of sports gymnasiums. Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium is one of the three general education schools of Lithuania that implement basic and general education alongside with sports education, and in which a part of sports education in the field of specialized education aims at training students that have special educational needs due to their giftedness in sports for high excellence and results (Order No. V-1010 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 24 October 2014). The programme outlines the knowledge, abilities and attitudes that athletes should acquire to comply with physical, technical, tactical requirements, as well as requirements for fitness and achievements. The purpose of Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium gives a possibility to analyse the gymnasium as a case revealing the aspects of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports, which can help to better understand what educational preconditions are created and how to select teenagers gifted for sports and to disclose their talents, as well as to help create and improve practical models for schools educating teenagers gifted for sports. Therefore, the research question was formulated: how does the selection of teenagers gifted for sports occur and how are the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports created? The problem-based question and the fact that a universal and effective model of the selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist, highlight the research object, i. e. the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The aim of the research is to reveal the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The research objectives: 1. To theoretically validate the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 2. To identify the educational factors and notice of the choice of sporting activity by athletes. 3. To explore the physical and functional fitness of athletes and its dynamics. 4. To determine the attitudes of athletes as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 5. To determine the attitudes of coaches as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Scientific novelty and practical significance of the doctoral research ● The validated educational factors that influence the selection of teenagers gifted for sports allow better understanding of the factors of choosing a sporting activity and survival in sports as educational preconditions for the development of capabilities. ● The determined dynamics of physical and functional fitness of teenage athletes in an educational environment beneficial to the development of their innate capabilities for sports helps to understand the dynamics and multi-dimensionality of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports as a process, as well as problematic control of its components when identifying and developing their capabilities. The case of one of the three sports gymnasiums of Lithuania has been explored in terms of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports – such studies have not been performed in Lithuania so far. ● The results of the theoretical and empirical research complement the theory of sports science with innovative and original data on the expression of the educational preconditions affecting the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Practical significance. The educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports that affect athletes' decision to choose a sporting activity from other spheres of supplementary education have been analysed and generalised. The determined peculiarities of motivation will help coaches to select appropriate pedagogical and psychological tools to motivate athletes to seek for high results in sports. The educational factors stimulating and aggravating athletes' selection and motivation to seek for high results in sports have been distinguished during the research, the role of a coach as one of educational factors has been revealed in the process of selecting and training athletes – these findings will allow a more purposeful planning of the (self-) development of coaches' competences and provision of all the necessary support concerning the selection of athletes to them. The analysis of the changes in the results of athletes' physical and functional fitness will give a possibility to make a more thorough selection of teenagers gifted for sports to 12 sports branches, as well as to train them more purposefully and effectively for national and international competitions. The research data can be applied in compiling model characteristics of different age periods and different sports branches by specifying training programmes and evaluating the changes in athletes' individual fitness. The research results can be used by the administration, coaches and other employees of athletes' educational centres, federations and sports schools. CONCLUSIONS 1. The search and selection of gifted children is a complex, dynamic, long-lasting, and special educational process that depends on a variety of factors interacting and constantly changing in the process. The factors influencing the selection and results in the sporting activity can be divided into four groups: genetic-physiological, psychological, social, and educational factors. The genetic potential, anthropometric data and physical abilities are essential indicators for the identification and selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Psychological features, such as perseverance, self-confidence, positive attitude, devotion, dedication, strong intrinsic motivation, concentration, attentiveness, and emotional control, are important in selecting gifted teenagers. Social factors include sports policy, culture, natural conditions, geographical location of the country, various opportunities, specific tendencies in the development of modern sports, and support rendered to the participants of the educational process. Educational factors – educational environments, parent support, practice, the coach and teammates, have an educational impact on athletes and can influence their decision making, motivation, habits, training and skills.Therefore, the selection of gifted teenagers should be specific to each sports branch and include a multi-disciplinary approach when clearing out athletes' motives, the attitudes of athletes and coaches, as well as implementing the monitoring athletes. 2. Regardless of gender and a group of sports branches, the main factors that motivate the choice of sports activities include educational (motivation of the coach, parents and friends) and internal cognitive motives (desire to master a sports technique). The least important motives involve material (possession of own inventory, good facilities for training), geographical (a sports school close to home), not being admitted into another sports branch, or lack of other choices. The choice of a sport from other areas of supplementary education is determined by a desire to be physically fit and a desire to engage in leisure activities. The least important motives are the desire to become famous and the desire to be attractive. Intrinsic motivation is more pronounced than extrinsic.The boys' external motivation is stronger than that of girls. Amotivation is more characteristic of the girls. The internal and external motivation is more expressed by the athletes of team sports; external motivation in individual sports appears to be the weakest, whereas the weakest intrinsic motivation and the strongest amotivation is revealed in duelling sports. 3. The results of physical development, physical fitness and functional capacity of stronger athletes are not always statistically significantly different from those of other athletes or control group athletes. A part of the indicators of stronger athletes are better, which leads to an assumption that alongside with psychosocial abilities, social factors, educational factors, and high motivation, they are essential to achieve high results. The correlation study reveals which indicators need to be taken into account and developed when selecting teenagers gifted for sports and achieving high results. 4. The most important factors for teenagers' decision to start doing sports and choose a sports branch include the surrounding environment, where the most important roles are ascribed to the coach, family members and friends. The genetic-physiological and psychological factors that are affected by the coaching and environmental factors are considered as the main factors determining success in sports. The coach is identified as the most important educational factor in the selection of gifted teenagers, whereas a favourable climate, motivating influence of the coach, his/her competence and ideal conditions help to disclose the athletes' talents and achieve high results. While choosing a sport and training, the self-educational factor is distinguished seeking to change oneself, as well as to change own or others' future relating it to sports. The factors that reduce the motivation of athletes and thus prevent the full potential of talented athletes, as well as leading them to end their sporting careers are highlighted: stabilisation of their progress in the results, injuries and high loads of physical activity. 5. The coaches distinguish the importance of psychological and physiological factors in selecting teenagers gifted for sports. The coaches consider the teenagers to be prospective athletes who have a strong internal and external motivation to train, innate capabilities, and physical abilities that are influenced by environmental factors, coaching competence, and practice. The role of the coach as the most important educational factor is highlighted in the search for gifted athletes among those already in the sport or referring to the competence of other coaches, recommending athletes who can achieve higher results in other sports branches. Identifying gifted teenagers-athletes, the coaches look for dedicated, hardworking and goal-seeking athletes with strong motivation. Family members and peers are recognised as educational factors that have a significant impact on athlete selection. The research also highlights the problems faced by coaches in the selection process. These are physiological and psychological changes in the body and the priorities of teenage athletes, which are influenced by their surrounding environment.

Nowadays advertising is one of the major factors used in order to attract as many clients as possible, form their needs and in such way guarantee that they would become regular clients. Usually these regular clients are teenagers. They are a special group of spectators. Unlike adults, they do not always understand what advertising is and what their creators seek for by it. The principal factor, influencing how a child or a teenager understands advertising, is his age. Objective of the research is teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon. The aim of research is to find out teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon. The hypothesis is the following: whereas advertising develop consumer society; therefore, having analyzed teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon, we could understand how they conceive it and offer recommendations how to teach teenagers to understand the advertising. The goals of research: 1) to reveal the features of advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon in accordance with the bibliography; 2) to discuss the psychological aspects of the stage of adolescence; 3) to analyze teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon. Research methods. Theoretical: system analysis of bibliography analyzing psychological peculiarities of advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon and of the stage of adolescence. Empirical: declarative research (questionnaire survey of student from forms VII-X). Methods of mathematical statistics: percentage data analysis, correlation analysis, application of chi-square criterion. Findings. 1. Advertising reflects our culture, politics, economics and morality. It functions as a mirror; however, by reflecting the image which is seen, distort it as well. Being concise, information, advertising is able to create and adjust values, having influence to the socio-culture. 2. Identity crisis; visual expression crisis; formation of self-consciousness; problem of psychical and social maturation; moral, cognitive development is common to the stage of adolescence. 3. The data of research showed that advertising is not only the source of information to some students. Advertising dictates fashions to them, stimulates their interest, and provides with ideas for creation. VII form students look at advertising superficially, it is more as a source of information about the goods to them. X form students start to select, compare and seek for creative ideas in them. They show less interest in the good itself in the advertisement, but try to understand its meaning more, gain concrete values. For students, advertisement is not only a common image. Teenagers are able to reveal the means of art expression in the advertising. Recommendations:1. Ad creators should pay bigger attention towards the auditory, for which the advertisement is directly intended, the possibilities of distortion of information and the level of maturity. Ad creators should raise moral values of the society, such as, for example, friendship, tenderness, honesty, justice, dignity and respect to others in the advertisements. 2. Advertisers understanding that teenagers have a very vivid and they are very trustful can not have the use of it. Having the ability to directly and indirectly stimulate the possible images of quality of product and its usage, they have a huge power due to which they could define the boundary between the reality and illusion.

Nowadays advertising is one of the major factors used in order to attract as many clients as possible, form their needs and in such way guarantee that they would become regular clients. Usually these regular clients are teenagers. They are a special group of spectators. Unlike adults, they do not always understand what advertising is and what their creators seek for by it. The principal factor, influencing how a child or a teenager understands advertising, is his age. Objective of the research is teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon. The aim of research is to find out teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon. The hypothesis is the following: whereas advertising develop consumer society; therefore, having analyzed teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon, we could understand how they conceive it and offer recommendations how to teach teenagers to understand the advertising. The goals of research: 1) to reveal the features of advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon in accordance with the bibliography; 2) to discuss the psychological aspects of the stage of adolescence; 3) to analyze teenagers' attitude towards advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon. Research methods. Theoretical: system analysis of bibliography analyzing psychological peculiarities of advertising as a socio-cultural phenomenon and of the stage of adolescence. Empirical: declarative research (questionnaire survey of student from forms VII-X). Methods of mathematical statistics: percentage data analysis, correlation analysis, application of chi-square criterion. Findings. 1. Advertising reflects our culture, politics, economics and morality. It functions as a mirror; however, by reflecting the image which is seen, distort it as well. Being concise, information, advertising is able to create and adjust values, having influence to the socio-culture. 2. Identity crisis; visual expression crisis; formation of self-consciousness; problem of psychical and social maturation; moral, cognitive development is common to the stage of adolescence. 3. The data of research showed that advertising is not only the source of information to some students. Advertising dictates fashions to them, stimulates their interest, and provides with ideas for creation. VII form students look at advertising superficially, it is more as a source of information about the goods to them. X form students start to select, compare and seek for creative ideas in them. They show less interest in the good itself in the advertisement, but try to understand its meaning more, gain concrete values. For students, advertisement is not only a common image. Teenagers are able to reveal the means of art expression in the advertising. Recommendations:1. Ad creators should pay bigger attention towards the auditory, for which the advertisement is directly intended, the possibilities of distortion of information and the level of maturity. Ad creators should raise moral values of the society, such as, for example, friendship, tenderness, honesty, justice, dignity and respect to others in the advertisements. 2. Advertisers understanding that teenagers have a very vivid and they are very trustful can not have the use of it. Having the ability to directly and indirectly stimulate the possible images of quality of product and its usage, they have a huge power due to which they could define the boundary between the reality and illusion.

88 pages, 1 illustration, 6 dockets, 99 bibliographic recourses. In the final Master's degree thesis the main goal of this paper is art teaching of teenagers of Youth school by non-traditional lessons evaluating their efficiency. This thesis consists of three main parts: analysis of literature, analysis and results of the accomplished scientific performance research, conclusions and recommendations. Analysis made aiming to achieve the goal of the psychological, pedagogical literature and education legislation documents revealed that there is no one appropriate art teaching method at the Youth school that is efficient enough to absorb the learning material. The students of the Youth school are learning according to the General Programs and Education Standards (2003) and very often the learning material is not appropriately absorbed because of limited teaching and learning quality due to low learning motivation of the teenagers, destructive and asocial behavior during the lessons, learning gaps because of low attendance or not timely submitted pedagogical support. Practice research in the Youth school proved that in the art teaching of the teenagers is important to appropriate evaluate their capacities, abilities and interests, determine the reasons of the destructive behavior and evaluate it, organize the lessons in the way that meets the teenagers' self-expression demand and competence level in order the art learning lessons are attractive and interesting. Non-traditional art lessons organizing way proved that integrated teaching subjects and active methods, application of differentiated and individual learning styles, modern teacher's performance model during the lessons helped teenagers to acquire self-confidence, increase art learning motivation and progressiveness, change the destructive behavior and improve the attendance of the lessons. Conclusions and recommendations submitted in accordance with the analysis of the literature studied and results of the conducted performance research. According to the author of the thesis, the recommendations submitted will be helpful for the art teachers to organize the art lessons for the Youth school teenagers more efficiently: the teenagers will absorb the learning material appropriately, learning motivation and progressiveness will be improved, and ways to solve social problems will be looked for. Key words: Youth school, teenagers, art teaching, non-traditional lessons.

88 pages, 1 illustration, 6 dockets, 99 bibliographic recourses. In the final Master's degree thesis the main goal of this paper is art teaching of teenagers of Youth school by non-traditional lessons evaluating their efficiency. This thesis consists of three main parts: analysis of literature, analysis and results of the accomplished scientific performance research, conclusions and recommendations. Analysis made aiming to achieve the goal of the psychological, pedagogical literature and education legislation documents revealed that there is no one appropriate art teaching method at the Youth school that is efficient enough to absorb the learning material. The students of the Youth school are learning according to the General Programs and Education Standards (2003) and very often the learning material is not appropriately absorbed because of limited teaching and learning quality due to low learning motivation of the teenagers, destructive and asocial behavior during the lessons, learning gaps because of low attendance or not timely submitted pedagogical support. Practice research in the Youth school proved that in the art teaching of the teenagers is important to appropriate evaluate their capacities, abilities and interests, determine the reasons of the destructive behavior and evaluate it, organize the lessons in the way that meets the teenagers' self-expression demand and competence level in order the art learning lessons are attractive and interesting. Non-traditional art lessons organizing way proved that integrated teaching subjects and active methods, application of differentiated and individual learning styles, modern teacher's performance model during the lessons helped teenagers to acquire self-confidence, increase art learning motivation and progressiveness, change the destructive behavior and improve the attendance of the lessons. Conclusions and recommendations submitted in accordance with the analysis of the literature studied and results of the conducted performance research. According to the author of the thesis, the recommendations submitted will be helpful for the art teachers to organize the art lessons for the Youth school teenagers more efficiently: the teenagers will absorb the learning material appropriately, learning motivation and progressiveness will be improved, and ways to solve social problems will be looked for. Key words: Youth school, teenagers, art teaching, non-traditional lessons.

Family is the most important environment for the successful growth and development of the child. It is the first environment transmitting particular behaviour models which the child assimilates and takes over. It is accepted that family influences not only social behaviour but asocial one as well, which is denounced, unacceptable and treated as deviant. There are distinguished a lot of unfavourable personality development conditions in the family. It must be admitted that the type and environment of the family may influence the formation of the teenagers' deviant behaviour. It was ascertained that children whose behaviour is unacceptable commonly come from asocial, problematic, disharmonious and not full in structure families. Also it should be admitted that the formation of deviant personality is influenced by the family of emigrants, but there are few analyses in this sphere in Lithuania. Unwanted behaviour may also appear because of the parents' upbringing mistakes. The formation of deviant behaviour is influenced by the relationships between parents and children, the kind of punishment and its severity, inappropriate control of child's behaviour. It is obvious that the more unfavourable factors influence the child's personality at one time; the bigger chance of the deviant behaviour appears. Consequently, the basis of the deviant behaviour comes from the family, and later this behaviour is influenced by school, friends, mass media and etc. In this final master's work with reference to scientific literature, Lithuanian legislation, statistics and ESPAD research data, one will be familiarized with the conception of the deviant behaviour, with the provided manifestations of the teenagers' deviant behaviour in Lithuania, and also with analysed influence of family type, environment and parents' upbringing mistakes to the formation of the behaviour. With reference to the author's criminological analyses as well as to the scientific literature there was analysed the formation of teenagers' (14-18 years old) deviant behaviour in the family. On purpose to reduce the manifestations of the teenagers' deviant behaviour in Lithuania in this work there are provided recommendations to the parents in which it is emphasised that they should choose the appropriate upbringing style and avoid mistakes in upbringing their children.

Family is the most important environment for the successful growth and development of the child. It is the first environment transmitting particular behaviour models which the child assimilates and takes over. It is accepted that family influences not only social behaviour but asocial one as well, which is denounced, unacceptable and treated as deviant. There are distinguished a lot of unfavourable personality development conditions in the family. It must be admitted that the type and environment of the family may influence the formation of the teenagers' deviant behaviour. It was ascertained that children whose behaviour is unacceptable commonly come from asocial, problematic, disharmonious and not full in structure families. Also it should be admitted that the formation of deviant personality is influenced by the family of emigrants, but there are few analyses in this sphere in Lithuania. Unwanted behaviour may also appear because of the parents' upbringing mistakes. The formation of deviant behaviour is influenced by the relationships between parents and children, the kind of punishment and its severity, inappropriate control of child's behaviour. It is obvious that the more unfavourable factors influence the child's personality at one time; the bigger chance of the deviant behaviour appears. Consequently, the basis of the deviant behaviour comes from the family, and later this behaviour is influenced by school, friends, mass media and etc. In this final master's work with reference to scientific literature, Lithuanian legislation, statistics and ESPAD research data, one will be familiarized with the conception of the deviant behaviour, with the provided manifestations of the teenagers' deviant behaviour in Lithuania, and also with analysed influence of family type, environment and parents' upbringing mistakes to the formation of the behaviour. With reference to the author's criminological analyses as well as to the scientific literature there was analysed the formation of teenagers' (14-18 years old) deviant behaviour in the family. On purpose to reduce the manifestations of the teenagers' deviant behaviour in Lithuania in this work there are provided recommendations to the parents in which it is emphasised that they should choose the appropriate upbringing style and avoid mistakes in upbringing their children.

The scientists are based on different physical education measures and technologies to enhance students' health. Of these complexes, and physical exercise varied effects. However, many studies carried out by Lithuanian independence, autocratic education system conditions. Democracy physical education in mainstream schools under the conditions of such studies is limited. Researchers argue that the world is fast changing and more complex, in need of such training (learning) paradigm, which is consistent with the public nature of the change. These authors view modern teaching (learning) paradigm is focused on the learner, through analysis of pedagogical interaction, student-oriented information, advice, and not just the teacher's presentation emphasizes collaboration and discovery, learning and their activities, encourage critical thinking. These training (learning) paradigm through the implementation of physical education classes under the new primary and elementary education programs in general (2008) is a problem to be studied and scientific problem. The study objective - to investigate the physical characteristics of educational exercises complexes heterogeneous effects of class II schoolgirl. Educational pedagogical experiment was carried out from 2010 11 January 2010 16 April Jonava old gymnasium. It was attended by 121 of class II major medical physical fitness girl group. Randomly selected three experimental and four control classes. The independent variable - a new technology, some older teenagers played physical education teacher, and his exercise supplemented by exercise of the complexes referred to a teacher and physical properties of the selected training. Physical properties due to the choice of an experiment carried out at the beginning of test scores (compared with Eurofit (2002) test parameters), or the desire to disciple. In addition to nurture the teaching experiment was a further five tests: the literature analysis and summary of the questionnaire, physical properties testing, educational tracking, statistical analysis. In summary the results suggest that nurture experiment E1 and E2 groups of girls physical properties record is steadily improving. Engaged in an experimental program in E1 group of girls balance, flexibility, strength, trunk strength (abdominal muscular endurance) and running speed, agility during the experimental period were higher than the same group of physical features of E2 results. This could be influenced by: personal physical education (teaching), the reasons and objectives, the ability to add up a teacher of physical exercise facility in the performance of its technology, and more. We investigated the experimental group E1 girls of all five application test results were statistically significantly better april months. than in January. Hypotheses that students' class II, which has a teacher and personally recommended by the physical properties of a targeted exercise to train the selected clusters, improve the approach to a healthy lifestyle and sports activities and physical education classes, efficiently will improve the physical properties have been confirmed. Keywords: educational experiment, older teenagers, exercises complexes.

The scientists are based on different physical education measures and technologies to enhance students' health. Of these complexes, and physical exercise varied effects. However, many studies carried out by Lithuanian independence, autocratic education system conditions. Democracy physical education in mainstream schools under the conditions of such studies is limited. Researchers argue that the world is fast changing and more complex, in need of such training (learning) paradigm, which is consistent with the public nature of the change. These authors view modern teaching (learning) paradigm is focused on the learner, through analysis of pedagogical interaction, student-oriented information, advice, and not just the teacher's presentation emphasizes collaboration and discovery, learning and their activities, encourage critical thinking. These training (learning) paradigm through the implementation of physical education classes under the new primary and elementary education programs in general (2008) is a problem to be studied and scientific problem. The study objective - to investigate the physical characteristics of educational exercises complexes heterogeneous effects of class II schoolgirl. Educational pedagogical experiment was carried out from 2010 11 January 2010 16 April Jonava old gymnasium. It was attended by 121 of class II major medical physical fitness girl group. Randomly selected three experimental and four control classes. The independent variable - a new technology, some older teenagers played physical education teacher, and his exercise supplemented by exercise of the complexes referred to a teacher and physical properties of the selected training. Physical properties due to the choice of an experiment carried out at the beginning of test scores (compared with Eurofit (2002) test parameters), or the desire to disciple. In addition to nurture the teaching experiment was a further five tests: the literature analysis and summary of the questionnaire, physical properties testing, educational tracking, statistical analysis. In summary the results suggest that nurture experiment E1 and E2 groups of girls physical properties record is steadily improving. Engaged in an experimental program in E1 group of girls balance, flexibility, strength, trunk strength (abdominal muscular endurance) and running speed, agility during the experimental period were higher than the same group of physical features of E2 results. This could be influenced by: personal physical education (teaching), the reasons and objectives, the ability to add up a teacher of physical exercise facility in the performance of its technology, and more. We investigated the experimental group E1 girls of all five application test results were statistically significantly better april months. than in January. Hypotheses that students' class II, which has a teacher and personally recommended by the physical properties of a targeted exercise to train the selected clusters, improve the approach to a healthy lifestyle and sports activities and physical education classes, efficiently will improve the physical properties have been confirmed. Keywords: educational experiment, older teenagers, exercises complexes.

The rising number of divorcing and not married couples, active sexual life of teenagers, is the problems that Lithuania faces nowadays. We can make an assumption that these problems occur from low moral virtues. Problem: the preparation for marriage and moral education is not sufficient. The main prove of this problem is increasing number of divorces, incapability to create a strong family. The object of the research: the possibility of preparation for marriage. The aim of the research: to reveal the possibility of students' preparation for marriage in secondary school. The objectives of the research: 1. To define the conception of marriage; 2. To clear the principles of marriage preparation; 3. To describe the role of family and school preparing teenagers to marriage; 4.To reveal the possibility of students' preparation for marriage in secondary school. The methodology of research: the research is based on Christian anthropology that confirms the indivisibility of human's spiritual and carnal sides, also the theory of sex education of S. Šalkauskas. The methods of the research: the analysis of literature, individual interview, request and content analysis. Conclusions: 1. The importance of marriage is acknowledge the government and the church; Marriage can be held only between matured persons, because it is a commitment first. 2. The principle of preparing marriage is educating a matured personality. 3. The role of family and school preparing young people for marriage is important, but parents' role is crucial. 4. The empiric analysis has shown that there are possibilities to prepare teenagers for marriage.

The rising number of divorcing and not married couples, active sexual life of teenagers, is the problems that Lithuania faces nowadays. We can make an assumption that these problems occur from low moral virtues. Problem: the preparation for marriage and moral education is not sufficient. The main prove of this problem is increasing number of divorces, incapability to create a strong family. The object of the research: the possibility of preparation for marriage. The aim of the research: to reveal the possibility of students' preparation for marriage in secondary school. The objectives of the research: 1. To define the conception of marriage; 2. To clear the principles of marriage preparation; 3. To describe the role of family and school preparing teenagers to marriage; 4.To reveal the possibility of students' preparation for marriage in secondary school. The methodology of research: the research is based on Christian anthropology that confirms the indivisibility of human's spiritual and carnal sides, also the theory of sex education of S. Šalkauskas. The methods of the research: the analysis of literature, individual interview, request and content analysis. Conclusions: 1. The importance of marriage is acknowledge the government and the church; Marriage can be held only between matured persons, because it is a commitment first. 2. The principle of preparing marriage is educating a matured personality. 3. The role of family and school preparing young people for marriage is important, but parents' role is crucial. 4. The empiric analysis has shown that there are possibilities to prepare teenagers for marriage.

The rising number of divorcing and not married couples, active sexual life of teenagers, is the problems that Lithuania faces nowadays. We can make an assumption that these problems occur from low moral virtues. Problem: the preparation for marriage and moral education is not sufficient. The main prove of this problem is increasing number of divorces, incapability to create a strong family. The object of the research: the possibility of preparation for marriage. The aim of the research: to reveal the possibility of students' preparation for marriage in secondary school. The objectives of the research: 1. To define the conception of marriage; 2. To clear the principles of marriage preparation; 3. To describe the role of family and school preparing teenagers to marriage; 4.To reveal the possibility of students' preparation for marriage in secondary school. The methodology of research: the research is based on Christian anthropology that confirms the indivisibility of human's spiritual and carnal sides, also the theory of sex education of S. Šalkauskas. The methods of the research: the analysis of literature, individual interview, request and content analysis. Conclusions: 1. The importance of marriage is acknowledge the government and the church; Marriage can be held only between matured persons, because it is a commitment first. 2. The principle of preparing marriage is educating a matured personality. 3. The role of family and school preparing young people for marriage is important, but parents' role is crucial. 4. The empiric analysis has shown that there are possibilities to prepare teenagers for marriage.

The third chapter of the monograph contains the analysis of the risk factors within the socialisation process. The factors include the analysis of impact on children socialisation by mass media, especially the TV; the deviant behaviour and the criminal tendencies of the under-aged, their education within isolated institutions; the social orphans' socialisation in non-traditional institutions. The third chapter of the monograph also contains the search for ways to solve these problems, organise the prevention undertakings in a proper way. The fourth chapter of the monograph "Civic Education as a Component of Positive Socialisation" contains the discussion and analysis of the ways and methods used for better understanding of the children and teenagers, individual and group work peculiarities and specificity, while searching for optimal prevention work instruments. As indicated by Prof. John J. Patrick, in relation to the civic mission of schools in the past, "The purpose was the introduction of each new generation into the democratic culture of a particular society and country in order to maintain the political and civic order or to improve it on its own terms At its worst, the civic mission involved heavy-handed and mind-numbing inculcation of uncontested political loyalty to the state and society, democratic or otherwise".

The third chapter of the monograph contains the analysis of the risk factors within the socialisation process. The factors include the analysis of impact on children socialisation by mass media, especially the TV; the deviant behaviour and the criminal tendencies of the under-aged, their education within isolated institutions; the social orphans' socialisation in non-traditional institutions. The third chapter of the monograph also contains the search for ways to solve these problems, organise the prevention undertakings in a proper way. The fourth chapter of the monograph "Civic Education as a Component of Positive Socialisation" contains the discussion and analysis of the ways and methods used for better understanding of the children and teenagers, individual and group work peculiarities and specificity, while searching for optimal prevention work instruments. As indicated by Prof. John J. Patrick, in relation to the civic mission of schools in the past, "The purpose was the introduction of each new generation into the democratic culture of a particular society and country in order to maintain the political and civic order or to improve it on its own terms At its worst, the civic mission involved heavy-handed and mind-numbing inculcation of uncontested political loyalty to the state and society, democratic or otherwise".