School Competence Research Articles

Examining Development Studies (DS) Teaching Philosophy, Methods and Desired Competences in Lesotho Secondary Context

Using qualitative approach in document analysis of educational policies and syllabi in CAP (2009) and the Integrated Grade 8 Social Sciences Syllabus 2017, the study sets out to explore Development Studies (DS) teaching philosophy, methods and the desired competences in Lesotho secondary schools. The subject was introduced in order to achieve the goals of self-reliance through education with production. It was further meant to explore the theory underpinning the subject, appropriate instructional strategies and pertinent subject philosophy. The findings revealed that DS as a subject is couched in Constructivism Theory (CT) which upholds that liberatory, critical or transformative pedagogies are more suitable as opposed to transmission or didactic pedagogies. Transformative pedagogies are understood to promote desired competences including innovativeness, creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, practical and research skills. The outlined skills are dependent on the teacher’s astute subject pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) calling for deployment of learner centred or actively engaging teaching and learning approaches in DS classrooms.

Fostering Plurilingual Competence in Norwegian Lower Secondary Schools: Cross-linguistic Awareness in Bilingual Language Support Classes

This article investigates the use of the home language in bilingual subject instruction in Norwegian lower secondary schools and its role in raising cross-linguistic awareness and strengthening students’ plurilingual competence. Being a transitional language support offer, bilingual subject instruction has the potential to equip students with competences needed in mainstream schooling, as well as prepare them to use their holistic linguistic repertoires according to changing circumstances and needs. The study follows a qualitative research design and introduces spoken data from three classroom contexts. The analysis features dyadic interactions between one bilingual Polish teacher and three lower secondary students with Polish heritage, recorded during individual bilingual subject instruction classes. The findings show that the teacher uses an array of practices to uncover tacit linguistic knowledge and create new links between the language systems. Simultaneously, the home language plays a crucial role in metalinguistic activity and provides the students with a base for subject knowledge and understanding. The study contributes to the field of multilingual education by highlighting the bilingual teacher’s practices that lead to metalinguistic reflection and equip students with plurilingual competence.

Leading To Success: Exploring The Link Between School Leadership Competence And Academic Outcomes In Sidama Region Secondary Schools

Leading To Success: Exploring The Link Between School Leadership Competence And Academic Outcomes In Sidama Region Secondary Schools

Classroom Activities for Enhancing Pupils’ Competence in Spoken English in Kiswahili Medium Primary Schools in Tanzania

This study intended to explore how classroom activities are being used by teachers in order to enhance primary school pupils’ spoken competence in Kiswahili Medium Primary Schools in Tanzania. A case study design was employed to obtain diverse and depth of information in natural settings. Data was collected from Singida and Mtwara Districts as well as from Dar es Salaam City through non-participant observation and teacher interviews. Some schools were conveniently sampled and purposive sampling obtained teachers to be involved in the study. Data was analysed thematically. Findings indicated that question and answer, read aloud and discussion were the most frequently used activities across the schools. Planning and teachers’ presentation of the activities resulted in minimum interaction of learners in class. The study recommends that teachers who teach English should carefully plan and employ activities which will engage learners in meaningful interactions.

Teachers’ Perception of Transferred Headteachers’ Social Awareness Competences in Central Uganda Government Secondary Schools

Teachers’ Perception of Transferred Headteachers’ Social Awareness Competences in Central Uganda Government Secondary Schools

Development of Competency-Based Arabic Language Curriculum in Traditional Islamic Boarding Schools

This study aims to determine the development of Maharoh-based Arabic language curriculum (competence) in Traditional Islamic Boarding Schools. The rapid development of today's times makes people want that even though a student is in a pesantren, his Arabic language skills must also develop, namely being able to speak Arabic passively and actively. Based on this, the reform of the Arabic learning system and curriculum in Islamic boarding schools is an urgent need, so that Islamic boarding schools can keep pace with the rapid development of science, technology, and information. This research uses a qualitative approach in the form of a case study. With a qualitative approach in the form of a case study, the important findings in this study are the results of curriculum development in curriculum components consisting of; The components of the objectives and development are contained in the objectives of learning Arabic which include the abilities that must be possessed by students in Arabic language skills, namely maharoh (competence) istima, maharoh (competence) kalam, maharoh (competence) qiroah and maharoh (competence) kitabah. The development of content/material components is found in materials related to daily activities. At the same time, the development of process components is found in the use of various strategies and methods by adapting to the material being studied. Developing an evaluation component involves conducting varied evaluations and adjusting the character of the material being taught.

INFLUENCE OF UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS IN TEACHING PHYSICS ON STUDENT COMPETENCES IN PUBLIC DAY LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL IN RWANDA A CASE OF KICUKIRO DISTRICT

The adoptions of ICT tools in education have gained significant attention globally due to their potential to enhance teaching and learning experiences. This study aims to examine the influence of ICT tools in teaching Physics on student competence in public day schools in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. The study has three specific objectives which are to assess the influence of multimedia on students competences in Physics in lower secondary schools of Kicukiro district, to evaluate the influence of computer based simulation on students competences in Physics in public lower secondary schools in Kicukiro district and to determine the influence of virtual experiment on students competence in Physics on lower public secondary school of Kicukiro district. The finding of this study was offered insight to teachers, school administrators, education policies makers and ICT industry for working better in globalized digital age. The study was also provided valuable insights for policymakers and educators to enhance the teaching and learning of Physics in public schools through the effective use of ICT tools. The selection of participants for this study were employed various methods including both simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The study gathered data through questionnaire with Likert scale statements and interview guide. Specifically, thequestionnaire were made for students while interview guides were designed for head teacher and teachers of Physics. The studys population was 11994 people consist of 26 head teachers, 38 teachers of Physics and 11930 Students from all of the Kicukiro Districts lower public secondary school. The study utilized descriptive survey design to analyses data and examines relationship between ICT tool and student competence. A sample size of 387were chosen by using Yamane formula. The selection of participants for this study were employed various methods including both simple random for 387 students and purposive sampling techniques for 24 head teachers and 34 teachers of Physics. The analysis procedure involved the use of descriptive statistics. Each item from questionnaire and interview were systematically categorized.Theresultsshowedthatthereisastatisticallysignificantrelationship(r=.865, p < .01) between use of multimedia and conceptual understanding and retention of knowledge in public lower secondary schoolsofKicukiro District. Furthermore, according to the findings, there is a strong positivecorrelation (r = .802, p < .01) between simulation and engagement in learning experiences. Finally, the results indicate that there is a moderate to strong positive correlation(r = .735, p < .01) use of virtual experiment and improved score in examination. The findings revealed that simulation and multimedia were prevalent with high participation rate among students. Researcher recommend several key included student to utilize simulation and multimedia as new tools especially STEM will enhance engagement and a standardized evaluation framework based on the discoveries that every student felt that ICT tools improved their competence in Physics. This framework would enable a systematic assessment of the impact of utilize ICT tools in teaching. Based on findings that students highly valued their using ICT tools and perceived them as beneficial, organizing a national curriculum can further incentivize schools to invest in high-quality program.

Music Education in Fostering Student Competencies and Cultural Identity in Vietnamese Primary Schools: A Systematic Review and Future Implications

This systematic review investigates the role of music education in fostering student competencies and preserving cultural identity in Vietnamese primary schools. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent literature and empirical studies, this study explore what's happening with music education in Vietnam right now how it helps students grow, and why it matters for keeping cultural traditions going. The study shines a light on the tricky parts of teaching traditional Vietnamese music, like oral traditions, scales that aren't Western, and the many five-note systems. It looks into how learning music helps kids develop important skills like language cultural understanding, thinking, and dealing with emotions. It also talks about how music education plays a key role in keeping Vietnamese culture strong by teaching kids about traditional instruments, folk songs, and unique ways of making music. Even though it's important, music education in Vietnam faces some hurdles. These include not having enough resources trying to balance old and new ways, and issues with teacher training. The author presents some fresh ideas to tackle these problems and suggest ways to make things better in the future. These suggestions cover improving what's taught helping teachers get better at their jobs getting the community involved, doing more research, and working with other countries. This in-depth look gives useful insights for teachers people who make decisions, and researchers who want to boost music education and keep culture alive in Vietnam and other places.

Difficulties of Teachers in the Contextualization of the Most Essential Learning Competencies

This descriptive study examined the teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing the most essential learning competencies (MELC) in a public elementary school under a medium-sized Division in an urbanized City in Central Philippines during the School Year 2022-2023. It used a validated and reliable self-made questionnaire to collect data from 86 teachers. The results showed that most teachers are younger, married, have taught longer, and hold bachelor’s degrees. Furthermore, data showed moderate teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing MELC according to curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, and assessment. When further grouped by four demographic groupings, teachers experienced moderate difficulties in contextualizing MELC based on the same three constructs above on curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, and assessment. Finally, no significant difference exists in teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing MELC based on the same four demographic groupings and three constructs. The findings suggest the need to equip teachers with the necessary tools and support to create a more engaging, relevant, and effective learning environment that enhances students’ understanding and appreciation of the subject. Keywords: Curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, assessment, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Developing modelling competencies in pre-service mathematics teachers through reflective thinking skills

Background: Ghana’s commitment to quality education has been reflected in its goal of providing equal access to high-quality education, leading to the reforms of the New Common Core Mathematics Curriculum for Basic Schools. The study explored the integration of mathematical modelling using reflective thinking skills, which are not currently core competencies in Ghanaian basic school curriculum.Aim: The study examined the modelling proficiency of pre-service mathematics teachers by assessing their reflective thinking abilities in a modelling laboratory context.Setting: The study focussed on pre-service mathematics teachers from two education colleges in Ghana.Methods: Using purposive sampling to select participants, a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test interventions was employed. Data were analysed through content and inferential analysis, supplemented by interviews.Findings: The findings indicated that the comparison group lacked prior knowledge of modelling problems and struggled with comprehension tasks. In contrast, the experimental group successfully translated real-world problems into mathematical models.Conclusion: Providing pre-service mathematics teachers access to a modelling laboratory and modelling-eliciting activities was essential for developing future modellers. This approach would enhance their effectiveness in teaching foundational mathematics in Ghanaian education.Contribution: This study advocated for re-orienting the mathematics curriculum at both Basic schools and Colleges of Education in Ghana to include mathematical modelling and reflective thinking skills as core components.

The Open Data Newsroom: A Game Approach for Developing Open Data Competencies in Elementary School

Open Data refers to digital data that is made available to anyone with the legal and technical conditions to be freely used, reused, and redistributed. Although it has emerged as a new common with the potential to increase citizen participation and transparency, current literature suggests the lack of skills for managing data and participating in Open Data processes, as one of the main barriers to achieve these benefits. Integrating Open Data in school education has been recognized as key to fostering a larger community able to participate in Open Data ecosystems. This study showcases the design of a role-playing game grounded in authentic learning principles for the development of Open Data competencies in elementary school. The Open Data Newsroom is a game approach that immerses students in solving a mystery with data. In the game, students play Open Data Journalists engaging in a three-phase authentic process to get, understand and deliver data. The learning goal in the game is that students build open data competencies: data literacy and real-world problem solving. A design-based research methodological approach is applied to develop theory based and practically grounded educational designs. Two interventions in Danish schools have been conducted, each one with the participation of seventeen students in 7th to 9th grade and three teachers. Interventions are aimed at iteratively designing and testing the game. The discussion section elaborates on opportunities for redesigning and systematically developing the game as a learning design for Open Data competencies.

Sustainable environmental education using virtual reality: A module for improving environmental citizenship competences in secondary schools

Sustainable environmental education (SEE) can develop global citizens. However, environmental education in schools does not develop environmental citizenship (EC). Virtual reality (VR) could provide authentic immersive experiences to evoke emotions for positive action for EC. A SEE module, designed to include VR experiences, was evaluated at a secondary school to determine if it could improve students’ EC. A quasi-experimental single-group pre-test post-test design was conducted with 30 students, followed by focus group interviews with the students. The findings indicated the module was effective in improving EC scores. Analysis of interview transcripts indicated students were engaged and motivated to learn with VR and improved in EC competences. However, the future actions for EC were limited to individual actions and not community-based actions. Although there was some potential in the SEE module, some improvements are needed. Future studies could investigate strategies for making students agents of change in the community.

EFFECT OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP PRACTICES ON STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH IN PUBLIC DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDA

This study investigates the impact of instructional leadership techniques on students\' English language competency in Rwandan public secondary schools. The research involved 5660 students, 10 head teachers, 156 English instructors, and 5 local authorities\' educational officials. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to gather data. The findings showed that school resource management and teachers\' behavior and attendance demonstrate leadership skills. Additionally, improved student behavior and greater cooperation reflect student performance. Exam outcomes, good teaching and learning, teacher conduct, school resource management, and collaborations with the community and parents were found to be significantly correlated with student performance. However, the association was negligible. The study recommends that transformational leaders in Rwanda improve student performance by fostering a positive school climate, promoting professional development, and enhancing English proficiency.

유아기의 자아존중감과 사회적 유능감이 학습준비도를 매개로 초등학교 시기 학업능력에 미치는 영향

Objective: To analyze the relationship between self-esteem, social competence, and academic ability in early childhood and to verify the mediating effect of learning readiness on the effect of self-esteem and social competence in early childhood on academic ability in elementary school. Methods: The structural equation model was applied and analyzed based on the data of 830 students in the 7th (2014) and 8th years (2015) of the 1st grade of elementary school. The data came from the Child Care Policy Research Institute. First, skewness and kurtosis were identified through descriptive statistical analysis. Second, through correlational analysis, the correlation coefficients between children’s self-esteem, social competence, school readiness, and academic ability in elementary school were calculated. Third, after checking the reliability of each scale, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated. Fourth, confirmatory factor analysis was performed to verify the validity of each factor and the suitability of the research model, and bootstrapping was used to verify the mediation effect. Results: First, self-esteem, social competence, school readiness, and academic ability were found to have a positive correlation among the variables. Self-esteem had a positive effect on social competence, learning readiness, and academic ability; social competence had a positive correlation with school readiness; and academic ability and school readiness had positive correlation with academic ability. Second, the results of the structural model analysis showed that self-esteem and social competence not only directly affected academic ability but also had a major mediating effect in the path from self-esteem and social competence to academic ability through school readiness. Conclusions: This study has implications for elementary school preparation through cooperation and the path of elementary schools through cooperation and families.

Effect of Teachers Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on Students’ English Language Competency in Day Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Gicumbi District

Effect of Teachers Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on Students’ English Language Competency in Day Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Gicumbi District

Development and validation of a multiple-choice test for sustainability competence in primary school using the GreenComp framework

There is no standardized definition or measurement tool for sustainability competence, which hinders comparative research. This study addresses this gap by developing a new test based on the European reference framework GreenComp. The proposed instrument, consisting of eleven multiple-choice items, was validated through expert review and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, showing strong construct validity and high internal consistency reliability. Applied to students aged 8 to 12, it revealed a prevalence of basic and anthropocentric perspectives on sustainability. This promising tool can assess sustainability competence in primary education and has the potential for use across European countries.

Principals in School Development Planning: Discovering Principal Training and Their Competencies in Primary School

School development planning is an important tool for school improvement. As a unique research perspective, this study will focus on identifying and analyzing how the principal training courses related to school development planning provided by relevant education departments in China for primary school principals in a Province in Southeast China are carried out. The context of this study focuses on public primary schools in in a Province in Southeast China. In relevant training, whether primary school principals still face prominent challenges in school development planning when they practice in real contexts will also be explored and studied. This study supplements the views on principal training related to school development planning and related challenges meeting in school development planning from the perspective of primary school principals. In addition, the samples of this study will involve 17 primary school principals from rural and urban areas in a Province in Southeast China. The data collection is mainly carried out through semi-structured interviews, and documentation. This study will conduct an in-depth analysis and understanding of the principal training courses related to school development provided by relevant departments to primary school principals in a Province in Southeast China and the challenges faced by principals in school development planning competencies. This analysis may help relevant departments understand the rationality and effectiveness of the relevant training design provided to primary school principals in a province in southeast China, and also provide perspectives and directions for relevant departments to improve the effectiveness of principal training in the future.

An investigation of teacher modeling’s effect on pedagogical competence in public secondary school in Kenya

An investigation of teacher modeling’s effect on pedagogical competence in public secondary school in Kenya

Implementation of clinical supervision with a collaborative approach to enhance teachers’ pedagogical competence in junior high schools

Clinical supervision is a systematic approach to mentoring professional teachers. This research aims to improve teachers' pedagogical competence at Bintang Laut Telukdalam Private Middle School through the implementation of clinical supervision with a collaborative approach by the school principal. This type of research is school action research. This research used the Kemmis and Tagart model, which is carried out in 4 stages: planning, implementation or action, observation, and reflection. Data collection techniques used by the researcher are interviews, observation, documentation, and questionnaires. The results of the research show that the implementation of clinical supervision with a collaborative approach by the principal can increase the pedagogical competence of teachers at Bintang Laut Telukdalam Private Middle School, which can be proven by increasing the average teacher pedagogical competency score, namely: before providing clinical supervision the average competency score teacher pedagogy was 63, after providing clinical supervision it increased to 78 in cycle I and 81 in cycle II which was above the specified success criteria, namely 75. From these results, it can be concluded that implementing clinical supervision with a collaborative approach can increase teachers' pedagogy competency at Bintang Laut Telukdalam Private Middle School. AbstrakSupervisi klinis adalah suatu pendekatan yang sistematis dalam pembinaan profesional guru. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kompetensi pedagogik guru SMP Swasta Bintang Laut Telukdalam melalui penerapan supervisi klinis dengan pendekatan kolaboratif oleh kepala sekolah. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan sekolah. Penelitian ini menggunakan model Kemmis dan Tagart yang merupakan sebuah model penelitian yang dilakukan dengan 4 tahap yaitu perencanaan, pelaksanaan atau tindakan, observasi dan refleksi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan supervisi klinis dengan pendekatan kolaboratif oleh kepala sekolah dapat meningkatkan kompetensi pedagogik guru SMP Swasta Bintang Laut Telukdalam yang dapat dibuktikan dengan peningkatan rata-rata nilai kompetensi pedagogik guru yaitu: sebelum pemeberian tindakan supervisi klinis dengan pendekatan kolaboratif rata-rata nilai kompetensi pedagogik guru 63, setelah pemberian tindakan supervisi klinis dengan pendekatan kolaboratif meningkat menjadi 78 pada siklus I dan 81 pada siklus II yang berada di atas kriteria keberhasilan yang ditentukan yaitu 75. Dari hasil tersebut maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa pelaksanaan supervisi klinis dengan pendekatan kolaboratif dapat meningkatkan kompetensi pedagogik guru SMP Swasta Bintang Laut Telukdalam.Kata Kunci: kompetensi pedagogik guru; pendekatan kolaboratif; supervisi klinis

Leadership and School Culture: Their Influence on Increasing Competence, Relevance, and Quality Aspects in Senior High Schools

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dan budaya sekolah terhadap peningkatan mutu sekolah menengah atas di Sulawesi Selatan. Konsep mutu pendidikan dipahami sebagai pencapaian kualitas yang memenuhi atau melebihi harapan penerima, termasuk aspek kompetensi, relevansi, fleksibilitas, efisiensi, berdaya hasil, dan kredibilitas. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan teknik Proportionate Random Sampling untuk memilih 226 kepala sekolah sebagai responden. Hasil analisis deskriptif menunjukkan variasi karakteristik responden dalam hal jenis kelamin, usia, pendidikan terakhir, lama mengajar, dan status jabatan. Uji regresi linear berganda dilakukan untuk menguji pengaruh variabel independen (kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dan budaya sekolah) terhadap variabel dependen (peningkatan mutu sekolah). Hasil uji F menunjukkan bahwa kedua variabel independen secara bersama-sama berpengaruh signifikan terhadap peningkatan mutu sekolah (F = 104,064, p < 0,05). Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dan budaya sekolah memiliki dampak yang positif terhadap peningkatan mutu sekolah. Oleh karena itu, penting bagi lembaga pendidikan dan praktisi pendidikan untuk memperhatikan aspek-aspek kepemimpinan dan budaya sekolah dalam upaya meningkatkan mutu pendidikan di sekolah menengah atas. Hasil penelitian ini dapat menjadi dasar untuk pengembangan strategi dan kebijakan pendidikan yang lebih efektif dan berkualitas di masa depan.