Domna Mika Kakana

Domna Mika Kakana is a Full Professor at the School of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. With extensive experience in educational sciences, she specializes in early childhood pedagogy and teacher education. Her academic leadership extends to administrative roles including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Education at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki from 2020.

Professor Kakana's research interests focus on early childhood education, pedagogical approaches, and teacher professional development. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of differentiated instruction in kindergarten settings, classroom environment design, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on early education. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications, emphasizing child-centered learning approaches and inclusive educational practices. Her extensive publication record demonstrates consistent engagement with contemporary issues in early childhood education, including the impact of the economic crisis and the pandemic on educational systems. Her research often employs mixed-method approaches, combining qualitative insights with quantitative analysis to address complex educational challenges.

Professor Kakana has supervised numerous doctoral and master's theses, mentoring the next generation of educational researchers. Her collaborative approach is evident in her leadership of multiple research projects funded by national and European programs, focusing on educational quality improvement and teacher professional development. She has coordinated significant projects including 'Learning Diversity: A Case Study of Refugee Students in Primary Schools' (2019-2022) and 'The Effect of Differentiated Instruction on Children's Learning Performance in Kindergarten' (2017-2019). Her leadership extends to editorial roles, including serving as Director of the journal 'Dialogoi! Theory and Practice in Educational Sciences.'

As an educator, Professor Kakana teaches courses across multiple semesters, including 'Fundamental Issues of Educational Sciences,' 'Modern Preschool Education Programs,' 'Pedagogical Organization of Space,' and 'Teamwork Approach.' Her teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application of theoretical concepts, preparing future educators to create inclusive and effective learning environments. She has also served in various administrative capacities, including as Director of the Postgraduate Program 'Educational Sciences' at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2016-2020) and as Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programs Committee (2017-2020).