Education Commons^™

A Phenomenological Investigation Of North Carolina's General Pre-Kindergarten Teachers' Attitudes And Perceived Self-Efficacy Toward Inclusion, Susanne Williamson Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate and describe North Carolina’s general Pre-Kindergarten teachers’ lived experiences concerning their attitudes and perceived self-efficacy towards inclusion. The theories guiding this research study were Bandura’s social learning theory and Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. The social learning theory laid the foundation for the importance of positive attitudes and a high sense of self-efficacy toward inclusion. The theory of planned behavior grounded the idea that teachers’ attitudes influence their behaviors and actions. Therefore, negative attitudes can cause teachers to be negative towards including special needs children. Ten general NC Pre-K teachers …

Early Childhood Education Teachers' Experiences With Implementing Play-Based Learning In The Classroom: A Phenomenological Study, Lori Lee Wagner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the early childhood education teachers’ lived experiences implementing play-based learning in the early childhood classroom setting in the Maricopa County region of Arizona. Play-based learning is defined as an instructional approach involving playful, child-directed elements planned for, facilitated, or capitalized upon by the educator cognizant of learning objectives that are standard-driven (Allee-Herndon et al., 2021). The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory as it relates to the teachers’ lived experiences implementing the play-based learning pedagogy with the children in the classroom. The study design was hermeneutical phenomenological …

Using An Interoception-Based Curriculum For Social-Emotional Learning In Preschool To Increase Emotional Regulation, Montana Applegate

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper presents a school improvement plan aimed at implementing and integrated interoception-based curriculum for social-emotional learning (SEL) in preschool classrooms, with the goal of fostering emotional regulation skills among young children. Drawing on recent research emphasizing the significance of SEL from early childhood through adolescence, this plan addresses the need for explicit teaching of emotional awareness and regulation in preschool settings. The proposed curriculum integrates interoception-based activities to enhance children’s ability to recognize and respond to internal bodily sensations and emotions. Through a review of relevant literature and personal classroom experience, this paper explores the foundations and practical implications …

Nature's Classroom: Outdoor Learning In Early Childhood, Kara Huberty

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper presents a school improvement plan for the Elk River School District focusing on enhancing family and community engagement through nature play in early childhood education. The needs assessment identified a gap in family involvement and outreach and a lack of outdoor play opportunities for early childhood students and their families. Extensive research underscores the benefits of integrating nature play into early childhood education, revealing its profound impact on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. A comprehensive plan to bridge the gap between research evidence and practical implementation of nature play in early childhood education is proposed. The plan …

Preparing Early Educators To Support Young Children's Social And Emotional Development: A Phenomenological Study Of Higher Education, Elizabeth Burany

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of higher education faculty regarding their role in preparing the early childhood education workforce to support young children’s social and emotional development in North Carolina. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social and Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children. Using a transcendental approach, experiences of faculty were examined to learn more about the instructional methods used to equip pre-service educators with the knowledge and practices needed to effectively teach social and emotional concepts in an early childhood classroom. …

Generations Growing Together: Intergenerational Learning As A Pedagogical Strategy In Early Childhood Education And Care Services. A Handbook For Practitioners And Trainers, Anne Fitzpatrick

Books/Book chapters

Despite being the oldest form of learning, IGL has declined steadily over time due to wide-ranging social, cultural, economic and demographic changes. Children in the Western world are growing up in smaller, geographically dispersed family circles and, consequently, have fewer opportunities to interact with different age groups and to see themselves as part of a multigenerational society. Older people are living longer, yet are frequently separated from their families by distance, migration and family breakdown and, more recently, by COVID-19. Additionally, with the increasing attendance at age-segregated services, including preschools and care homes, traditional places and opportunities for age groups …

Empowering And Educating Parents To Implement A Home Intervention: Effects On Preschool Children's Engagement In Hands-On Constructive Play, Michelle Boulanger Thompson, Yaoying Xu, Chin-Chih Chen, Kathleen Rudasill

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Constructive play is a creative process-oriented activity that promotes children’s engaged learning through building and designing with materials. This study investigated a parent-implemented intervention to promote active engagement in constructive play for preschool-aged children at risk for developmental delay. This study utilized a single-subject multiple-baseline across-participants design with four participants. Visual analysis of the data identified a functional relation between the temporal, physical, and social–emotional environmental support provided by the parents and the children’s active engagement in constructive play. Parents reported the intervention as meaningful to their lives, indicating strong social validity. These findings highlight the importance of centering and …

Cultivating Culturally Responsive Early Childhood Educators: An Examination Of Practices, Perspectives, And Reform Efforts, Kamiesha Vann

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation research reports on the development and implementation of a pre-pilot for early childhood preservice teachers based on seven specified learning modules on Culturally Responsive Anti-Bias Education (CRABE). In accordance with Pennsylvania’s Regulations, Professional Learning Standards, and Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS), the learning modules were designed to prepare preservice teachers to teach diverse populations of students. This research has high implications for higher education, which plays a role in supporting preservice teachers through coursework and field experience. The topics of the learning modules are Demographics: There’s a Shift in Education, Preparing Preservice Teachers Through The Course Catalog, Introduction …

The Role Of Digital Technologies In Supporting Quality Improvement In Australian Early Childhood Education And Care Settings, Maria Hatzigianni, Tanya Stephenson, Linda J. Harrison, Manjula Waniganayake, Philip Li, Lennie Barblett, Fay Hadley, Rebecca Andrews, Belinda Davis, Susan Irvine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This national study explored the role of digital technologies in early childhood education and care settings and whether they could contribute to quality improvement as reported by educators and assessors of quality in Australia. In this paper, data from Stage 2 of the Quality Improvement Research Project were used, which comprised 60 Quality Improvement Plans from educators linked with 60 Assessment and Rating reports from the assessors who visited early childhood centres as part of the administration of the National Quality Standards by each of Australia’s State and Territory jurisdictions. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, U. (1995).Developmental ecology through space …

The Overcoming Disadvantage In Early Childhood Study: Evaluation Of The Australian Literacy And Numeracy Foundation’S Early Language And Literacy Program. Summary Report, Dan Cloney, Kellie Picker, David Jeffries, Prue Anderson

Early Childhood Education

This report provides a summary of the completed Overcoming Disadvantage in Early Childhood (ODEC) longitudinal research study. The study was designed to evaluate the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation’s (ALNF) Early Language and Literacy (EL&L) program by answering the research question: What is the effect of the EL&L program on the development of language and literacy skills in preschool aged children? An integral component of this study was the development of the Early Language and Literacy Developmental Index (ELLDI), a new tool to measure oral language and literacy learning. The development of the ELLDI was based on the recognised need …

Meta-Analysis Of Research In Childhood Education Program In The United Arab Emirates, Alanood Alshamsi, Laila Mohebi

All Works

This qualitative study analyses a range of 34 research papers with different topics related to the early childhood education system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) such as child education content, special education system, policies, language and literacy, learning, professional development and other topics. In view of various research papers in UAE education, the paper explores children’s academic education programs and brings together different studies relating to the educational system in the country using a meta-analysis method. This research aimed to identify the current status of early childhood education in UAE. It also included the challenges that are faced by …

Early Childhood Teachers' Experiences In Collaboration Practices Related To Developing Professionally: A Qualitative Case Study, Linda Alston-Morgan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine early childhood teachers’ experiences in collaboration practices to support teacher professional development in three early childhood schools in Central New Jersey. The theory guiding this study was social cognitive theory by Bandura (1986), which focuses on learning through observations and social interactions. Bandura’s theory aligned with the study and revealed how collaborative opportunities are utilized as an approach to help teachers learn from each other and develop professionally. However, specific activities underlying the professional development of teachers during the collaborative sessions need more exploration. The research included data regarding early …

Supporting Meaningful Learning Experiences With Button-Operated Robots In Early Childhood Settings, Jacob Hall, David J. Mulder

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Bringing together recent research on button-operated robots in early childhood settings and developmentally appropriate practices, this chapter details strategies for the integration of robots. Educators are encouraged to design and implement robotics experiences that are intentional, active, constructive, cooperative, and authentic (Howland et al., 2012). To achieve these aims, educators should embed challenges within play-based activities and empower children to set and achieve their own goals. Additionally, educators can support children’s active engagement by selecting a button-operated robot that gives clear feedback and by offering just-in-time support as children address errors in their programs. For constructive learning, educators should prompt …

Board Game Club, Emma Georgia, Katelyn Stewart

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

No abstract provided.

Implementing Changes In Family Childcare Programs To Increase Social-Emotional Development And Decrease Negative Behavior, Julia Green

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if implementing environmental and instructional changes in an-home family childcare program would increase children’s social-emotional development as well as decrease negative behaviors exhibited. An assessment of social-emotional skills was conducted prior to the research using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The researcher observed staff members implement changes in the childcare program over four weeks, with one change each week. Following the four-week implementation period, the researcher conducted three weeks of observations to determine how the changes affected the children’s social-emotional development and behavior. A second ASQ assessment was conducted …

Analysis Of Early Childhood Education And Learning Outcomes In The Pacific, Dan Cloney, Yung Nietschke, Jeffery Marshall

Early Childhood Education

There is strong evidence supporting early childhood education (ECE) programmes as an effective way to support children to have the best start in life, especially for the most disadvantaged children. When high‐quality programmes are established – where quality is assured, and barriers to participation eliminated – large positive effects are observed that are sustained into adulthood. Indeed, substantial positive returns on public investment in ECE programmes are reported. When low‐quality programmes are taken to scale in the market, however, smaller effects or no effects are observed. This is attributed to failure to get quality right. And when quality is too …

Contributing To A National Early Learning And Child Care System In Canada: An Environmental Scan Of Early Childhood Policy And Programs, Yalin Gorica, Yasaman Jalali-Kushki, Mei Wang, Jennifer Conforzi

Publications and Scholarship

As the federal government aims to establish a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system with all provinces and territories, the significance of having a trained and qualified early childhood education (ECE) workforce is paramount to ensuring the provision of high-quality child care services to children. The shortage of qualified early learning and child care staff across the country calls for more research and program development to understand the complex issues of recruiting, supporting, and retaining qualified ECE professionals in the field. This environmental scan presents an opportunity for researchers to conduct a comprehensive review of current research trends and …

Project Approach – Teaching Dinosaurs In Pre-K, Erin Preslar

A with Honors Projects

For this honors project, the author has outlined a lesson plan for Pre-Kindergarten students using dinosaurs as the subject.

Importance Of Diversity In Early Childhood Education, Nicole Powell

A with Honors Projects

This honors project discusses the importance of diversity in childhood education and how to achieve it.

‘I’M Not From A Country, I’M From Australia.’ Costumes, Scarves, And Fruit On Their Heads: The Urgent Need For Culturally Responsive Pedagogy When Sharing Diverse Books With Children, Helen Adam, Matthew Byrne

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Children’s books play a central role in today’s classrooms. Educators can use children’s literature to promote children’s social and cultural understandings and critical thinking skills. This is particularly important when extending children’s knowledge and understandings of themselves, their identity and those who may differ culturally, socially or historically, thus supporting diversity and inclusion. Further, when diversity is considered, valued, and supported through Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP), outcomes for children from underrepresented backgrounds improve. This paper reports on a study conducted in four early learning settings in Western Australia investigating educators’ practices when sharing diverse literature with young children. This study …

Mapping The Leap: Differences In Quality Improvement In Relation To Assessment Rating Outcomes, Belinda Davis, Rosemary Dunn, Linda J. Harrison, Manjula Waniganayake, Fay Hadley, Rebecca Andrews, Hui Li, Susan Irvine, Lennie Barblett, Maria Hatzigianni

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Australia’s National Quality Standard (NQS) outlines the criteria to assess the quality of early childhood services. A four-point rating scale: (i) Exceeding NQS; (ii) Meeting NQS; (iii) Working Toward NQS; and (iv) Significant Improvement Required is applied to services following a regular assessment and rating process. Settings rated as Working Toward are reassessed within 12 months. Most settings achieved a one-step improvement in this Time 2 reassessment, moving to a Meeting rating but some settings made a two-step improvement, moving to an Exceeding rating. The QIP is a key document used by authorities to assess the quality of a …

Movement Guidelines For Young Children: Engaging Stakeholders To Design Dissemination Strategies In The Hong Kong Early Childhood Education Context, Catherine M. Capio, Rachel A. Jones, Catalina S. M. Ng, Cindy H. P. Sit, Kevin K. H. Chung

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Early childhood is a critical period during which patterns of movement behaviors are formed. The World Health Organization had endorsed guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep over a 24-h time period, which had been adopted by the Center for Health Protection of Hong Kong. This paper reports on stakeholder engagements that were conducted to inform the design of strategies to disseminate the guidelines in early childhood education (ECE) settings.

Methods

Using a mixed-methods study design, we sought to (a) assess the stakeholders' levels of awareness and knowledge of the Hong Kong movement guidelines for young children and …

Computational Thinking And Coding For Young Children: A Hybrid Approach To Link Unplugged And Plugged Activities, Daisuke Akiba

Publications and Research

In our increasingly technology-dependent society, the importance of promoting digital literacy (e.g., computational thinking, coding, and programming) has become a critical focus in the field of childhood education. While young children these days are routinely and extensively exposed to digital devices and tools, the efficacy of the methods for fostering digital skills in the early childhood classroom has not always been closely considered. This is particularly true in settings where early childhood educators are not digital experts. Currently, most of the efforts in standard early childhood settings, taught by teachers who are not digital experts, appear to revolve around “unplugged” …

Tree-Based Methods: A Tool For Modeling Nonlinear Complex Relationships And Generating New Insights From Data, Ya Mo, Brian Habing, Nell Sedransk

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

Our paper introduces tree-based methods, specifically classification and regression trees (CRT), to study student achievement. CRT allows data analysis to be driven by the data’s internal structure. Thus, CRT can model complex nonlinear relationships and supplement traditional hypothesis-testing approaches to provide a fuller picture of the topic being studied. Using Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten 2011 data as a case study, our research investigated predictors from students’ demographic backgrounds to ascertain their relationships to students’ academic performance and achievement gains in reading and math. In our study, CRT displays complex patterns between predictors and outcomes; more specifically, the patterns illuminated by …

Enacting Relationships Through Dialogic Storytelling, Erin E. Flynn

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study investigates the dialogic affordances of story circles, a small group storytelling activity, enacted in three lower socioeconomic status preschool classrooms. Results show that children employed a range of dialogic strategies from ideationally populating their stories with other children to negotiating participation and making evaluative appraisals of children’s stories. Boys, in particular, engaged in a more pronounced co-constructive storytelling style as the children used stories to enact relationships through the discourse systems of ideation, negotiation, and appraisal. The children’s storytelling reveals the importance of child-led, dialogic talk for supporting meaning making in early childhood education.

The Long-Run Effects Of High-Quality Pre-K: What Does The Research Show?, Timothy J. Bartik

Testimonies

No abstract provided.

Long-Run Effects Of High-Quality Pre-K: What Does Research Show?, Timothy J. Bartik

Presentations

High-quality pre-K results in long-run effects of higher educational attainment, lower crime, and higher earnings for former child participants as adults.

Water Play Is Science, Alissa Lange

ETSU Faculty Works

This outdoor water scavenger hunt includes a set of linked learning experiences in which children will practice careful observation and documentation to identify places they can find water outside.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Children will be able to identify water found in more than one location outside
• Children will be able to describe their observations of water outside using spoken words, writing, and/or pictures
• Children will compare and contrast predictions with documented observation

Pilot Test Of A Quality Rating And Improvement System In Early Education Programs In Magadan Oblast, Rf, And In Minnesota, Usa, Elizabeth J. Sandell

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

Quality in early childhood education matters. Scholarly research has demonstrated the critical importance of the first three years of a child’s life. The experiences and interactions children have in these early years significantly affects brain development and helps to establish the foundation for future learning. The topic of this study was to pilot test a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) in early education programs in Magadan, Russian Federation (RU) and in Mankato, Minnesota, United States of America (USA). The purpose of this study was to understand the use of a specific instrument to provide direction for the improvement of …

Early Childhood Education And Care Provision Through The Medium Of The Irish Language, Maire Mhic Mhathuna, Mairéad Mac Con Iomaire

Books/Book Chapters

This chapter will give an overview of the history of naíonraí or Irish-medium preschool settings in Gaeltacht1 and non-Gaeltacht areas from their beginnings in the 1960s to date. The material for this chapter is based on desk research, interviews with the founding member of the naíonra movement and the personal involvement of the chapter authors. The rationale for establishing naíonraí will be described and the role of the pioneers who led the movement in the 1970s and 1980s will be analysed in light of their principles and philosophy. These principles are visible in the structures they set up to manage …