Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Bullying And Victimization, Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will discuss concepts related to bullying and victimization. Using clips from Sesame Street, students will consider what it means to be a bully, victim, and bystander, as well as how teachers, parents, and educators can intervene. Additionally, this module will help students think critically about some of the potential impacts of bullying and victimization on development across the lifespan.

5. Izbor Iz Bolnišnice Za Lutke (Roman) In Osmišljanje Mojega Sveta (Priročnik Za Učitelje), Ann Margaret Sharp, Laurance J. Splitter, Dominik Herle

Preschool Curriculum

Ta slovenski prevod Dominika Herleja (2024) sta avtorizirala Maughn Rollins Gregory, skrbnik za intelektualno lastnino Ann Margaret Sharp, in Laurance J. Splitter. Objavo tega prevoda je zagotovil Inštitut za napredek filozofije za otroke na Državni univerzi Montclair v Montclairu, New Jersey, ZDA.

In Support Of A Read-Aloud Accommodation: A Meta Analysis Study, Sarah Elizabeth Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the read-aloud accommodation benefits for students with disabilities (SWD) and students without disabilities (SWOD). In this study, researchers recommend ways in which to remove encumbrances faced by SWD in reading comprehension. In general, research has shown that both SWD and SWOD have met some degree of success from the read-aloud accommodations. Further, this meta-analysis will attempt to reveal important factors that influence the effects of read-aloud accommodations. For example, how the accommodation effect size influences the subject area of reading versus that of math. This study will also show that the effect of read-aloud accommodations is significantly …

Defining Scribbles: How Do Early Childhood Teachers Perceive Scribbles As A Part Of Emergent Literacy?, Sandy Dellalonga

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand early childhood teachers’ perceptions surrounding the topic of childhood scribbles as they relate to emergent literacy. Sociocultural theory provided a foundation for this research because of its focus on relationships between children, other children, and teachers to foster learning experiences (Gee, 2011; Vygotsky, 1978, 1998). Additionally, social semiotic theory also guided this research because childhood scribbles represent children’s “signs” which can also influence communication and literacy skills (Kress, 1997). The participants were nine preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade teachers (N=9) who volunteered to complete an open-ended survey, follow-up …

Kindergarten Teachers’ Perspectives About Literacy And The Relevance Of Assessments: Impact On Students’ Success And First Grade Transition, Claudia T. Watts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to investigate kindergarten teachers’ beliefs about literacy and the relevance of assessments at the kindergarten level, the literacy skills kindergarteners should possess, how these skills are acquired, to what extent their beliefs about literacy influenced their instructional methodology, and their perspectives on the role of parental involvement. This study was guided by six research questions. The participants consisted of twenty kindergarten teachers from various elementary public schools within a large and diverse school district in Virginia. The participants are from two ethnic backgrounds and had ranges of experience teaching kindergarten. Over a …

Decodable Deliberations In Early Reading Instruction: A Mixed-Methods Study Of First-Grade Teachers’ Perceptions, Selection, And Use Of Decodable Texts, Patricia Gallery

Theses and Dissertations

The fundamental significance of literacy achievement cannot be overstated. However, the 2022 National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) divulges alarming findings, with a mere 33 percent of the nation’s fourth graders performing at or above proficiency in reading (NAEP, 2022). Exploring the nexus of research-informed pedagogy and practice is imperative to disrupt this deleterious trajectory. This mixed-method study will examine how first-grade teachers select and use texts for beginning reading instruction with a critical lens on teachers' perceptions of decodable text to fully understand the complex intersection of intentionality and attitude when choosing texts for early reading instruction. This study …

Teacher Perceptions Of Their Preparedness To Teach Early Literacy Skills Using Developmentally Appropriate Practices In Universal Prekindergarten Programs, Tara A. Sokol

Theses and Dissertations

Early childhood education is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with the introduction of new curriculums, initiatives and programs. The classroom teacher is the constant, providing essential early literacy instruction amidst all of these changes. Universal Pre-Kindergarten is a vital program that provides access to quality early childhood education for New York City residents. According to the Office of Early Childhood Education, there were nearly 68,000 students enrolled in these free, full-day, high-quality programs in the 2018-2019 school year (2022). Universal Pre-Kindergarten is described as using Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) as the basis for its teachings. Educators are responsible for using …

Understanding The Virginia Literacy Act, Candace Bechtold, Kimberly Bridges, David Naff, Joan A. Rhodes, Valerie Robnolt, Tara Davison, Suzanne Alexandre, Michael Crusco, Karli Johansen, Amber Butler, Allison Yandle, Jennifer Askue-Collins, Jean Samuel, Sharrie Merritte, Regina Frazier

MERC Publications

This research and policy brief from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) offers an overview of the Virginia Literacy Act. It is structured to explore the following questions: 1) What are the recent trends in reading achievement in Virginia? 2) What are the policy implications of the VLA for Virginia school divisions? 3) What does the research say about Science of Reading (SoR)? 4) What core instructional programs are approved to meet the VLA? It concludes with a series of key takeaways and recommendations.

Click here to listen to our podcast episode on the Virginia Literacy Act and click here …

Equipping Early Childhood Educators To Identify And Support Students With Sensory Processing Disorder: Recommendations From Occupational Therapists, Linda Schueler

Teaching and Learning (MA) Theses

The prevalence of sensory processing disorder among children, its negative effect on learning, and the benefits of early identification and intervention require action on the part of early childhood educators. Prompt identification of students with sensory processing issues and implementation of occupational therapy strategies to support these students within the school setting will optimize their learning potential. Using an iterative approach, this qualitative study collected data from semi-structured, respondent interviews with five qualified occupational therapists who practice sensory integration therapy with children who experience sensory processing disorder. The information gained answered the research question, “What assessment tool and therapeutic strategies …

Primary Care Physician Trust: The Importance Of Early Medical Intervention For African American Children With Asthma, Harrish Ganesh

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Asthma is a prevalent condition characterized by an individual’s airway becoming inflamed, constricted, and leads to the formation of mucus and difficulty breathing. Nearly 27 million individuals are currently diagnosed with Asthma in the United States, and African Americans are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than Caucasians. This literature review analyzed multifaceted barriers that restrict African American asthmatic children from gaining consistent asthma treatment. Some of these barriers range from historical racial discrimination that leads to parental mistrust to financial and educational barriers that result in inconsistent pediatric care for asthmatic children. The combination of the above …

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 …

What Removal Causes Are Most Common For Children In Foster Care? Are There Discrepancies Across Age Groups?, Elise Woodliff

Social Work Theses - Archive

Although there has been recent focus on child welfare to prevent removals, little literature has examined reasons children are removed among diverse developmental stages. The present study explores the multifaceted demographics of children in the foster care system in order to recognize who is being affected by what removal causes. The purpose of this study is to better understand the foster care system to target interventions and screenings for children under eighteen years of age in the United States. Quantitative measures were used to analyze statistics that were made available through the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. …

Combining The Concrete Representational Abstract Framework And Video Modeling To Increase Basic Addition Skills Among First Grade Students, Sara Ebner

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Proficiency in mathematics is fundamental for academic success and is linked to numerous skills that are essential for success in the real-world. Despite its importance, many students struggle with math, leading to nationwide declines in math proficiency. This decline highlights the need for effective interventions that are accessible, able to be individualized, and feasible for implementation across settings. In the present study, a single case multiple probe across participants design was used to assess the efficacy of a concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) framework with video modeling intervention on the basic addition problem-solving accuracy of three first-grade students. Results show that participants’ accuracy …

Preservice Preparation Practices To Increase Family-Professional Collaboration: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review, Chelsea Pansé-Barone, Janet Vanlone, Annie George-Puskar, Lisa Ziegler

Faculty Journal Articles

Due to the important impact family-professional collaboration has on child outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and students with disabilities, research in special education preservice personnel preparation has evaluated the impact of higher education programs and curricula geared towards improving preservice educators’ knowledge and practices regarding family-professional collaboration in inclusive settings. The resulting qualitative and quantitative literature has provided the field with insights as to instructional strategies faculty have implemented to better prepare preservice special educators to collaborate with families. The purpose of this mixed-methods systematic review was to identify and synthesize the current state of knowledge behind these instructional strategies …

Assessing Reliability And Validity Of The Parental Responsiveness Rating Scale During Book Reading, Yuqi Zhang, Jennifer Locasale-Crouch, Brianna Jaworski, Khara Turnbull, Rachel Moon, Eve Colson, Fern Hauck, Nicole Geller

Graduate Research Posters

Parental responsiveness, defined as emotionally supportive behaviors, is consistently related to children’s development in research studies. It reflects attention to children’s emotional functioning through providing comfort, reassurance, and encouragement. However, measuring parental responsiveness in everyday practice has been challenging due to the complexity of available tools. The Parental Responsiveness Rating Scale (PaRRiS), a brief observational rating scale that quickly and directly measures the quality of parent-child interactions, shows promise in bridging this research-to-practice gap. Several small-scale studies in UK clinical settings found PaRRiS to be easily implemented, reliable, and valid. Additional studies are needed to explore PaRRiS’s potential use within …

A Neuroscience-Based Curriculum For Addiction Prevention For Fourth-Grade Students, Paola Andrea Benitez

Social Work Theses - Archive

Substance use is one of the main problems affecting adolescents and young adults. While the consumption of alcohol has decreased, the consumption of marijuana has increased rampantly due to youth's positive perception after being legalized in 24 states with no clear message of the many adverse effects this drug causes. Different approaches to prevention have been used throughout the years: scare-led tactics, socio-emotional learning skills, and neuroscience-based curriculums. Since substance use results from the conjunction of different biopsychosocial factors that lead to this relapsing brain disease, the solution should integrate different preventive solutions as well. Public policy, schools, social workers, …

Exploring The Contribution Of Public Pre-Primary School In Promoting Play-Based Learning Environment: Case Of Two Schools In Nachingwea District., Alam Jacob Nsana

Master of Education

Play and children's learning are inherently intertwined, with play serving as children's natural way of engaging with and understanding the world around them. This study underscores the essential role of play in facilitating children's social, cognitive, and emotional development, emphasizing its significance as a foundational aspect of early childhood education. Educationists, parents, and administrators recognize the power of play in allowing children to explore and learn autonomously, providing them with equal opportunities for engagement in learning activities.

However, the study acknowledges the challenge of determining the most effective ways and timing for utilizing play to facilitate learning. It aimed to …

Exploring The Contribution Of Inclusive Practices On Social-Emotional Development In Early Childhood Education: A Case Of Nyangao Primary School, Frolence Lwegoshora Paschal

Master of Education

This study investigated the contribution of inclusive practices on social-emotional development in early childhood education, focusing on a case study of Nyangao Primary School in southern part of Tanzania. Inclusive practices refer to the implementation of educational strategies that ensure the active participation and engagement of all students, including those with diverse backgrounds and abilities. The social-emotional development of young children plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and future success. However, the extent to which inclusive practices can positively influence social-emotional development in the early childhood education context remains understudied. Drawing upon a qualitative research approach, this study …

Examining The Role Of District Education Officers In Implementing Early Childhood Education: A Case Study Of Bukoba Municipality, Leonard Namala Ndyakowa

Master of Education

This research delves into the pivotal role of education officers in implementing early childhood education within Bukoba Municipality. The comprehensive findings unveil the multifaceted responsibilities of these officers, including the identification of children for enrollment, the establishment of conducive learning environments, and the efficient allocation of human resources. Acknowledging challenges such as inadequate classrooms and teachers, the study emphasizes the complexities associated with delivering quality pre-primary education in the region.

Additionally, the research underscores the significance of in-service training, school visits, data collection, and the integration of science and technology in supporting education officers' roles. It sheds light on challenges …

Paths Forward To Salary Parity For New York: National Models For Equity In Early Childhood Education Compensation, Lily Rosenthal, Emily Sharrock

Bank Street Education Center

Pay parity for early childhood educators is critical to reducing turnover, improving job quality, and achieving an equitable child care system. This publication explores compensation reform nationwide and offers ideas for local and state financing options to better support the early childhood workforce and New York families.

A Narrative Inquiry Into The Experiences Of Male Teachers In Early Childhood Education In Mombasa County, Purity Kajuju Mburunga

Master of Education

This qualitative study explored the experiences of male teachers working in Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres in Mombasa, Kenya. Through interviews and observations of three male ECE teachers, the study investigated their perspectives and narratives to understand the unique aspects of their roles, the factors supporting their career choices, and the challenges they face. Findings revealed that societal stereotypes persist in associating caregiving roles primarily with femininity. Male teachers encountered initial shock and skepticism from stakeholders when choosing ECE careers. They also faced external judgment and scrutiny in their interactions with students. However, over time, as parents witnessed their suitability, …

Identifying Youth Appeals In Alcohol Alternative Social Media Content Through Framing, Melina Oneal

West Chester University Master’s Theses

Proposed regulations for alcohol advertising prevent beverage companies from targeting people under the legal drinking age. However, similar regulations for alcohol alternative beverages are less explored, which could allow alcohol alternative products to create awareness for alcoholic beverages among youth. Alcohol alternatives beverages, including no-alcohol and low-alcohol products, are increasing in popularity and can function as compliments to alcoholic products to decrease the total alcohol volume consumed or as substitutes for alcoholic products. Framing theory can be operationalized through the Content Appealing to Youth Index, an index of content elements found in research literature to be appealing to youth, to …

Parents' Understanding Of Children's Mental States: Emotion Regulation In Young Children And The Role Of Mindful Parenting, Parental Reflective Functioning, And Parental Emotion Regulation, Kate A. Senack

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Parenting is a demanding and stressful responsibility that leads to increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression among caregivers, which research has found to be significantly related to social incompetence and behavioral problems in children during early childhood. However, certain parenting practices such as parental emotion regulation, mindful parenting, and parental reflective functioning have been found to support children’s socioemotional development, and in particular emotion regulation. This study utilized a cross-sectional design to explore the relationship between the parenting practices of parental emotion regulation, mindful parenting, and parental reflective functioning in relation to children’s emotion regulation using simple linear regression …

Reacciones De Los Docentes Ante Las Prohibiciones Y Biblioclastia De Los Nuevos Libros De Texto Gratuitos De México En 2023: Un Estudio Cualitativo Descriptivo, Eric Silberberg, Armida Liliana Patrón Reyes, Pedro Chagoyán García, Eric Manuel Benjamín Sánchez Barragán

Publications and Research

El lanzamiento de los nuevos libros de texto gratuitos (LTG) en México al inicio del ciclo escolar 2023-2024 provocó una crisis política. Varios estados prohibieron su distribución y segmentos de la sociedad civil pro- testaron aduciendo que los LTG “adoctrinarían” a los niños en la ideología izquierdista y la diversidad sexual y de género. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos de las prohibiciones y polémicas en docentes de escuelas primarias, secundarias y telesecundarias. Se empleó una metodología etnográfica con entrevistas semiestructuradas y apuntes de campo rescatados en tres escuelas de Guanajuato y tres de Puebla. Los resultados revelan …

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (Cmv) Tracking In The U.S And Advocacy, Elizabeth Olson

LEND Trainee Presentations

Informative PPT on Congenital CMV. Including information on state laws regarding testing and screening. Emphasis on advocacy and universal screening.

Seminario Sobre La Educacion De Los Hijos Para La Iglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia Hispana Indy Segunda De Indianapolis, Indiana, Fernando Pizarro

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Instructing parents about the education of children is a task that requires time, willingness, and commitment. Nonetheless, the literature suggests that educating parents on this subject tends to produce favorable outcomes in children (Finders et al. 2016; Nelson 2015; Barth and Liggeth 2014). The Bible also highlights the vital role parents play in educating their children (Deut 6:7; Eph 6:4). However, according to the records of the Indy Second Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church Board in Indianapolis, Indiana, no seminar regarding the education of children has been held in this congregation for the past seven years. In addition to the …

วิธีปฏิบัติของครูในการส่งเสริมความคิดเกี่ยวกับตนเองของเด็กวัยอนุบาลในกรุงเทพมหานคร, ปัญชญา แก้วมาลัยรัตน์

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การวิจัยครั้งนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์ เพื่อศึกษาวิธีปฏิบัติของครูในการส่งเสริมความคิดเกี่ยวกับตนเองของเด็กวัยอนุบาลในกรุงเทพมหานครใน 3 ด้าน ได้แก่ 1) ด้านการเป็นแบบอย่างการมีความคิดที่ดีเกี่ยวกับตนเอง 2) ด้านการชี้แนะมุมมองที่ดีเกี่ยวกับตนเอง และ 3) ด้านการจัดกิจกรรมที่ส่งเสริมความสำเร็จ ตัวอย่างที่ใช้ในการศึกษาครั้งนี้ ได้แก่ ครูประจำชั้นอนุบาลปีที่ 1-3 จำนวน 445 คน จากโรงเรียนในจังหวัดกรุงเทพมหานคร จำแนกตามสังกัด ได้แก่ สังกัดสำนักงานเขตพื้นที่การศึกษาประถมศึกษากรุงเทพมหานคร สังกัดสำนักการศึกษากรุงเทพมหานคร สังกัดสำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการศึกษาเอกชน และสังกัดกระทรวงการอุดมศึกษา วิทยาศาสตร์ วิจัยและนวัตกรรม เครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการวิจัย ได้แก่ แบบสอบถามและแบบสัมภาษณ์ วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลโดยการแจกแจงความถี่ หาค่าร้อยละ ค่าเฉลี่ย ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน และวิเคราะห์เนื้อหา ผลการวิจัยพบว่า วิธีปฏิบัติของครูในการส่งเสริมความคิดเกี่ยวกับตนเองของเด็กวัยอนุบาล ในภาพรวมมีการปฏิบัติอยู่ในระดับมาก (M = 4.14) โดยด้านที่มีค่าเฉลี่ยคะแนนการปฏิบัติสูงที่สุด คือ ด้านการชี้แนะมุมมองที่ดีเกี่ยวกับตนเอง (M = 4.28) รองลงมาคือ ด้านการจัดกิจกรรมที่ส่งเสริมความสำเร็จ (M = 4.08) และด้านการเป็นแบบอย่างการมีความคิดที่ดีเกี่ยวกับตนเอง (M = 4.05) ตามลำดับ เมื่อพิจารณาเป็นรายด้าน พบว่า 1) ด้านการเป็นแบบอย่างการมีความคิดที่ดีเกี่ยวกับตนเอง ครูมีการปฏิบัติอยู่ที่ระดับมาก และด้านที่มีค่าเฉลี่ยคะแนนสูงที่สุด คือ การอยู่ร่วมกับผู้อื่น (M = 4.30) โดยครูส่วนใหญ่ชื่นชมการกระทำที่ดีของตนเองให้เด็กฟังด้วยการเล่าเกี่ยวกับการกระทำที่ดีของตนเองในการทำกิจวัตรประจำวัน การช่วยเหลือผู้อื่น หรือลักษณะนิสัยที่ดีของตนเอง อุปสรรคที่พบคือ เด็กมักจะเลียนแบบพฤติกรรมที่ไม่เหมาะสมของคนรอบตัวและนำไปใช้กับคนอื่น แนวทางแก้ไขคือ ครูควรพูดคุยกับผู้ปกครองเมื่อเด็กแสดงพฤติกรรมที่ไม่เหมาะสมในห้องเรียนเพื่อสอบถามถึงสาเหตุและขอความร่วมมือในการช่วยปรับพฤติกรรมเด็ก รวมถึงระมัดระวังการแสดงพฤติกรรมทั้งของตนเองทั้งในและนอกห้องเรียน 2) ด้านการชี้แนะมุมมองที่ดีเกี่ยวกับตนเอง ครูมีการปฏิบัติอยู่ในระดับมาก และด้านที่มีค่าเฉลี่ยคะแนนการปฏิบัติสูงที่สุด คือ การสอนเกี่ยวกับการอยู่ร่วมกับผู้อื่น (M = 4.61) โดยครูส่วนใหญ่ให้ข้อมูลย้อนกลับเกี่ยวกับผลงานของเด็ก ด้วยการนำผลงานของเด็กให้ผู้อื่นชื่นชม บอกสิ่งที่ดีในผลงานของเด็กและให้คำแนะนำเพิ่มเติมโดยไม่นำไปเปรียบเทียบกับคนอื่น อุปสรรคที่พบคือ เด็กในห้องเรียนมีระดับความสามารถแตกต่างกัน แนวทางแก้ไขคือ ครูต้องใช้เวลาในการเรียนรู้ธรรมชาติของเด็กและใช้วิธีการชี้แนะที่เหมาะสมกับเด็กแต่ละคน 3) ด้านการจัดกิจกรรมที่ส่งเสริมความสำเร็จ พบว่า ครูมีการปฏิบัติอยู่ที่ระดับมาก และด้านที่มีค่าเฉลี่ยคะแนนการปฏิบัติสูงที่สุดคือ การกำหนดเป้าหมายการเรียนรู้ที่ช่วยให้เด็กเห็นความก้าวหน้า (M …

Acknowledgments, Matt Wappett

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Advancing Strength-Based Inclusive Mental Health Research In Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Luther Kalb, Joan B. Beasley

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

沒有年齡的課室 : 成效評估研究報告, Meng Soi, Florence Fong, Chak Kwan, Dickon Chan, Ka Hing, Calvin Lau, Ka Chung, Tom Kwong

APIAS Research Report 研究報告

背景

香港人口老齡化的趨勢持續加劇，傳統的家庭照顧模式已難以滿足老年人和幼童在身心發展上的需求，需要探索新的跨代互助模式。因此，和悅社會企業於2023 年夏季舉辦了一項名為「沒有年齡的課室」的計劃（以下簡稱「計劃」/「課程」）。該課程旨在為長者及幼童提供共學的機會，推動跨代連結與互惠。為了更客觀地檢視「沒有年齡的課室」的實施情況與成效，以及探討在香港推行跨代共學的可行性，和悅社會企業委託嶺南大學亞太老年學研究中心對該課程進行了評估研究，並撰寫了此報告以供相關持分者參考。

研究方法

2. 研究採用定量研究及定性研究的數據收集和分析的混合研究法 (Mixed Methods) 進行。除了透過問卷調查和聚焦小組去收集參加者對課程的看法外，同時分析課程的數據、進行實地觀察，以及檢視相關文獻資料，從而更全面地瞭解整個課程的實施情況、對參與者的影響，以及探討計劃未來的發展方向。

研究結果

3. 本研究於2023年6月至9月期間成功對實驗組及對照組參加者進行了兩輪問卷調查，收集參加者的意見。調查結果顯示，長者及幼童的家長讓他們的孩子參與計劃的最主要原因是為了「想學習新知識 」(長者學員：72%；幼童：73%)，其次為「進行跨代接觸交流」 (長者學員：60%；幼童家長：54%)，第三個主要原因是可以「嘗試新事物」(長者學員：40%；幼童：54%)，以及可以「認識新朋友」 (長者學員：36%；幼童家長：50%)。至於計劃對參加者的影響方面，本研究透過比較實驗組 (即參加「沒有年齡的課室」的長者及幼童學員) 與對照組 (即課程無長幼共學成份)參加者在對雙方態度、自尊心及自信、社交技巧等方面的前後變化。從分析結果顯示，長幼學員在修畢本課程後，對彼此的態度 (長者學員對幼童態度：實驗組增長17%，對照組下降1%；幼童學員對長者態度：實驗組增長19%，對照組增長7%) 及幼童學員的社交技巧 (實驗組增長9%，對照組增長1%) 之增長達統計學顯著程度，足見本課程成功透過長幼共學的方式去改善長幼對彼此的觀感和態度。至於對課程的體驗方面，長者學員及幼童學員之家長均給予高度評價和評分，以1-7分為量表去評價，參加者普遍對課程感到十分滿意 (長者學員：平均分為6.07分；幼童學員：6.29分)、並表示若和悅社會企業日後舉行類似課程會再次參加(長者學員：平均分為5.33分；幼童學員：6.41分) 和向別人推薦此類課程 (長者學員：平均分為5.33分；幼童學員：6.29分)。概括而言，從統計結果反映了課程為參加者帶來很多正面影響，特別是長者或幼童態度之改善比沒有跨代共學成份的課程更為顯著。

4. 此外，本研究邀請了參與課程的長者、幼童家長、和推行「沒有年齡的課室」計劃的同工進行了3 場聚焦小組以深化對問卷調查結果，並進一步探討可如何改善計劃之推行及在社區推廣跨代共學的模式。從結果顯示，長幼學員透過參與本課程互相接觸及互動，增加彼此了解，使彼此的觀感及態度亦變得正面，達到促進跨代共融的目標。同時，幼童的社交技巧、接觸長者的動機及幼童的個人成長亦有所提升。長幼學員、課程導師及項目統籌人員均表示參加者能愉快地學習和十分享受參與本課程。

5. 從不同的的數據作綜合分析，促進「沒有年齡的課室」的成功因素包括: (i) 1對1的長幼配對，增加長幼學員之互動機會以便建立互信關係以及日後的情感聯繫； (ii) 課程時間節數安排要配合幼童的學習時間表 (如與暑假活動分開、每堂時數能讓幼童學員專心等) ；及 (iii) 招募適合的參加者，以其年齡、興趣喜好及性別進行配對 (如女性參加者明顯更為適合參與此類以幼童為對象的活動計劃)。

6. 關於課程的未來發展，研究建議推行機構可考慮以下5 個要點：(i) 除以1對1長幼配對外，亦可考慮同時加入1位長者對數名幼童，或1名幼童對數名長者的混合模式，這樣可以增加長幼學員與不同參加者的互動機會，進一步培養社交技巧；(ii) 可增加針對長者學員的課程內容 ，讓長者以學生身份投入各個課程活動；(iii) 讓一些能力比較高的長者參與課程設計及教材 (如讓長者準備自己過去相片與幼童分享過去時代點滴生活)，為長者充權；(iv) 微調課堂時間以配合長者的活動時間表 (如可參考現時日間長者中心的活動時間)；及 (v) 增加人手安排編制至5至8人，以便在推行活動過程中提供適時的支援 (如增設社工以應付課堂上幼童學員突發的情緒問題)。

總結

7. 綜合各種數數據證明「沒有年齡的課室」有效促進跨代共學與互助，為長者建立正面形象、提升他們的生活質素、亦能令幼童認識如何與長者溝通，改善社交技巧以及提升自尊感等。因此，其他長者服務機構、企業及教育團體可以仿傚此活動，在幼稚園 (即幼兒期) 便引入跨代共學的元素，促進代際間情感、知識與文化的傳遞，重塑「老吾老以及人之老，幼吾幼以及人之幼」的價值觀，建立一個強調代間互助和共融的社會。