Compulsory Secondary Education Research Articles

Prospective high school mathematics teachers’ assessment of the epistemic suitability of a proportionality textbook lesson

Background: Every teacher should be able to use curriculum materials to guide instructional design and make reasoned pedagogical decisions about the limitations these resources may have. Objectives : In this paper, we describe and analyse a formative intervention with prospective high school mathematics teachers, aimed at developing their competence of didactic suitability analysis of mathematics textbook lessons. Design: The methodology followed is didactic engineering, furthermore, the content analysis methodology is applied to examine the response protocols of the participants. Setting and Participants : The experience was carried out within the framework of a University Master's Degree in Compulsory Secondary Education and High School; the sample was made of 30 students. Data collection and analysis : We proposed these prospective teachers systematically and critically analyse a lesson on proportionality. The written reports of the lesson suitability produced by 14 work-teams are compared with the a priori analysis carried out by the researchers. Results : The results suggest that the prospective teachers usually make more descriptive and less analytical analyses even while using a guide. The participants did not clearly identify the epistemic deficiencies of the lesson, thus revealing their limited didactic-mathematical knowledge on proportionality and their lack of critical evaluation of the textbook. However, based on the analysis previously conducted, prospective teachers managed to be quite accurate in preparing their proposals for the use of the textbook lesson. Conclusions : In this article we show the interest and usefulness of providing future teachers with a tool to systematically analyse a specific textbook lesson. However, in order for future teachers to acquire the necessary skills in critical analysis of the lesson, it is necessary to reinforce their didactic-mathematical knowledge related to proportionality.

University Graduate Students and Digital Competence: Are Future Secondary School Teachers Digitally Competent?

Information and communication technology is very important both for teacher training and for delivering quality education. Therefore, university graduates must have a level of qualification in digital competencies suitable for their entry into the world of work. The research analyzes various aspects related to the use of technological resources by graduate students who were currently studying for a university master’s degree in compulsory secondary education, and the relationship between their use based on gender and/or age. A descriptive cross-sectional survey is carried out. We use an ad hoc questionnaire that shows acceptable reliability. The results show that graduate students make traditional use of ICT—both for searching for information and using digital resources for teaching. Moreover, differences were found based on gender and age regarding participants’ perception of their digital competence.

Consumption of Alcohol, Cannabis, and Tobacco in a Cohort of Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Confinement.

The aim of this study was to identify changes in the hazardous consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, due to the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 in a cohort of schooled adolescents from Central Catalonia. We also analyzed the effect of the individual and social factors on risky consumption during confinement. This longitudinal study involved a subsample of 303 adolescents aged 14–18 years, who were attending 4th year of compulsory secondary education (ESO), 2nd year of college preparation (baccalaureate), or Vocational and Educational Training (VET). We collected data before COVID-19 lockdown (October 2019–February 2020) and 2 months after the lockdown ended. We estimated the prevalence of risky substance use in the sample at baseline for each independent variable. We used Poisson regression models with robust variance to compute the Cumulative Incidence (CI) and Relative Risk (RR), with their respective 95% confidence interval. We found that VET students had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher risk of substance use: binge drinking (RR = 3.21 (95%CI: 1.00–10.34)); hazardous drinking of alcohol (RR = 3.75 (95%CI: 1.12–12.54)), hazardous consumption of cannabis (RR = 3.75 (95%CI: 0.65–21.59)) and daily smoking of tobacco (RR = 4.82 (95%CI: 1.74–13.39)). The results showed a general trend of reduction of consumption during COVID-19 confinement period. This study suggests that VET students were more likely to engage in hazardous drinking of alcohol and daily smoking of tobacco. No statistically significant differences were found for the other age groups and variables.

School Adjustment and Socio-Family Risk as Predictors of Adolescents' Peer Preference.

This work analyzes peer preferences at the beginning of adolescence. For this purpose, each adolescent’s sociometric status was studied in their classroom group, and attempts were made to identify indicators of academic, personal, and socio-family adjustment related to that status. Participants were 831 adolescents studying 1st grade of Compulsory Secondary Education (CSE), in 31 classrooms from 10 schools. The 31 tutors of these students also participated. Sample selection was intentional. A quantitative research approach was used. Sociometric data were collected using the nomination method. Teachers provided information about these youths’ adjustment and family risk variables. Descriptive analyses and bivariate correlations were calculated as a preliminary analysis of the study. Chi-square tests or ANOVAs examined the similarities and differences between status based on personal, socio-family, and school adjustment variables. Lastly, linear regression analysis and a Structural Equation Model (SEM) were performed. These latter analyses revealed that good performance and academic adjustment are important predictors of successful social relations. Also, the data show that the presence of personal and socio-family risk variables makes it difficult for adolescents to be accepted by their peers. The results suggest the need for school and family support to promote peer acceptance. Working on both aspects can help improve classroom coexistence. Intervention techniques are recommended for the entire group to intervene on attitudes, interpretations, and behaviors that enrich individual tools and the collective climate.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life in High School Students: Proposals for Improving the Self-Concept in Physical Education.

Adolescence is a critical period for the acquisition of health-related behaviors that will transcend later psychological well-being in adulthood. The present study presents a theoretical model whose objective is to analyze how physical activity predicts an adequate quality of life through self-concept and subjective happiness among adolescents. A total of 452 students aged 12 to 15 (M = 13.8; SD = 0.77) from four Compulsory Secondary Education institutes of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura participated, including boys (n = 258) and girls (n = 194). The students reported information on the following variables: physical activity, body mass index, self-concept, subjective happiness, and quality of life. The results show acceptable fit indices for the proposed theoretical model, which showed the importance of physical activity through self-concept and subjective happiness in quality of life: MRLχ2 = 67.533, p < 0.05, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.05, and RMSA = 0.07. Likewise, the model presented a better fit index for males than females. This study draws conclusions on the importance of physical activity as a predictor of quality of life mediated by the perception of self-concept and mood in adolescents.

Teenagers and ICT usage: analysis of its emotional, academic, and social effects

This study aims to determine the perceptions families have about their children’s use of Information and Communication Technologies, identifying usage habits and their effects on the management of emotions, within the academic and social settings. The study was conducted with a total of 253 families from throughout Spain, whose children are between the ages of 14 and 16 and are attending compulsory secondary education. To this end, a crosssectional non-experimental study was carried out by means of a survey. The families surveyed indicate that their children use technology for five hours a day, the mobile phone being the most widely used device, and that this directly affects their levels of irritability and frustration when usage is limited, but does not cause adverse effects in academic and social settings.

Peer observers of bullying

"Bystanders in the face of bullying. What they can do according to their classmates", corresponds to a part of a research with a sample of students from a school of Compulsory Secondary Education in the city of Salamanca (Spain). It presents the explanations that students make when faced with bullying situations and the possible responses to reduce and prevent it.&#x0D; Among the solutions proposed, we highlight those given to peers, i.e. classmates themselves, who are seen preferably as bystanders who have to make an effort to stop the bullying, isolate the aggressor, help, support, speak up and denounce it.&#x0D; In order to carry out the proposed functions and other related ones, university training for teachers is very necessary, so that they in turn can favour pacifying processes in schools, where observers of bullying have to show a positive attitude towards their own classmates, whether they are victims or aggressors, with the intention of acting and preventing conflicts.

ICT and gamification experiences with CLIL methodology as innovative resources for the development of competencies in compulsory secondary education

Due to the lack of research in the field of music through CLIL and ICT in Secondary Education in Spain, we propose to merge this subject with an innovative methodology. The general objective is to present a different approach to students in order to increase their motivation for the subject. The specific objectives are to teach music in English by integrating content, cognition and vocabulary through communication and the use of new technologies. This approach makes the design and implementation didactic, audiovisual and multimedia. Cuadernia: digital notebook composed of flash files, videos and audios, and gamification strategies. Quizziz: multiplayer questionnaire of class contents, based on teaching music through a cooperative methodology and gamification, are applied as options with a great educational projection, with information and innovative pedagogical experiences and potential to work together in the classroom with different levels of the subject. The results that follow the Likert scale reflect high student satisfaction with regard to teaching methodology, content acquisition, teacher training, ICT and resources. As a conclusion, of the coincident results between the professor and the students, we would like to implement it in the coming years.

4+4+4 Eğitim Sisteminin Ortaöğretime Yansımalarına İlişkin Öğretmen ve Yönetici Görüşleri

The aim of this study is to analyse stakeholder views on reflections of 4+4+4 education system on secondary education in detail by taking the opinions of teachers and principals. The research was carried out between February and June 2017.The population of the research was composed of teachers and principals who work in various high schools in Tokat in Turkey. The research sample, consisting of 15 teachers and 15 principals, was determined by using “maximum variation sampling method”, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods. This is a qualitative research and “interview method” was used. Descriptive analysis was used in the analysis of the data obtained in this research. In the research results, it was found out that there were some teachers and principals who stated that the compulsory secondary education is right and there were some who stated that it is wrong. They stated that, the transition process was fast, no planning was done, education quality was affected in negative way in high schools, schools were qualified with necessary physical infrastructure and technological equipments, curricula were up-to-date, students were under control thanks to the compulsory secondary education, there would be lack of intermediate staff in the industry and open high school education was necessary. In line with the results obtained in the research, it was suggested not to keep the transition process too short while transitioning to a new education system and to give the teachers and the principals necessary in-service training and information about the changes.

Profiles of Maladjustment and Interpersonal Risk Factors in Adolescents.

The individual’s adaptation problems can lead to risky behaviors such as drug use. This study aimed to analyze the existence of different adaptation profiles (personal, school, and social) in adolescents. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the existence of significant differences in interpersonal risk factors depending on the degree of adaptation. The study participants were 1,201 students of Compulsory Secondary Education (M = 14.43, SD = 1.43), and 50.6% were girls. The TAMAI Test (multifactorial adaptation self-evaluation test) and the FRIDA questionnaire (Interpersonal Risk Factors for Drug Use in Adolescence) were used. A latent class analysis (LCA) revealed three different types of adaptation: maladjusted group, at-risk group, and adjusted group. The results showed the existence of significant differences between the different adaptation profiles based on interpersonal risk factors. The data obtained will help school and mental health plans to prevent misbehaving or risky behaviors.

Government Expenditure and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

The paper sought to investigate the effect government expenditure on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa using a panel data for 35 Sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2006-2018. The paper adopted dynamic panel data and estimates were achieved by using two-step system GMM while taking into account the problem of instrument proliferation. The paper provided evidence that education and health expenditure are key determinants of income growth for SSA. The impact of education spending on cross-country income variation is more effective in low income SSA countries than the middle income SSA countries. However, military expenditure on output growth is more effective in improving income level of middle income SSA countries than low income SSA countries. SSA countries should allocate more funding towards education sector and should also avail compulsory and free primary and secondary education. SSA should carry out health reforms which improve primary health and universal health insurance coverage.

Egyptian Fractions and Representation Registers in the Construction of the Fraction Concept

In this work we will analyze the relation between registers of representation and the construction of the fraction concept. Ninety-six students from first year of compulsory secondary education participated in the study, and performed equal share tasks in the context of Egyptian fractions (unit fractions with different denominators). The aim was to determine if, with these types of tasks, students could improve their learning of the different meanings of the fraction concept. Our results indicate that there seems to be a relationship between the meaning used and the representation chosen. Similarly, we found that—with these tasks—students significantly increased the number of registers of representation they used. Students who used distinct representations had to coordinate several registers, which might be interpreted as proof of the development of conceptual understanding.

STEAM views from a need: the case of the chewing gum and pH sensopill (Miradas STEAM desde la necesidad: el caso de la sensopíldora chicles y pH)

ABSTRACT The integrated STEAM approach arises when a contextualized problem’s resolution requires different contributions (views) from each discipline. In this descriptive article we discuss the views needed from chemistry, technology, design skills, mathematical modelling and the artistic support necessary for constructing a scientific model that explains the pH of the mouth when chewing gum. To do this, we focus on describing the implementation of a short sequence of video-recorded inquiry-based contextualized activities (didactic innovation) in two classrooms with students in their third year of compulsory secondary education (14–15 years old). The scenes taken from the analysis of the implementation videos support the proposal of the connections needed in the STEAM contributions. The difficulties encountered from each discipline and the resolutions we propose shed light on how well-selected problems make STEAM views necessary, thus avoiding the usual summative multidisciplinary approach.

Do CLIL programmes help to balance out gender differences in content and language achievement?

ABSTRACT Since the interaction of individual variables with learning outcomes has been relatively neglected in the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) research agenda (Doiz, A., Lasagabaster, D., & Sierra, J. M. (2014). CLIL and motivation: The effect of individual and contextual variables. The Language Learning Journal, 42(2), 209–224), this study aims to investigate the impact of CLIL programmes on gender-related differences in language and content achievement at the end of primary and compulsory secondary education. In line with previous investigations reporting a levelling effect of CLIL programmes on gender differences, this study seeks to show whether bilingual programmes may help to balance out gender differences in CLIL learning outcomes and whether the gender gap may vary across educational levels. To that end, discriminant and factor analyses were performed with the experimental (EFL + CLIL exposure) and control (EFL-only exposure) groups. The main finding was that the gender gap in CLIL learning outcomes is cancelled out, which could be ascribed to the hypothesised levelling effect of CLIL on gender differences in learning outcomes.

‘I Hate Physical Education’; an analysis of girls’ experiences throughout their school life

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were two-fold: to analyse the perceptions of girls who have negative experiences of Physical Education (PE) and to compare this experience with their families’ perspectives on the emotional implications of this in their daily lives. Seven girls in the final year of compulsory secondary education in Spain participated in the study. These participants were selected according to the criterion of having had negative experiences in PE classes. Their families also participated, specifically seven mothers and four fathers. A qualitative methodology was used, with interviews, personal diaries and discussion groups being the instruments used to collect data. There were three categories of results: a) the role that students assume in PE; b) motivation towards PE and c) frustrating experiences of PE. The girls expressed frustration at the impossibility of passing certain sports tests, referring to contempt, and underestimation, by both their peers and teachers. The subjects were clear that the fact that they were girls clearly undermined them in PE classes. The families told of how difficult it had been at times to live with this situation throughout the girls’ school lives. This manuscript contributes to the existing literature on the subject, since, although gender has been addressed in terms of the experiences of girls in PE classes, this has not been complemented with the views of students’ families.

FILMS FOR EFL: EXPLORING THE PERCEPTIONS OF A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

Introduction: Research on teacher perceptions on the use of films in the secondary school English classroom is scarce since most studies have focused on other educational levels and on the opinions of students. Besides, most of these studies are merely of a theoretical nature. Consequently, there is a need for empirical research which sheds further light on both Compulsory Secondary Education and teacher perceptions on this matter. Objective of the paper: this study explores the perception of a secondary school teacher on the use of a film as a tool for conducting EFL classes. Method: data were obtained according to the following steps. Firstly, the English instructor was interviewed regarding her views on the use of authentic audio-visual materials in the English classroom. Then, the teacher examined a film-based lesson plan which included the advantages of authentic audio-visual resources for EFL as defined by scholars in the field. Finally, the teacher was interviewed again to trace changes in her perception. Findings: the results of the study show that, in the initial interview, the participant’s opinion was positive although her use of movies as a didactic aid was vague and minimal. However, in the final interview, she reflected a more positive view and she was willing to include films and their multiple educational benefits into her lessons, advocating, therefore, a more holistic understanding of EFL. Conclusion: the contextually situated awareness elicited through the teacher’s own experience of the lesson plan made her question her own classroom practice. This led to the amplification of the teacher’s understanding of EFL, which, at the post-intervention stage, emerged not only as a linguistic endeavour but also as a platform from where to promote critical thinking, aesthetic sensitivity or awareness towards issues of social justice.

Factors Related to Gender Violence and Sex Education in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: For school medical services and the staff responsible for sex education for adolescents, it is important to understand the factors that may influence gender violence. The aim of this study is to determine whether the presence of sexist attitudes, double standards and/or romantic myths contributes to the risk of gender violence. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at five secondary schools in the province of Malaga (Spain). In total, 879 adolescents aged 12–18 years were included, studying years 1–4 of compulsory secondary education. Their attitudes were measured on the following scales: Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), Double Standard Scale (DSS) and Romantic Love Myths Scale (EMA). Results: Significant differences were observed among the age/year groups for the mean scores obtained on each of the above scales (DSS, p < 0.01; EMA, p < 0.01; ASI, p < 0.01). By gender, the boys recorded higher scores for ASI and lower ones for DSS (p < 0.01). The Spearman’s rho value revealed significant relationships between the presence of sexual double standards and that of romantic myths and ambivalent attitudes (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Adolescents commonly express romantic love myths, sexist attitudes and sexual double standards. These three factors, which are significantly correlated, influence the presence of violence in dating relationships.

Factors related to gender cyber-victimization in social networks among Spanish youth

This work sought to identify factors associated with gender cyber-victimization in social networks related to technological (participants’ use of virtual environments and digital competences), cognitive (participants’ concept of gender cyber-violence and perception of risk in online activities), and behavioral factors (participants’ responses to cyber-violence). This is an innovative approach to measuring the phenomenon (identifying predictive factors) since previous studies have measured generalized cyber-violence through types of conduct found on the internet, sex-related differences, or studies focused on the sphere of partner relationships. The research was carried out with a sample of 4,536 adolescents aged 12 to 14, all of them in compulsory secondary education in six different regions of Spain. An instrument consisting of different scales was applied, and the data were analyzed using descriptive, predictive and classifying techniques. The variables identified as predictors during the regression analysis and as characterizers of cyber-victims in the clusters are: wider and more intensive use of social networks; more proactive responses to cyber-violence; lower competences in digital self-protection; a more limited concept of gender cyber-violence; and less awareness of risk in some online behaviors. These results suggest a need to intervene in education in order to minimize the risks exposed.

Study of the Presence of Sustainability Competencies in Teacher Training in Mathematics Education

This article presents the results of the analysis of the presence of the sustainability competencies proposed by the Sectoral Commission of the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities in three degrees in the area of Didactics of Mathematics of the Faculty of Education Sciences at the Universidad de Cádiz (Spain): the degree in Early Childhood Education, the degree in Primary Education, and the Master’s degree in Teacher Training for Compulsory Secondary and Upper Secondary School Education (specialisation in mathematics). The research method used is content analysis, reflected in the syllabi of the subjects of the degrees analysed. To carry out the analysis, two instruments were used: an adaptation of the model of the Green Curriculum in Higher Education and the map of generic competencies in sustainability of the EDINSOST project. The global results show a very low relative presence of sustainability competences in the area of Didactics of Mathematics (25%), the competency related to ethical aspects having the lowest relative presence (10%). For the most part, the competencies related to sustainability are established for the lowest level of mastery, “know”. When comparing the degree programmes, the Master’s degree in Teacher Training for Compulsory Secondary and Upper Secondary School Education (specialisation in mathematics) is the degree that contributes the most to the development of the sustainability competency (32%), followed by the degree in Early Childhood Education (25%), and the degree in Primary Education (18%). Including sustainability in the curriculum of mathematics education in higher education can improve the training of professionals who engage in reflective and critical thinking. However, these results show there is still a long way to go.

Https://www.ijopr.com/article/an-evaluation-of-second-chance-schools-in-greece-a-national-survey-of-educators-perceptions-10903

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate educators’ perceptions regarding the evaluation of the institution of Second Chance Schools in Greece (SCS) that also operate inside correctional centers (SCSCC). Second chance education is a European programme within the framework of fighting against social exclusion that aims at early school leavers and adult prisoners, who have not completed the compulsory secondary education. A cross-national survey was carried out using a self-reported questionnaire with 367 participants that work in SCS and SCSCC. The outcomes of the study reveal that SCS and SCSCC educators can recognize the ‘curriculum’, the ‘infrastructure’ and the ‘opportunities of socioeconomic integration’ as major factors of SCS evaluation. The educators are generally satisfied with the curriculum and the opportunities of socioeconomic integration provided and have a neutral opinion about infrastructure. According to the findings, infrastructure is evaluated better in SCS located in continental Greece compared to insular located SCS and curriculum is better evaluated by principals and teachers who had completed postgraduate studies. However, teachers working in SCSCC were less satisfied with the opportunities of socioeconomic integration compared to teachers working in SCS.