Myriam Squillaci

Prof. Myriam Squillaci

University of Fribourg
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

19Years (2008-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 May 2023 in Education Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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LRLaura Rusconi
Laura Rusconi
Myriam SquillaciMyriam Squillaci
Myriam Squillaci
The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training course on the competence development of teachers working in inclusive classrooms. This model provides a useful framework to address this issue, establishing evidence-based guidelines for creating learning environments that meet the needs of all learners. The move towards inclusive education requires teachers to reassess their pedagogical practices by considering the contributions of neuroscience and cognitive psychology to support effective teaching in heterogeneous classrooms. Consequently, teacher training should include, in its curricula, practices and evidence that support teachers to develop skills for working in inclusive contexts. The study aimed to answer the main research question, namely, how effective the UDL approach is in developing teachers’ skills. To answer this question, a systematic review was conducted in different databases allowing the extraction and the analysis of 12 studies. Results were organized around the four dimensions linked to the model of the European Profile of Inclusive Teacher (PIT). Outcomes of the review highlighted three main findings: 1. a UDL training course has significant effects on students’ diversity valuing skills; 2. the effectiveness of the course appears to be independent of its duration, delivery mode, and the type of teachers to whom it is addressed; 3. UDL training fosters the implementation of accessible lesson planning and implementation skills. Still uncertain or unexplored, however, are the effects on teachers’ areas of collaboration and reflective practice.

Myriam SquillaciMyriam Squillaci
Myriam Squillaci
VBValérie Benoit
Valérie Benoit
Numerous studies have shown that youth with behavioral disorders (BD) present an increased risk for developing severe and persistent antisocial behaviors in adulthood. Retrospective research notes that not all children and adolescents follow a negative trajectory and explains this heterogeneity in particular by the severity of CU traits. Our study examines how these traits affect the functioning of children and adolescents with BD. Method: A systematic literature review conducted through various databases and using different keywords made it possible to analyze 52 studies published from 2015 to 2020 that measured the bidirectional effects of CU traits on the functioning of young. Results: Out of the 52 studies, 47 analyzed links between CU traits and neurobiological or mental health, 20 examined family and school contexts, eight focused on social adjustment, 10 on social interactions and 19 measured links with cognitive functioning, especially executive functions. Conclusion: Consistent with previous recommendations in the field, our findings emphasize the importance of assessing the presence of UC traits in early childhood to prevent the emergence of comorbid disorders and to target multimodal (early) interventions to influence the life trajectories of youth with high CU traits.

30 April 2023 in Children
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Journal Article
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LNLacombe Noémie
Lacombe Noémie
MHMaryelle Hey
Maryelle Hey
VHVerena Hofmann
Verena Hofmann
CPCéline Pagnotta
Céline Pagnotta
Myriam SquillaciMyriam Squillaci
Myriam Squillaci
Background: Current data show an increase in stress among youth since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the question of the measures to be put in place to limit it. Aim: The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of burnout and the different risk and protective factors of burnout among students and to compare the mean scores obtained with those collected in a similar sample in 2014. Method: Perceived health, school burnout, and the different risk and protective factors among students were measured by self-reported questionnaires among a sample of 184 students (11–13 years old). Results: The results indicate significantly higher burnout scores than in 2014. Different variables were predictive of school burnout: 1. At the individual level, a low academic achievement in mathematics, somatic symptoms, and the expressed stress; 2. At the interpersonal level, lack of support from peers, teachers, and parents and a negative classroom climate; 3. At the pandemic level, the increased workload related to the consequences of COVID-19. The factors with the greatest impact are confidence in the future, perceived stress, parental supports, and mathematics results. Conclusions: An intervention program targeting these four factors among burned out students would be relevant to set up in order to reduce its prevalence.

18 May 2021 in Frontiers in Education
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Journal Article
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Myriam SquillaciMyriam Squillaci
Myriam Squillaci
VHVerena Hofmann
Verena Hofmann
Over the last two decades, the nature of teachers' work has undergone significant structural changes due to political, social, organizational, technological, and philosophical factors. With the development of inclusive policies, the roles and functions of special education teachers (SETs) have evolved over the years. Inclusive work in general classrooms is often seen as a source of stress for SETs as they may have less autonomy at work, and more complex collaboration than their peers working in special classes. This stress can lead to a burnout syndrome, which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a lack of personal accomplishment. Less is known about the effects of teaching contexts on the SETs’ health. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the perceived health of a sample of SETs in Switzerland (N = 306) working in inclusive contexts (n = 79) with those working in non-inclusive contexts (n = 227). The sample filled out a self-reported questionnaire measuring personal variables, burnout at work with the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and collaborative variables with the School Quality Survey. Research results show three main findings. 1. Differences in perceived health at work are not significant between the two subgroups. 2. The two subsamples are not exhausted or depersonalized, but present a reduced personal achievement. 3. The collaboration-related variables exert different effects on the three burnout dimensions.


31 August 2020 in European Journal of Special Needs Education
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Myriam SquillaciMyriam Squillaci
Myriam Squillaci
Increased levels of burnout have been demonstrated for teachers and special education teachers (SETs) over the 20 past years. Since 1984, Maslach, Jackson and Leiter provided a framework for conceptualising burnout within three dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment). This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that a reform implementation influences the three dimensions of the burnout among SETs in Switzerland. In order to meet the objective of the study, a cross-sectional research was conducted over two measurements times – before and after the entry into force of the reform – using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The sample included 345 SETs for a response rate of 61.9% (T1 = 169; T2 = 176). Results show three essential outcomes: SETs show low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation but a level of personal achievement in the zone at risk. The reform implementation has not influenced the perceived health at work in the sample. SETs assess generally their health in a positive manner.