Classroom Management in the Era of Industry 4.0: the W Theory. Perspectives for Application in Portuguese as a Foreign Language Teaching Cover Image

Управление на класната стая в ерата на industry 4.0: теория W. Перспективи за прилагане в обучението по португалски като чужд език
Classroom Management in the Era of Industry 4.0: the W Theory. Perspectives for Application in Portuguese as a Foreign Language Teaching

Author(s): Rumyana Staneva
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Foreign languages learning
Published by: Софийски университет »Св. Климент Охридски«
Keywords: classroom management; Industry 4.0; W Theory; knowledge workers; contemporary education

Summary/Abstract: Amid the rapid developments of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), traditional educational models lag behind technological and social transformation. This study presents and substantiates Theory W as an innovative classroom management model that integrates technological advancement with humanistic and psychological principles of learning. Both teacher and student are conceptualized as equal “knowledge workers,” and the learning process unfolds through a combination of ICT, artificial intelligence, and social-emotional learning aimed at developing critical thinking, creativity, and soft skills. Theory W builds upon McGregor’s classical management approaches (Theory X and Theory Y) by emphasizing collaboration, motivation, autonomy, and harmonious interaction among all participants in the educational environment. The contribution of this research lies in proposing a practical classroom management model adapted to the conditions of the digital era. Analysis of the results from the experimental application of Theory W in teaching Portuguese as a second foreign language demonstrates that the model enhances student engagement, self-reflection, and overall learning effectiveness, preparing learners both for professional realization and for active participation in the dynamic knowledge society.

  • Issue Year: 2025
  • Issue No: 48
  • Page Range: 122-134
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Bulgarian
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