Elementary Education and Teaching Commons^™

Committing To Anti-Bias Anti-Racist Teaching: From Activity To Habits Of Mind, Tierney B. Hinman, Elizabeth Y. Stevens, Tess M. Dussling, Nance S. Wilson, Amy Tondreau, Wendy Gardiner, Kristen White, Sophie Degener

Excelsior: Leadership in Teaching and Learning

With the need to prepare teacher candidates to work with an increasingly diverse student body in U.S. schools, a multi-institutional collaborative self-study group was formed to examine ways in which teacher educators could expand beyond practice-based literacy preparation to support candidates’ understanding and implementation of critical pedagogies. The self-study served as a catalyst for interrogating the identities the teacher educators brought to their practice and began a journey that transformed a focus on critical literacies into a commitment to action for change through anti-bias anti-racist work. This paper draws from group dialogue and reflective journals to examine specific practices implemented …

Mindful Artmaking In Elementary Classrooms: A Path To Emotional Regulation, Christine Gober

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Abstract

In an era dominated by technological advancements and mounting external pressures, the emotional and mental well-being of the younger generation is a growing concern. This research paper explores the intricate relationship between mindfulness, art-making, and emotional regulation within the context of elementary classrooms. The modern world, filled with a plethora of stimuli, has escalated stress levels among individuals, especially children, leading to a surge in mental health issues. Mindfulness, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, teaches individuals to stay present, fostering a non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and emotions. Art-making, on the other hand, serves as a medium for emotional …

A Qualitative Study Of Teachers’ Knowledge Of Anxiety And Their Feelings Of Preparedness To Support Students With Anxiety, Jessica Minahan

Educational Studies Dissertations

The incidence of anxiety disorders, one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, in students has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, these disorders continue to be underdiagnosed and untreated in schools, leading to impaired learning, social relationships, and health issues. If teachers, who spend a considerable amount of time with students, identify anxiety and enforce successful interventions, it can lead to positive student outcomes. Therefore, this qualitative study examined teachers’ knowledge of anxiety and their feelings of preparedness in teaching students with anxiety. Thirteen general education elementary teachers with two to three years of experience were interviewed. The participants …

Interaction Between Students With And Without Disabilities In An Inclusive Schools From Their Teachers Perspective., Dr. Basmah Alshahrani

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The success of the inclusion of students with disabilities substantially depends on the collaboration of various social agents, including non-disabled peers, who play a substantial role in the lives of students with disabilities. Peers, as social agent, are responsible for the creation of a favourable social environment, in which one of the key factors is a positive acceptance. This research examined the reality of interactions between non-disabled students and their acceptance to peers with disabilities. A qualitative research approach was employed using interviews with Nine special education teachers. An overall positive attitudes were reported with non-disabled peers being reported as …

Adjusting/Modifying Assignments To Support Students With Learning Disabilities While Engaging In Ngss Science And Engineering Practices And Inquiry-Based Learning, Shannon Morago Dr.

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Effective science instruction involves opportunities for all students to do science, including engaging in the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices through inquiry-based learning. Many students with learning disabilities have the accommodation of shortened or reduced assignments in their Individualized Educational Programs to allow them equal access to science learning. Science teachers struggle to provide this accommodation. This practice brief provides examples of supports and strategies for implementing this accommodation during an inquiry-based investigation. A vignette is used to follow a science teacher and her students through an investigation; it details how she provides equal access to the learning objectives as …

Role Play: Actualizing The Iep Meeting For Pre-Service Teachers, Courtney A. Toledo

The Qualitative Report

Teacher preparation programs provide numerous teaching and learning opportunities for pre-service teachers; however, participating in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is not an experience that can be guaranteed. Leading and participating in IEP meetings are a responsibility that all special education teachers will be held accountable for, but many pre-service teachers will never be able to observe a real IEP meeting before entering the field. In this qualitative case study, the researcher utilizes a simulated IEP meeting to provide pre-service teachers with experience in participating in an IEP meeting prior to entering the profession. The case study method is …

Teacher Development Multi-Year Study Series. Report Highlights. Multi-Country Report, Hilary Hollingsworth, Debbie Wong, Elizabeth Cassity, Payal Goundar

Education Analytics Service

The global learning crisis is driving a focus on improving learning. Teacher development and improving teaching quality, is therefore at the heart of many education systems’ policies and programs. The Teacher Development Multi-Year Studies were initiated by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to provide evidence on the impact of its investments in teacher development and how they can be more effective. Over 5 years, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) conducted research in 3 countries: Timor-Leste, Vanuatu and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The research investigated the extent to which Australian investments in the …

Report Highlights: Evaluation Of Australia's Investment In Teacher Development In Lao Pdr: Final Report (Lao Version), Debbie Wong, Hilary Hollingsworth, Prue Anderson, Payal Goundar, Agnes Mercer

Education Analytics Service

The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Lao PDR to undertake significant primary education reforms through its flagship Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR program (BEQUAL), including a new primary curriculum. Phase 1 of BEQUAL (2015-22) supported the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to rollout the new primary curriculum in schools, starting with Grade 1 (G1) in 2019. Specific teaching practices were introduced, including active learning, student-centred learning approaches, formative assessment, and a phonics approach to teaching reading. New practices were complemented by face-to-face orientation training and grants in BEQUAL target districts to strengthen communities of …

Spotlight On Teacher Supports. Evaluation Of Australia’S Investment In Teacher Development In Lao Pdr (Lao Version), Australian Council For Educational Research

Education Analytics Service

The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Lao PDR to undertake significant primary education reforms through its flagship Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR program (BEQUAL), including the roll-out of a new primary curriculum. Phase 1 of BEQUAL (2015-22) supported the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to roll out the new primary curriculum in schools. BEQUAL support included teaching and learning materials, orientation training on the new curriculum, and education support grants. Phase 2 (2022-26) is focused on inclusive teaching practices, student engagement and improved learning outcomes. To understand progress and to make necessary adjustments, the …

Spotlight On Teacher Supports. Evaluation Of Australia’S Investment In Teacher Development In Lao Pdr, Australian Council For Educational Research

Education Analytics Service

The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Lao PDR to undertake significant primary education reforms through its flagship Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR program (BEQUAL), including the roll-out of a new primary curriculum. Phase 1 of BEQUAL (2015-22) supported the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to roll out the new primary curriculum in schools. BEQUAL support included teaching and learning materials, orientation training on the new curriculum, and education support grants. Phase 2 (2022-26) is focused on inclusive teaching practices, student engagement and improved learning outcomes. To understand progress and to make necessary adjustments, the …

Teacher Development Multi-Year Study Series. Multi-Country Report, Hilary Hollingsworth, Debbie Wong, Elizabeth Cassity, Payal Goundar

Education Analytics Service

The Teacher Development Multi-Year Studies were initiated by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to provide evidence about the impact of DFAT’s investments in teacher development and how teacher development investments can be more effective. This Multi-Country Report is the culmination of five years of research across three countries, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu and Lao PDR (Laos), involving in-depth interviews, observations and learning assessments. Teacher development is at the heart of many education systems’ policies and programs aiming to improve teaching and student learning. The Multi-Country Report highlights how teacher professional learning can work together with system and …

Teacher Development Multi-Year Study Series. Report Highlights. Vanuatu: Final Report (Bislama Version), Elizabeth Cassity, Debbie Wong, Jevelin Wendiady, Jennie Chainey

Education Analytics Service

The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Vanuatu (GoV) through its Vanuatu Education Support Program (VESP) to undertake long-term education reforms. A key focus is the rollout of a new national curriculum in conjunction with the National Language Policy (2012), intended to introduce new content and pedagogies, better sequence content, and support the use of Bislama or the vernacular in the early grades. Together, these reforms are intended to improve teaching quality and student learning outcomes. The multi-year study was commissioned by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), to investigate teaching and learning development initiatives …

Teacher Development Multi-Year Study Series. Report Highlights. Vanuatu: Final Report, Elizabeth Cassity, Debbie Wong, Jevelin Wendiady, Jennie Chainey

Education Analytics Service

The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Vanuatu (GoV) through its Vanuatu Education Support Program (VESP) to undertake long-term education reforms. A key focus is the rollout of a new national curriculum in conjunction with the National Language Policy (2012), intended to introduce new content and pedagogies, better sequence content, and support the use of Bislama or the vernacular in the early grades. Together, these reforms are intended to improve teaching quality and student learning outcomes. The multi-year study was commissioned by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), to investigate teaching and learning development initiatives …

Elementary Preservice Math Teachers’ Evolving Dispositions Throughout A Math Methods Course: A Mixed Methods Study, Christine E. Hood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to understand graduate-level Elementary Preservice Teachers’ (EPST) mathematical dispositions before, during, and after a graduate elementary math methods course taught through a rehumanizing (Gutiérrez, 2018), ambitious and equitable math (Horn & Garner, 2022) teaching framework. In this study, EPSTs’ dispositions included four constructs: math anxiety, math teaching anxiety, math self-efficacy, and math teacher self-efficacy. To fully understand the nuance and complexity of teacher education and EPSTs’ mathematical dispositions, I looked at both the EPSTs' and the instructors' perspectives. I investigated EPSTs’ dispositions through a modified multi-methods, sequential, and phenomenological lens. For the instructors’ perspectives, I conducted a …

Shape Conference Presentation, Misti Mueller

Division of Community Engagement Resources

This presentation, intended for K-12 educators, will showcase a community engaged initiative to support Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. The development of outdoor play and learning spaces on blacktops/sidewalks that connect with science, social studies, language arts, math, music, and physical education will be highlighted. This presentation, intended for K-12 educators, will showcase a community engaged initiative to support Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. The development of outdoor play and learning spaces on blacktops/sidewalks that connect with science, social studies, language arts, math, music, and physical education will be highlighted.

A Phenomenological Study Of Flexible Blended Learning In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Betsy Kim Henn

Dissertations and Theses

This phenomenological study explored fourth-grade students' perspectives on the barriers and successes they experienced in flexible blended learning. Focus group interviews were conducted to gain insight into the students' motivation, perceived barriers, possible changes, and their own skills and characteristics for success. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that addressed the research questions. Students identified several barriers to participation in flexible blended learning. Internal distractions, such as losing focus, and external distractions caused by disruptive behavior by classmates were barriers. Students found video lessons to be passive learning experiences that lacked flexibility. Technology problems and glitches were also identified …

Examining Elementary Teachers’ Self-Efficacy To Teach Engineering: The Impact Of Project Lead The Way Launch Professional Development, Branden Robert Hoefert

Dissertations and Theses

Today’s elementary teachers are expected to teach the engineering practices included in the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. Recent studies have indicated that teachers are less self-efficacious in teaching engineering than in other subject areas. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that offers pre-K–12th grade curricula and teacher training focused on three pathways: engineering, computer science, and biomedical science. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PLTW transitioned its teacher trainings to a virtual modality. At the time of this study, most of PLTW’s teacher training remained virtual or hybrid. …

Innovating Education Through Design Thinking: A Case Study Of Problem-Solving Educators, Matthew Pimental

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study aimed to identify methodologies and practices that enable innovation to thrive in the public education system. Design thinking (DT) was selected for examination given its demonstrated ability to: (a) make people and teams more innovative , (b) change institutional cultures to be more creative and solution-oriented, and (c) create conditions necessary for innovation to thrive within established organizational structures. This intrinsic case study explored the experiences of a group of educators who used design thinking to innovate solutions to the intractable problems they faced. Participants in this study were teachers and administrators who received training in DT, and …

Preparing Preservice Resident Teachers For Equity-Centered Computational Thinking In Stem (Stemect) Education, Jesse Ha, Wei Wei, Kimberley Gomez

Department of Teaching and Learning Scholarship and Creative Works

While computational thinking (CT) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has been gaining momentum, there is a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in low-income schools that primarily serve minority students. STEM+C3 seeks to ameliorate the problem by establishing an urban teaching residency program that prepares teaching candidates to integrate CT and equity-centered practices. The project aims to understand the impact of the program on teaching residents and their students' perceptions of equity and CT.

Investigating The Efficacy Of An Ontological Framework For Teaching Natural Selection Using Agent-Based Simulations, Man Su, Michelene T.H. Chi, Jesse Ha, Yue Xin

Department of Teaching and Learning Scholarship and Creative Works

Integrating agent-based models (ABMs) has been a popular approach for teaching emergent science concepts. However, students continue to find it difficult to explain the emergent process of natural selection. In this study, we employ an ontological framework-the Pattern, Agents, Interactions, Relations, and Causality (PAIR-C)-to guide the design of the ABM simulation module. This study examines the effects of the PAIR-C ABM module versus the Regular ABM module on fostering students' understanding of natural selection. Drawing on pre-posttest data, we found that students in the Intervention group had a better causal understanding when explaining natural selection than the Control group. This …