Classroom Program Research Articles

Strengthening Case and Project Methods for Improvement Competencies of Vocational Students

Improving the quality of education is a challenging task. Schools serve as a pathway to prepare students to become responsible members of society. On the other hand, vocational schools focus on providing practical skills that can be useful in real life situations. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the education process for students. In order to make students proficient in their respective fields of study, teachers carry out advocacy programs in classrooms. Community service activities are aimed at helping vocational school teachers enhance the quality of education by using project and problem-based learning. The implementation of these services is achieved through interactions and guidance on learning models for vocational school teachers. The results of this PKM activity have been overwhelmingly positive. Participants found the activity to be 100% useful, which helped them strengthen their competencies. The material presented was highly appropriate and of great quality.

Estimating the economic value of environmental education: a case study of South Korea

Environmental education (EE) has received more and more attention worldwide. In Korea, there is a national consensus on the importance of EE; however, it is not as much of a priority as other education subjects or themes, based on annual survey results. This study asks how much value Korean citizens place on EE, revealing its value more objectively than the opinion survey. This study estimates citizens’ benefits from EE using the contingent valuation method (CVM) to elicit willingness to pay (WTP). The survey scenario detailed information about the Green Movable EE Classroom program managed by the South Korean Ministry of Environment, and its 1,004 participants comprised a representative sample of Korea. The results are as follows. If the average household’s annual WTP (KRW 17,575; USD 14.85) were expanded to the total number of Korean households, the total benefit would be about KRW 367.2 billion (USD 310 million) per year. This result can be interpreted as citizens being willing to pay that amount for EE. This study estimated the economic value and is the first empirical attempt to reveal the value of EE nationwide. This study expands the theoretical discussion of the value of EE and provides evidence for policy revision.

Learning About Neurodiversity at School: A feasibility study of a new classroom programme for mainstream primary schools

Neurodivergent children educated in mainstream classrooms too often face poor outcomes compared to neurotypical peers. These may be caused, or exacerbated, by the negative attitudes and actions of classmates. One way to address these poor outcomes could be to educate all children about neurodiversity and neurodivergence, and how these differences manifest in school. The LEANS programme is a comprehensive, whole-classroom resource for teaching about neurodiversity concepts. In this feasibility study, LEANS was trialled in seven classrooms in Scotland. Measures captured pupil knowledge of neurodiversity, and their attitudes and intended actions in relation to their classmates. Approximately 140 children took part in the programme, of which 62 (about 40%) had parent consent to submit data for analysis. Quantitative analyses were pre-registered. Children who participated scored significantly above chance in their knowledge of neurodiversity at outcome (mean = 5.08 correct answers) and increased their scores on the Attitudes and Actions Questionnaire (mean difference = 1.14, p < .001). Qualitative data revealed good feasibility and low risk of harms. The LEANS programme can successfully teach children terminology and ideas about neurodiversity and neurodivergence, and this also increases positive attitudes and intended actions. This feasibility study should be followed up with a fully powered evaluation in a more diverse sample, which also captures long-term impacts of LEANS.

Collaboration within a curriculum of support in the classroom: occupational therapists' and educators' perceptions and experiences

Introduction: According to South Africa's key education policies, all children can learn and need support, necessitating collaboration between occupational therapists and educators. Collaboration between occupational therapists and educators within the classroom is however a relatively new practice in South Africa and there is a dearth of literature that report on studies in this regard. The aim of this study was thus to explore occupational therapists' and educators' experiences in adopting a classroom approach in three primary mainstream schools in the Metro North education district in the Western Cape. Methodology: A qualitative research approach andexploratory descriptive design was utilised. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and focus groups with educators and occupational therapists who participated in the curriculum of support in the classroom programme. Thematic data analysis was conducted. Findings: Three themes highlighting the meaning and value the participants assigned to classroom collaboration, andfactors that facilitate or limit the implementation of the curriculum of support emerged from the analysis. Conclusion: The study is useful in expanding the understanding of the changing role of occupational therapists within the context of inclusive education and contributes to the development of educator support strategies utilising the whole classroom approach. This approach entails the educator and occupational therapist working together in implementing activities in the classroom to all learners. These learning activities are based on curriculum themes and occupational therapy principles and components. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Occupational therapists' roles in the education practice context are expanding from traditionally working in special school settings to providing support to educators within public mainstream schools. The role of the occupational therapist within public mainstream schools is evolving from a consultative role and providing input into the individual support of learners to providing hands-on support to educators and collaborating with them within the classroom.

Promoting inclusive practice for autistic learners: Universal design for learning

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework has the potential to enhance the inclusive practices of teachers with autistic learners in their classes. This study examines the extent to which the UDL framework is currently being used as a model for the inclusion of autistic learners in New Zealand primary schools. This study gathered data from a survey conducted online by primary teachers of autistic learners, and used the Universal Design for Learning guidelines to ask teachers how they felt they were using them within their classroom programmes. The study concludes that while some teachers are aware of and use the UDL framework, there is still work that needs to be done to ensure that it is consistently and consciously used to benefit autistic learners. There needs to be robust professional development programmes accessible to all teachers to see the UDL framework fully utilised within New Zealand primary schools.

A Māori Crisis in Science Education?

This article is written for school teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand schools who teach science to Year 7-10 students or as part of a primary classroom programme under The New Zealand Curriculum. What can teachers do about inequity in science education for Māori students? Clear understanding of this complex issue is required, so this article offers a synopsis of the Māori science curriculum debate. Written from my perspective as an insider-researcher interested in this topic for many years, this article engages with important comments about Māori-medium science education made by Sir Peter Gluckman in a major report on science education (2011), and an earlier challenge by Graham Hingangaroa Smith (1995) about the ‘Māori crisis’ in science education. Towards the end I briefly discuss what teachers might do, and consider the potential of ‘bilingual science’ as an alternate approach with relevance for any classroom teacher, and a way of navigating the current theoretical impasse or ‘crisis’ in Māori science education.

Enhancing Foreign Language Enjoyment and Well-Being Through a Mindfulness Based Intervention Program in the Efl High School Classroom - Teacher’s Insights

This paper presents findings from research that aimed to see how a mindfulness-based intervention program in an EFL high school classroom can enhance student’s foreign language enjoyment and well-being. Students from a 10th grade EFL class in a high school in Israel, participated in a mindfulness-based intervention program held during a ninety-minute EFL lesson each week over a period of thirteen weeks. The research employed qualitative methodology to collect and analyze student’s perception of their English studies, their feeling of well-being in the classroom and their foreign language enjoyment. Semi-structured interviews were used for fourteen participants in the program who were interviewed at two points in time: during the program and a week after the program had ended. Additionally, insights emerging from my teacher’s log, which documented the process of the mindfulness program at the end of each lesson are also discussed and shed light on future pedagogical implications. All of the participants interviewed reported on an increased level of enjoyment and well-being as well as perceiving an improvement in their EFL learning.

Can teacher quality be profiled? A cluster analysis of teachers' beliefs, practices and students' perceptions of effectiveness

AbstractA critical aim of teacher quality research is to identify and distil its multiple components. While many such components have been identified in the literature, there is a scarcity of research that has attempted to empirically investigate how these elements integrate within a larger profile of teacher quality, including how particular teachers' beliefs, behaviours and outcomes cluster into unique profiles of teachers. In this study, a group of Australian high‐school teachers completed an extensive teacher beliefs questionnaire, undertook the Visible Classroom program to record and document their use of high‐leverage teaching practices and had their students complete a survey based on perceptions of effective teaching. The results were analysed using cluster analysis to determine if distinct groups of teachers could be identified based on similarities in beliefs, behaviours and student perceptions of teaching. The results suggested multiple distinct clusters of teachers with distinguishing types of beliefs, frequency of practices and student perceptions of teaching. Most notably, the results pointed to a unique cluster of teachers who were most distinguishable in their self‐efficacy, intrinsic motivation and personal responsibility beliefs, as well as highly active teaching behaviours in the classroom. This group also possessed the highest levels of student perceptions of teaching. The findings provide new insights into the complex profiles that shape teacher quality and implications for future research.

The Connection Between Forest School and Preschool Programs: A Comparison Study

The forest school approach, implemented in an increasing number of schools globally, offers opportunities for children to explore and engage in activities in natural settings. In the preschool period, considered critical for children's overall development at the beginning of their lives, being intertwined with nature supports children’s becoming active learners. In early years education, in this manner, programs are formed based on children's developmental and individual needs through the Preschool Education Program developed by the Ministry of National Education and implemented in 2013 to engage students actively. As all early-year institutions in Turkey are required to follow the guidelines in this program, this study aims to examine the connection between the program and the forest school approach to highlight similarities and differences so that the place of the forest school approach in the program can be understood. The data consisted of program documents and an extensive literature review on the forest school approach. In addition, in order to analyze the data, we engaged in document analysis. Results showed that the preschool program and the forest school approach coincided. Therefore, it is suggested that preschool programs in early years classrooms should include more nature-related activities.

Learning to co-teach: understanding the co- in a mentored co-teaching activity

PurposeCo-teaching is a foundational mentoring model used in teacher residency programs in urban classrooms throughout the United States of America. Beyond the basic understanding of co-teaching in categorizing classroom models, the purpose of this qualitative case study is to investigate the dialectical tensions manifested in mentored co-teaching activities through the lens of cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT).Design/methodology/approachDesigned as a qualitative case study of 17 pairs of teaching-residents and mentor-teachers, the authors used thematic analysis to scrutinize archival interview data in an urban teacher residency program located in the largest megalopolis of the USA Northeast. The authors used CHAT-based concept coding to analyze the interview narratives from participants across different secondary school placements as they reflected on their co-teaching philosophy and the relationships they built.FindingsThe authors found that for teaching-residents and mentor-teachers to co-develop as co-teachers, they jointly must learn to resolve the dialectical tensions of unbalanced classroom ownership vs added co-working responsibilities, breaking from routine so that a partnership can grow. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the prefix co- should be understood as (1) shifts in thinking that transcend the status quo and (2) the orchestration of human capital to change norms.Originality/valueThis new understanding of the prefix co- allows teacher education programs to better mediate the dialectical tensions experienced by co-teachers in a mentored co-teaching activity, from individual teacher learning (e.g. a pair/dyad comprising one teaching-resident and one mentor-teacher) to collective co-learning across activity systems (e.g. partnership-based teacher education).

Design thinking program on the google classroom platform on creativity in high school students

INTRODUCTION: The problem in this topic lies in the lack of focus on the development of creative and problem-solving skills in high school students at Institution No. 6152 in Lima during the year 2022. This deficiency can limit their ability to tackle the challenges of the present and future world, making it necessary to implement a Design Thinking program on the Google Classroom platform to address this issue. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of the design thinking program in the google classroom platform on creativity in high school students of Institution N°6152, Lima-2022. METHODS: The methodology was conducted under a quantitative approach, applied, with a quasi-experimental design, with 30 students in the experimental group and 24 in the control group. RESULTS: The creativity instrument was applied before and after the program to both groups. In the descriptive results of the general objective, in the experimental group of the pre-test, 80% were at a moderate level and 20% at a low level, and after the program was applied, 50% were at a moderate and high level , so there were changes in creativity. It is concluded with the result of the student’s t-test finding ap value = 0.029 < 0.05 that the google classroom program significantly improved creativity in high school students of the institution N°.6152,Lima.2022. CONCLUSION: the Design Thinking program on the Google Classroom platform aimed at fostering creativity in high school students at Institution No. 6152 in Lima during 2022 addresses the lack of creative and problem-solving skills. This educational approach prepares students to tackle contemporary challenges by promoting empathy, collaboration, and experimentation. It represents a valuable investment in their future, equipping them to excel in an ever-changing world.

Klimat społeczny klasy w kontekście diagnozy potrzeb uczniów w zakresie profilaktyki szkolnej

Introduction: The article presents the results of a diagnostic study covering the needs of fourth-class students at Kraków primary schools in the field of school prevention. Conducting preventive activities in schools and educational institutions is a statutory obligation, and the conditions impacting such activities lie in many areas, such as the adopted concept of prevention, school procedures, legal conditions, and the local system of prevention, and in the existing social climate in the school classroom. The study of the strengths and weaknesses of the social climate of the class is an important element of the diagnosis of the class, which is a necessary condition, defined by law, for the design, implementation, and evaluation of the educational-preventive program of the school and educational institution. Research Aim: The purpose of the study was to diagnose the social climate of the classroom directed at formulating guidelines and recommendations for conducting an educational and preventive program in the school classroom. Method: The research method was analysis of the products of the subjects with the help of the “draw-write” diagnostic technique developed by Woynarowska and Woynarowska-Sołdan. Results: The results of the research include the strengths and weaknesses of the social climate most often indicated by students allowing us to identify the priority problems of the class, which can be risk factors for risky behaviour, and help us to design adequate preventive measures. Conclusions: Findings from the survey indicate that the strengths of the social climate of the classroom indicated by students are elements of the classroom/school environment, most often material objects, well associated by students with classroom games, spending time together and having fun, while less often students indicated relationships with classmates and teachers. Among weaknesses, students most often cited negatively assessed student behaviour during breaks and in class. The priority problem in all the classes surveyed was aggressive behaviour by students, in verbal and physical forms, resulting from low communication skills and ignorance of the rules of group behaviour and cooperation.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE HAPPINESS CURRICULUM WITH RELATION TO TECHNO-PEDAGOGICAL INTEGRATION IN A CLASSROOM SCENARIO

In this paper, an effort is made to explore how the Happiness Curriculum is integrated through techno-pedagogical classroom transactions and what the potential outcomes derived from this. The purpose of the study is to explore the significance of the Happiness curriculum with techno-pedagogical integration by citing examples. The Happiness Curriculum was developed by the Delhi government for the holistic development of the education system as well as the positive mental well-being of the learners and teachers. Techno-Pedagogical Integration in Classroom programmes have both made slow but steady progress, and they both continue to grow and modify to meet the changing needs of both students and teachers. This is a study that analyses and interprets documents and secondary sources such as happiness curriculum books, reports, papers and articles, journals, theses, websites, etc.

Supporting preschool teachers’ use of culturally grounded Practices: Factors that influence program fidelity

ABSTRACT Policymakers have underscored the importance of professional development (PD) opportunities for supporting the early childhood education workforce. Yet little is known about how the scope and delivery of PD opportunities impact the extent to which the content provided informs classroom practice. In the present study, we explored how teacher fidelity of implementation differs by the PD scope and delivery, and the role it plays in overall classroom quality. Lead teachers in under-resourced preschool centers were randomly assigned to one of three PD conditions: (1) a broad-based program focused on incorporating children’s cultural funds of knowledge throughout the day, delivered via an in-person coach, (2) a culturally grounded classroom storytelling program that is narrow in scope and delivered via in-person coaching, (3) a culturally grounded classroom storytelling program that is narrow in scope and delivered via an animated webinar series. Findings showed that teachers’ fidelity of implementation was higher when trained in a classroom program that is narrow in scope, fidelity did not vary by mode of delivery (i.e., in-person coaching vs. webinars), and that higher fidelity of implementation was predictive of more supportive classroom practices. Results are discussed in relation to implications for best practices surrounding in-service professional development opportunities.

Policy Patterns and The Application of Digital Literacy in Increasing Students' Religious Motivation

This article explains the implementation of digital school management through the Smart Classroom (SCR) program. This qualitative research approach uses descriptive analysis—data collection techniques through observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews. The study results show that a digital school is an educational institution with a learning process using digital equipment, books, and applications. Digital school management is establishing and implementing IT-based programs through the Smart Classroom program using software and hardware products. Second, Smart Classroom Learning at Al-Azhar 37 Islamic Middle School Pekanbaru uses an iPad. Educators create web-based, Google, and application-based learning materials. They were giving assignments/homework through tests and quizzes. Assessment of exam results through the Google form, students make important notes equipped with photo and video features that can be shared using the notes application as a collaboration with friends. This implementation has received support from the school by facilitating internet access via Wi-Fi hotspots within 24 hours. Third, the urgency of Smart Classrooms in educational institutions will make learning more effective, innovative, fun, comprehensive, and time efficient. The implications of this research are very beneficial for all elements of the school because it can facilitate the current student-centered learning process.

Manajemen Sekolah Digital Melalui Program Smart Classroom (SCR)

This article explains the implementation of digital school management through the Smart Classroom (SCR) program. This qualitative research approach uses descriptive analysis—data collection techniques through observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews. The study results show that a digital school is an educational institution with a learning process using digital equipment, books, and applications. Digital school management is establishing and implementing IT-based programs through the Smart Classroom program using software and hardware products. Second, Smart Classroom Learning at Al-Azhar 37 Islamic Middle School Pekanbaru uses an iPad. Educators create web-based, Google, and application-based learning materials. They were giving assignments/homework through tests and quizzes. Assessment of exam results through the Google form, students make important notes equipped with photo and video features that can be shared using the notes application as a collaboration with friends. This implementation has received support from the school by facilitating internet access via Wi-Fi hotspots within 24 hours. Third, the urgency of Smart Classrooms in educational institutions will make learning more effective, innovative, fun, comprehensive, and time efficient. The implications of this research are very beneficial for all elements of the school because it can facilitate the current student-centered learning process.

The impact of an interaction-based classroom program on executive function development in low-SES preschoolers: first support for effectiveness

Studies have shown that children from a low socioeconomic status (SES) family are likely to have lower academic scores, indicating an SES-achievement gap. This inequality already starts in preschool and persists throughout children’s lives. Since executive functions (EFs) have been put forward as contributing factors in this SES-achievement gap, it is crucial to target early EF development to remediate the adverse effects of poverty. In this quasi-experimental study, a classroom program delivered by teachers (i.e., “Put your EF glasses on”) was implemented to strengthen preschoolers’ EFs, consistent with the idea that well-developed EFs can foster school readiness and prevent school failure. The program aimed to boost children’s EFs through high-quality teacher-child interactions, EF-supporting activities (e.g., games), and a supportive classroom structure. Teachers (n = 24) and children (n = 224, Mage = 52.61 months) from 8 Belgian schools participated in this quasi-experimental pilot study and were divided into experimental and control groups. Teachers in the experimental group carried out the program (receiving materials and coaching to support implementation), whereas teachers in the control group practiced teaching as usual. Before and after the program, all teachers filled out the BRIEF-P, a questionnaire about daily executive problems in preschool children. We compared the effect of the classroom program in low-SES versus middle-to-high-SES children on EF problem scores. Results revealed that all low-SES children started with significantly higher EF problems (total problem score, working memory, inhibition, and planning and organizing) scores than middle-to-high-SES children. A positive effect of the program was found among low-SES children. More specifically, EF problems (total problem score, working memory, shifting, and planning and organizing) remained stable over time in the low-SES group in the experimental group, but there was no program effect on emotional control and inhibition. In the control group, these EF problems increased for low-SES children, expanding the gap between low and middle-to-high-SES children. There were no program effects for middle-to-high-SES children. These results show that a teacher-mediated classroom program can support EF development, especially in preschoolers at sociodemographic risk.

Pendekatan Sosiologi dalam Model Pembelajaran Smart Classroom di Sekolah

To shed light on sociology's function in managing Islamic educational institutions, an article must be offered on the topic of the sociological approach to smart classroom management. Smart Classroom as a modern learning model has many risks or negative impacts that are likely to keep students away from accomplishing educational objectives. For this reason, an appropriate approach is is required in addressing the various risks that may occur due to the use of technology in learning. The purpose of this article is to determine what a smart classroom is, what its potential negative effects are, how the smart classroom program is managed, and what sociological approaches can be utilized in this smart classroom program. This article was written using a qualitative approach, with the author accumulating data from various sources of literature, such as existing books and journals. This article concludes that one of the sociological approaches utilized in the smart classroom program is the formulation of a rule, followed by its affirmation and consistent application.

When is universal SEL effective under authentic conditions? Using LPA to examine program implementation in elementary classrooms

As universal social-emotional learning (SEL) programs have become more common in K-12 schools, implementation practices have been found to affect program quality. However, research examining how multiple facets of program implementation interrelate and impact student outcomes, especially under routine conditions in schools, is still limited. As such, we used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine implementation of a brief universal SEL program (Social Skills Improvement System SEL Classwide Intervention Program) in primary classrooms. Three latent profiles of implementation were identified based on dosage, adherence, quality of delivery, student engagement and teachers’ impression of lessons. Although results suggested that classrooms with moderate- and high-level implementation practices generally showed higher gains in student outcomes than those with low-level implementation, these differences did not reach statistical significance except for academic motivation. Implications for school-based universal SEL program planning, implementation, and evaluation are discussed.

We Teach the Child, Too: A Survey of Wisconsin Music Educators’ Use of IEPs

The purpose of this survey study was to investigate the perceptions of music teachers in the state of Wisconsin about their use of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in music classrooms. One hundred seventy-nine music educators completed the survey. Music teachers indicated that many of them do not have access to student IEPs and that student IEP goals and objectives typically lack relevance to the music classroom. Teachers also reported limited use of IEPs to plan daily instructional activities and develop curriculum, and noted they needed more planning time to effectively implement IEPs.