Teaching Activities Research Articles

Pathways to educational integration: affordances and constraints on migrant children's participation in Swedish preschool teaching activities

ABSTRACT This study explores the integration of newly arrived migrant children in Swedish preschools, focusing on their participation in teaching activities. The research is part of a larger project examining how these children, who experience a double transition into both a new cultural and educational environment, become integrated into early childhood education and care (ECEC). The study investigates how different teaching activities either facilitate or constrain migrant children’s democratic participation. The research was conducted in two rural preschools with predominantly Swedish-speaking children and practitioners. The findings reveal that migrant children are more engaged during musical and physical activities, which rely less on verbal communication, compared to linguistically based activities. Teacher-controlled events, which consistently link language with resources, help maintain migrant children’s attention, while dialogic teaching practices often result in their disengagement. The study highlights the importance of structured and inclusive teaching practices to support the educational integration of migrant children.

REFLECTION IN THE STRUCTURE OF INNOVATIVE COMPETENCE OF TEACHERS IN GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The issue of the article concerns the topical issue of innovative competence and its components. The author aimed to characterize one of the components of this education, which refers to the ability to analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of pedagogical activity, as well as to adjust it as necessary. It is about the skill of reflection as one of the leading features of a teacher with highly developed innovative competence, since the creation and implementation of innovations requires regular analysis not only of the process of implementing something new in the educational process but also of observing and evaluating the personality of the teacher as a specialist who carries out innovative activities. Thanks to the use of such methods of scientific research as system-structural and system-functional analysis, generalization and systematization of theoretical aspects of the topic, observation, and study of the products of pedagogical activity, the author conducted a review of scientific literature regarding the essence of innovative competence of a teacher of a general secondary education institution, its structure and key characteristics, in particular, reflection skills. In addition, the publication provides information on reflective competence, which, on the same level as innovative competence, occupies a prominent place in the system of professional characteristics of a teacher regulated by normative documents. The unifying feature for both is the skill of reflection, therefore the article also presents the views of domestic scientists on the essence of this phenomenon and methods of its development and improvement. In addition, practical tools (reflective questionnaires, tables; reflective essays; pedagogical portfolios, etc.) are characterized, which contribute to the formation and improvement of the ability to reflect on one's pedagogical activity, in particular innovative ones. The publication analyzes fragments of reflective essays from teachers of general secondary education institutions who took the experimental course "Innovative aspects of the teacher's activity". This made it possible to conclude the reflexive competence of teachers, the development of reflection skills, as well as to substantiate reflection as a component of innovative competence.

5-Years of Wellness: Changes in Wellness Scores in a Conceptual-Based Instructional Physical Activity Program Before, During, and After COVID

Background: With instructional formats changing due to COVID-19 and college student wellness being affected by the pandemic, it is essential to examine the effects of Instructional Physical Activity Programs (IPAP) on college student wellness. These results show that prior to, during, and after COVID, an IPAP program can play a role in helping college students achieve and maintain wellness. Aim: This study reports the impact of an IPAP on college students’ wellness over five years. Methods: Undergraduate college students enrolled in sections of an online wellness course within an IPAP from Fall 2019 through Spring 2024 semesters (n =15,615) were assessed using the Wellness Inventory, which examines 12 dimensions of wellness. Assessments were conducted at the beginning (pre) and end (post) of the semester. Paired sample t-tests were used to assess significance of changes and effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Results: All 12 dimensions of wellness increased from pre- to post-test semester to semester. Results were statistically significant (p > .05), and effect sizes ranged from small (d = .24) to large (d = 1.13). Conclusions: Instructional Physical Activity Programs that include a wellness component can be a useful intervention to help students improve multiple dimensions of wellness.

Experiences of Undergraduate Students Enrolled in a University Instructional Physical Activity Course: Exploring Factors Contributing to Behavior Modification

Background: There is a trend of decreased daily physical activity among college students. Demands of coursework, hectic schedules, and stress often prevent students from engaging in regular exercise, leading to negative impacts on mental and physical well-being. University Instructional Physical Activity Programs have the potential to address this issue by offering courses that can encourage healthier habits and promote wellness. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the experiences of undergraduate students enrolled in a two-credit elective physical activity course. Methods: Participants were 587 undergraduate students enrolled in an online instructional physical activity course. Data collection included a survey consisting of three questions on a five-point Likert scale and one open-ended response regarding their experience in the course. Results: Descriptive survey data indicated positive trends regarding participants’ experience. Based on thematic analysis, qualitative data produced four themes including (1) awareness, (2) accountability, (3) ease and convenience, and (4) behavior change. Conclusions: Participants had an overall positive response to wearing an activity tracker in an online physical activity course and believed the awareness the activity tracker provided changed their daily behaviors, enabled health outcomes, and changed future intentions for physical activity. This study provides insight into the inclusion of technology to facilitate physical activity in college-age students. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the experiences of undergraduate students enrolled in a two-credit elective physical activity course. Methods: Participants were 587 undergraduate students enrolled in an online instructional physical activity course. Data collection included a survey consisting of three questions on a five-point Likert scale and one open-ended response regarding their experience in the course. Results: Descriptive survey data indicated positive trends regarding participants’ experience. Based on thematic analysis, qualitative data produced four themes including (1) awareness, (2) accountability, (3) ease and convenience, and (4) behavior change. Conclusions: Participants had an overall positive response to wearing an activity tracker in an online physical activity course and believed the awareness the activity tracker provided changed their daily behaviors, enabled health outcomes, and changed future intentions for physical activity. This study provides insight into the inclusion of technology to facilitate physical activity in college-age students.

College/University Instructional Physical Activity Program Support: History, Advocacy and Wellbeing Promotion Enhancement Through Inaugural National Summit

College/University Instructional Physical Activity Programs (IPAP) have a long history in higher education and can effectively promote wellbeing among a large number of students. Despite IPAP benefits, prevalence has declined over the last few decades. Quality assurance, support, advocacy, innovation, and assessment are needed to strengthen IPAP. However, organizational support and resources for IPAP are lacking; thus, an inaugural National IPAP Summit was hosted in the Fall of 2023 to bring together IPAP professionals. Education, networking, support, resources, and innovative ideas were offered at the summit. Participants had unanimous positive feedback and support of future endeavors for IPAP professionals. Professional organization endorsement is needed to continue to offer opportunities, education, and support for IPAP professionals to maximize the wellbeing promotion potential and sustainability of IPAP.

Effective Classroom Management as a Quick Solution to Improve Student Participation and Motivation in the Learning Process

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of classroom management in increasing student participation and motivation at MI Darul Akhlak, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. This study observes how the implementation of good classroom management can create a conducive learning environment and encourage students to be more active in learning. The results of the study indicate that effective classroom management, including careful planning, flexible seating arrangements, the use of relevant learning media, and positive interactions between teachers and students, can increase student focus and involvement in the learning process. Some obstacles in the implementation of classroom management include low student awareness of learning responsibilities, and the existence of disruptive extracurricular activities. In conclusion, good classroom management plays an important role in creating a conducive learning atmosphere and increasing student motivation. It is recommended that teachers maximize classroom management strategies and involve students in the learning process. Students are also expected to be able to increase awareness of the importance of active participation in teaching and learning activities.

Critical reflection and global citizenship education: exploring the views and experiences of teacher educators

ABSTRACT Reflection and reflective practice are internationally recognised as vital and central dimensions of initial teacher education (ITE) programmes. Despite this, numerous studies have identified issues relating to the process and impact of reflection on pre-service teachers views and practices, with critical reflection frequently remaining elusive. Drawing on in-depth interview data with teacher educators (n = 5), this paper explores teacher educators’ experience, concerns and understanding of reflection within ITE and the relationship between reflection and Global Citizenship Education (GCE). GCE is UNESCO’s response to global inequality and unsustainability and when integrated appropriately and effectively in education settings, can contribute to teaching and learning activities that support learners to explore the wider world and our place within it. Drawing on the data, the paper questions the dominant and persistent approaches to engaging with reflective practice and (critical) reflection within ITE, raising important questions around what reflection is or should be, and explores, through the lens of GCE, some possibilities for future practice.

Institutional Examples of Applying the SHAPE Appropriate Instructional Practice Guidelines for Higher Education Physical Activity Programs

This educational brief provides examples of applications of the recently updated Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Appropriate Instructional Practice Guidelines for Higher Education Physical Activity Programs across several institutions (SHAPE America, 2022). Research has shown that movement and physical activity are essential for managing physical and mental health; therefore, the current low level of physical activity among college students is concerning (American College Health Association, 2024; Rodríguez-Romo et al., 2022). Academic instructional physical activity programs (IPAPs) provide students with quality learning environments that promote and support opportunities for lifelong physical activity and movement. Empowering physical activity instructors with appropriate instructional practices increases the likelihood of positive experiences for both students and instructors. The intent of this brief is to demonstrate how SHAPE IPAP Guidelines are incorporated in universities today. The institutional examples can serve as models to facilitate discussions within other colleges and universities. The information provided will assist program administrators and faculty in developing, better aligning, and supporting their respective IPAP with teaching, administrative, and instructional practices as identified in the SHAPE IPAP Guidelines document.

Editorial: The Imperative of Instructional Physical Activity Programs (IPAP) in Higher Education

No abstract available.

Exploring the Post-COVID Reasons for IPAPs Student Enrollment

Background: Many college students accumulate low levels of physical activity and even more so since the COVID-19 pandemic. Instructional physical activity programs (IPAPs) are a viable option for students to increase physical activity levels, but the reasons students take these courses have not been explored since the pandemic. Aim: This pilot study explores the reasons students choose to take courses in an elective IPAP program. Methods: This study employed a survey-based approach to investigate the reasons behind college students’ enrollment in IPAPs following the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey (n = 85) included demographic information, reasons for taking a course, courses students would have interest in taking, and preferred length and delivery mode. Results: Findings revealed that the top three reasons for females to sign up for an activity course were: (1) wanted to learn a new activity, (2) to exercise regularly, and (3) to improve fitness. For males, the top three reasons were: (1) wanted to have fun, (2) to improve skills of the activity, and to (3) to exercise regularly. Conclusions: Results from this study show high alignment and slight differences with similar research done prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, students appear to enjoy fun, fitness-based, and novel course options in IPAP programs.

The Impact of Occupational Pressure on Integrated Education among Kindergarten Teachers

Due to the complexity and specificity of the physical and mental development of special needs children, there are significant individual differences that require special school teachers to put in more effort in their work. However, due to the imbalance between the actual teaching effectiveness of teachers and their efforts, they are prone to negative psychological states such as occupational burnout and self-doubt. With the increasing professional pressure of kindergarten teachers, it affects the implementation of integrated education. Integrated education aims to promote mutual understanding and respect among children with different abilities and backgrounds. However, in reality, current preschool teachers are facing issues such as diverse needs of young children, insufficient teaching resources, and career development pressures, which affect teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes for young children. Therefore, it is necessary for the education department and all sectors of society to pay attention, solve problems, achieve the goal of integrated education, and enable children to grow up in a good environment.

The Phenomenon of School Dropouts in the Pujut, Mandalika SEZ: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis from the Perspective of Education Actors and Society

The development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Pujut district, while driving economic growth, has raised concerns about declining school interest and high dropout rates among local students. This qualitative study, employing interpretive phenomenological methods, explores the experiences and perceptions of education actors, including the vice principal for student affairs, counseling guidance teachers, Mongge madrasah teachers, and the Head of Sukadana Village, to understand the underlying factors. Findings reveal economic constraints as a primary cause of dropout, with many students from low-income families unable to afford education. Early marriage, particularly among female students, is another significant factor influenced by economic, social, and cultural pressures. Additionally, broken homes, unsupportive social environments, the negative influence of social media, and a lack of motivation contribute to the problem. Schools have responded with counseling, parental engagement, and restrictions on mobile phone use. However, deeper issues like early marriage and broken homes necessitate broader interventions involving government policies and socio-cultural change. This research illuminates the complexity of school dropout in the Mandalika SEZ and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach engaging all stakeholders to ensure educational access and success for all students.

Experiential Teaching Method Enhance Surgical Nursing Learning Achievements and Learning Attitude of Five-Year Higher Vocational Nursing Students

China’s higher vocational nursing education continues to develop. Teaching methods based on classroom lectures are difficult to achieve high-quality teaching results. Nowadays, clinical nursing has an increasing demand for all aspects of higher vocational nursing students. “Surgical Nursing” is a required course for nursing students and the key content of the nurse professional qualification examination. Experiential teaching was introduced as an innovative teaching method. The research aims to achieve several goals: 1) To compare the surgical nursing learning achievement of students between using experiential teaching and traditional teaching methods. 2) To investigate student attitudes toward learning surgical nursing course after using experiential teaching activities. Participants were five-year vocational nursing students studying nursing at a university in Sichuan, China. A control group of 46 students and an experimental group of 46 students were selected through cluster random sampling. This study used the learning achievements and learning attitudes of surgical nursing as research tools. The results of the study showed that participants’ learning achievements and learning attitudes in surgical nursing were significantly improved in experiential teaching methods. These findings highlight the effectiveness and practicality of experiential teaching in higher vocational nursing education. It is recommended that further research be carried out to Experiential teaching methods are used in the teaching of other majors to promote the sustainable development of teaching.

Designing Effective Pedagogical Activities to Enhance Grammar Understanding and Communicative Competence in Intermediate-Level Adult SL Learners

This article explores strategies to enhance the grammatical understanding and communicative competence of intermediate-level adult second language learners by designing targeted pedagogical activities. It focuses on how pre-task, while-task, and post-task activities can effectively support learners in grasping complex grammatical concepts and applying them in real-world communicative scenarios. The study emphasizes that using grammar in authentic contexts significantly improves learners ability to communicate fluently in English, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.By integrating theory with practice, the article underlines the importance of designing teaching activities that are not only engaging but also aligned with the specific learning needs of adult students. The pre-task phase activates prior knowledge and introduces essential terms, while the while-task phase deepens understanding through critical discussion and note-taking. The post-task phase reinforces the application of learned grammar through role-plays and reflective writing, ensuring that learners can transfer their grammatical knowledge to everyday communication situations.Furthermore, the article provides practical insights into teaching strategies that foster active learning and critical thinking, encouraging learners to not only memorize grammar rules but also use them creatively in meaningful interactions. These strategies offer valuable guidance for educators in creating more effective grammar instruction plans tailored to adult learners' unique needs, ultimately enhancing both their linguistic proficiency and problem-solving skills.

Analysis of Clean and Healthy Living Behavior in Improving the Ecological Intelligence of Elementary School Students

This study aims to determine clean and healthy living behavior in improving the ecological intelligence of Sukamerta 2 public elementary school students. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative research. Data collection in this study used observation, interviews, questionnaires and documentation. Data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicate that teachers have an important role in creating clean and healthy living behavior at school. Teachers are one of the figures modeled by students, so the driving factor in increasing students' ecological intelligence is the teacher. Based on the questionnaire results, it can be concluded that Sukamerta 2 State Elementary School students who practice clean and healthy living behavior are 45 students (64.29%), while those who do not practice clean and healthy living behavior are 25 students (35.71%). So it can be concluded that it is necessary to implement clean and healthy living behavior for all students and is in the good category so that the value of ecological intelligence of students on clean and healthy living behavior is normal or good and in order to create a better school environment in maintaining cleanliness and comfort in learning and teaching activities.

Optimization of Facilities and Infrastructure Management in Improving the Quality of Learning at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah

The school must also be able to maintain and care for the existing facilities and infrastructure. Thus, students can learn optimally and effectively thanks to school facilities and infrastructure. The aims of this study were (1) to describe how the Planning of Educational Facilities and Infrastructure at M.I.S. Guppi 13 Tasikmalaya, (2) to describe how the Procurement of Educational Facilities and Infrastructure at M.I.S. Guppi 13 Tasikmalaya, (3) to describe how the Maintenance of Facilities and Infrastructure Education at M.I.S. Guppi 13 Tasikmalaya, (4) to describe how efforts to improve the management of educational facilities and infrastructure should be carried out in the future. The method used is field research (field research), which uses a qualitative descriptive approach. This study has three data analysis steps: reduction, presentation of data (display data), and conclusion (Verification). The research results show several conclusions, one of which is that M.I.S. Guppi 13 Tasikmalaya focuses on the administration, provision, usage, and upkeep of educational infrastructure. However, the implementation may be improved even though infrastructure and educational facilities are crucial for supporting teaching and learning activities.

Research on the Quality of Teacher-Child Interaction under the Collective Teaching Activities of Social Education for Large Class Children

This study of the current situation of the interaction, from the kindergarten collective teaching activities, interaction and social field concept from three aspects, analyze its characteristics, observe the garden of interaction, writing interview outline, through observation and action research method, the social field of the status of the interaction analysis and its problems. The research tool for this study was the Flanders Interactive Analysis System, by which 18 activities were analyzed. Finally, according to the interview content, the characteristics and influencing factors of teacher and child interaction were summarized, and the strategies and methods of improving the quality of teacher and child interaction were analyzed.

Trajectories of depressive symptoms in early to mid-adolescence: associations with school pedagogical and social climate.

Adolescence is a critical period for mental health development, yet research exploring how contextual factors influence the development of depressive symptoms remains limited. This study explored trajectories of depressive symptoms during early to mid-adolescence and their association with various aspects of school climate. The study sample comprised 3671, 7th-grade students (aged 12-13 years) from 101 schools across Sweden, followed longitudinally across three time points spanning grades 7, 8 and 9. Depressive symptom trajectories were identified using latent class growth modelling. The Pedagogical and Social Climate questionnaire assessed school climate, and multinomial logistic regression was employed to predict trajectory membership based on sociodemographic and school climate factors. Four distinct developmental patterns of depressive symptoms emerged: 'Sustained low symptoms' (76.7%), 'Low-increasing' (10.9%), 'Sustained high symptoms' (7.9%), and 'High-decreasing' (4.5%). Gender, parental education and six specific school climate factors, out of the total 19 examined, significantly distinguished these trajectory classes. Positive teacher expectations and strong principal involvement were associated with more favourable trajectories, whereas teaching activities, teacher support and communication between school and home were associated with less favourable trajectories, suggesting a nuanced understanding of their relationship with depressive symptom trajectories. Few school factors were found to be relevant to depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of considering external factors beyond the school environment in supporting adolescents during this developmental stage. Although the findings are multifaceted, it is primarily positive interpersonal relationships, especially through teacher expectations, that stand out as significant factors in promoting youth mental health.

Implementation of a Network Security System Using the Port Knocking Method at Taruna Satria Vocational School Pekanbaru

SMK Taruna Satria Pekanbaru utilizes its network for teaching and school administration activities. However, security issues have led to incidents where intruders gained access to the MikroTik webfig and altered configurations, such as changing hotspot passwords and adding unauthorized user profiles. Initial data shows that the network experienced up to a 30% performance drop due to illegal access, with a high potential for attacks, especially on HTTP (80), SSH (22), Telnet (23), and Winbox (8291) ports if left open. To address these issues, the Port Knocking method was implemented, which hides ports and only allows access to users who knock on the ports in a specific sequence. Legitimate users must knock on the ports in a designated order to activate access, which then adds their IP address to the whitelist. Access to services is granted only if the correct knocking sequence is followed within a specific timeframe. Testing through simulations of Port Scanning, brute force, and DDoS attacks has demonstrated this method’s effectiveness in hiding ports from scanning detection and reducing brute force and DDoS attack risks. Although effective, this method relies on accurate configuration patterns. Implementing Port Knocking is expected to enhance network security and reduce unauthorized access risks at SMK Taruna Satria Pekanbaru.

Peran Administrasi Kurikulum dalam Mengoptimalkan Pembelajaran Berbasis Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Curriculum administration is all business processes that have been planned and attempted deliberately and earnestly as well as continuous guidance on teaching and learning activities effectively and efficiently in order to achieve the educational goals that have been set. The importance of curriculum administration in educational institutions, which includes the selection of materials, teaching methods, and assessments that are in accordance with educational goals and student needs. Curriculum administration plays a role in ensuring that the curriculum is well structured and organized through various levels of planning, implementation, and supervision. Curriculum evaluation is also an important part of education management, aiming to collect information about the effectiveness of curriculum implementation and the impact of learning outcomes. In addition, this journal highlights the role of teachers in curriculum administration as implementers, adapters, developers, and researchers. The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology presents an opportunity for educators to carry out a learning process that focuses on the needs, interests, and learning styles of students, because the independent curriculum requires educators to carry out differentiated learning as an initiative in facilitating students, especially in Pancasila education, which incidentally is still carried out by conventional models or methods.