Education Degree Programs Research Articles

„Ein Minimum von unabdingbaren erziehungswissenschaftlichen Inhalten und Grundlagenwissen“ – Kerncurricula der Erziehungswissenschaft im Rückblick

This article focuses on the disciplinary society’s recommendations for the design of educational science degree programs as an expression of symbolic boundary work on internal and externally visible disciplinary boundaries. To this end, this article takes a retrospective perspective on the core curricular recommendations for the design of study programs of the German Educational Research Association in the period from 1968 to 2010. It asks what the initial points of the core curricula were, how and what is expressed in the definition of a “core” about disciplinary boundaries, and how these questions are also connected with the study program landscape. Differences between the (changing) core curricula indicate how the balance between openness towards differentiation processes and plural disciplinary perspectives was achieved in the resolutions of a “corpus” of common, disciplinary knowledge.

Kommentar zum Kerncurriculum der Disziplin Erziehungswissenschaft vom Vorstand der Sektion Schulpädagogik

The Core Curriculum for Educational Studies (KCE) was created with the aim of formulating the disciplinary foundations for educational science degree programs and their curricular orientations. The Executive Board of the Section for School Pedagogy expressly welcomes the fact that the KCE’s curricular recommendations are to apply to all BA and MA courses in educational science, as well as to the educational science components of teacher training courses. Nevertheless, some fundamental questions remain as to how the KCE can also be used as a benchmark for teacher training courses and how it can be interpreted, adapted, concretized and expanded for teacher training, which we would like to address here.

Estudio del Desarrollo Vocacional, Autoeficacia y Expectativas de Resultado en Estudiantes de Educación con y sin Discapacidad

Introduction. Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), this study examines the academic development process of university students. According to the model, self-efficacy and outcome expectations are key constructs in SCCT, shaped by personal factors and predispositions, such as disability, gender, and race. Method. The sample comprised 299 students enrolled in the Bachelor's Degree programs in Primary Education and Early Childhood Education at the University of Granada. The measurement instruments utilized in the study included the University Biodata Questionnaire (Rocabert et al., 2007), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (Baessler & Schwarzer, 1996), and the Academic Outcome Expectations Scale (Zalazar-Jaine & Cupani, 2018). Results. The study variables demonstrated a direct relationship among them. Validation tests were conducted due to the adaptation of one of the instruments, highlighting its suitability for the study. No differences were observed in vocational development levels, self-efficacy, or outcome expectations between students with and without disabilities. Differences were found concerning the sex variable in terms of self-efficacy and outcome expectations, but not in relation to effective vocational development. Discussion or Conclusión. While the overall scores of the combined sample did not show significant differences in comparison, factors such as vocational interest periods, perceived barriers to study completion, satisfaction with the chosen career, and extrinsic or intrinsic academic outcome expectations exhibited notable variations between the two groups. The exploratory nature of the study is emphasized, along with the potential biases within the sample regarding disability and gender.

Assessment of student-teachers' digital competencies across educational aspects: the current status and areas for improvement

In the present digital age, improved teacher digital competencies are increasingly becoming an important component of teachers' qualifications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the digital competencies level of student-teachers and probe the areas for improvement. The subject of this study was undergraduate student-teachers in their final year of Bachelor of Education degree programmes from the College of Education at one of the public Universities in Tanzania. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed to get a sample of 549 participants. The study employed the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (ICT CFT) as a theoretical framework. The study employed a quantitative approach and descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected through an online survey that included six competency areas linked to teachers' professional practices. Data analysis procedures included descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings revealed that student-teachers perceived their digital competencies as moderately higher at the knowledge acquisition level and moderately low at the knowledge deepening level of ICT CFT. The results also demonstrated that student-teachers were more competent in integrating technology in educational aspects that are indirectly linked to teaching (e.g. teacher professional learning, and organization and administration) and less competent in educational aspects that are directly linked to classroom teaching (e.g. pedagogy, and curriculum and assessment). The study further established a positive and statistically significant association between student-teachers' digital competencies and knowledge acquisition and knowledge deepening levels. The results of the present study signify the importance of developing student-teachers' digital competencies across all educational aspects. However, in order to guarantee technology integration in classroom teaching, it is recommended that teacher education programmes focus more on improving student-teachers' digital competencies in competency areas that are directly linked to classroom pedagogical practices.

The application of curriculum analytics for improving assessments and quality assurance in higher education

Curriculum mapping is a necessary process for establishing evidence of where learning outcomes are taught and assessed in higher education programmes. Mapping ensures the credibility of the institution and programme offerings and provides students with a clear understanding of what they can expect to learn and achieve during their academic studies. Well-mapped curricula that reference relevant standards and articulate aligned assessments are foundational for effective teaching and learning. Curriculum quality assurance measures are commonly accepted as a means of assuring accurate mapping. Assurance processes are, however, resource-intensive, error-prone and reflect human biases. Few studies have adopted an analytical approach to ensure programme quality assurance steps are traceable to a fundamental level of these maps: single courses and their assessment items. In this study, we adopted a novel curriculum analytics methodology to validate the mapping of professional standards to course-based assessments in a higher education degree program. Using an Australian initial teacher education programme as a case study, we applied and analysed results from a structured methodology that may be implemented across other disciplinary programs. Practical implications for quality assurance in higher education and the methodological contributions of this novel approach are further discussed. Implications for practice or policy: Quality assurance mechanisms in higher education serve to demonstrate that specific accreditation standards have been attained or maintained. An evidence-based approach is needed to ensure curriculum mapping and quality assurance. This study's novel curriculum analytics approach provides a robust foundation for demonstrating assessments’ compliance with accreditation standards at the degree program level. A data-driven approach for quality assurance presents opportunities for wider and scalable applications across other institutions.

Adoption of online degree programs in higher education in India: An exploratory study based on stakeholder perception and proposed policy measures

Adoption of online degree programs in higher education in India: An exploratory study based on stakeholder perception and proposed policy measures

Enhancing mathematical proof skills in teacher education through etymology-based learning approaches

This study aims to enhance students' understanding of mathematical proof through the etymology-based learning method. The research employs a descriptive approach to observe and analyze students' mathematical proof patterns in various contexts. Data were collected from 30 students enrolled in a master's degree program in mathematics education who demonstrated varying abilities in mathematical proof. The findings indicate that using action words or phrases during instruction can support students' ability to differentiate relevant terms and avoid misinterpretation of context. Furthermore, comparative understanding of source and target problems improves students' mathematical proof patterns in broader learning contexts. The implications of this study highlight the importance of integrating language-based and formal approaches in mathematics teaching to enhance students' mathematical proof abilities holistically.

Students perceptions of fake news created by artificial intelligence: The case of deep Soria

Fake news and artificial intelligence are phenomena addressed in academia and research within the fields of communication and audiovisual education. As a medium and language, cinema has mirrored these challenges, exemplified by the short film Deep Soria. The primary objective proposed in this study is to ascertain whether this short film, directed by Pedro Estepa in 2021, is perceived as a mockumentary and to explore students’ perceptions of the social issues it raises and the way it expresses them. An ad hoc questionnaire was employed specifically for the short film, enabling the assessment of 118 students from the Journalism and Primary Education Degree programmes at the University of Valladolid. The method used is exploratory and descriptive. Results were obtained by combining descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis of the open-ended questions in the questionnaire. Notably, the study highlights the detection of the documentary’s central themes- fake news and depopulation- the use of humour, the focus on depopulation, and suggestions for incorporating more elements of “everyday reality”, such as images and testimonies from the inhabitants of Soria and the city/province. At the same time, the short film has been reevaluated for its propensity to address social issues.

Leveraging Flexible Trajectories to Meet the Needs of Non-Traditional Graduate Students in Master of Education Degree Programs

Leveraging Flexible Trajectories to Meet the Needs of Non-Traditional Graduate Students in Master of Education Degree Programs

Perception of Spanish teachers on their initial training in the educational treatment of diversity

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the perception of graduates from teaching degree programs in Early Childhood and Primary Education carried out in Spain in accordance with the European Higher Education Area, who are currently working in classrooms, on their initial training in the educational treatment of diversity (ETD). In addition, potential differences were examined based on the teaching degree that was studied (Early Childhood or Primary).Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed methodology including an ad hoc questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Participants were 140 working teachers who had previously earned their degree in Early Childhood or Primary Education programs. Data analysis was carried out from an integrative perspective, using a basic descriptive focus and content analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that the new teachers considered that their initial training in the area of ETD was not as extensive as it should have been and as required by their daily teaching needs. They felt that they had acquired better education in the theoretical content as compared to the practical component. They mentioned a lack of training to attend to students entering the system at a later stage as well as for those with high intellectual abilities, noting that the initial training in ETD focused excessively on deficits and not enough on potentialities and other student diversities.Originality/valueThis study may be useful as it offers an improved adaptation to the reality of early education in ETD classrooms of future teachers, both for the competent education administrations and universities. It may also serve as a starting point to adjust the permanent training offer for teachers to their specific needs, making up for the deficiencies of their initial training.

Formalizing the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) in health professions education (HPE): A descriptive case study of a master of education degree program in HPE

AbstractThis chapter describes a blended graduate degree program, built on the principles of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), that can serve as a roadmap for how health professions education can formalize, and advance, SoTL‐based work.

Navigating academic performance: Unravelling the relationship between emotional intelligence, learning styles, and science and technology self-efficacy among preservice science teachers

This research investigated the effects of emotional intelligence, learning styles, and science and technology self-efficacy on academic performance. Ninety-one preservice science teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree programs (Science) in education at the University of Ghana for the academic year 2020–2021 participated in this research. The researchers collected data using grade point averages, the Science and Technology Self-Efficacy scale, and the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test scale. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, Pearson product moment correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression. The key findings in this research were that the study underscores the pivotal role of STEM field self-efficacy, especially for males, emphasizes the significance of nurturing confidence within the STEM field, and reveals a relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance among preservice science teachers. This study adds to the literature examining factors influencing preservice science teachers' academic performance.

Assessing online readiness for a professional master’s degree program in agricultural education

Assessing online readiness for a professional master’s degree program in agricultural education

Contagious and Unexpected Moments as Gateways to Dancing Playfully Together: Students Creating Intervening Spaces

ABSTRACT Research on creative dance education has indicated that students can take risks and improvise when the teacher relinquishes control through an open and explorative approach. I add to the discussion by exploring the unexpected and spontaneous episodes when teaching dance improvisation in settings outside dance education. Based on empirical material from a design-based research project conducted within the Danish bachelor’s degree program in social education, I analyze three episodes where students take the initiative and use their bodies and voices to play essential roles in creating sensuous, repetitive, and humorous group formations. I argue that these episodes can be understood through philosophical and sociological conceptualizations such as sociability, contagion, affectivity, crowds, and laughter and that students can explore playful movement through various contagious “ripple effect” processes. These moments are a kind of significant everyday playful choreography that is a beneficial skill for social educators involving embodied creativity.

Necesidades de desarrollo profesional en competencias digitales docentes: estudio de caso

This paper presents the results of a research work focused on identifying educational improvements needs in the field of digital teaching skills (DTS) in higher education, specifically in a Teacher Training College. There are several frameworks to assess this, however, this research focused on those related to the competence: communication and collaboration described in the Marco Común de Competencias Digitales Docentes (MCCDD) (INTEF, 2017). The pandemic evidenced as an emerging requirement in terms of the DTS also national and international foundations in which it is highlighted how these are essential to support lifelong learning and to inclusion. Ten teachers from Veracruz participated in the study through the focus group technique, which made it possible to recover information to learn about their perspectives on the training needs they identified in the area of the DTS, both in themselves and in the degree program in education in which they teach. The MAXQDA program was used to analyze the information and graphs were created with the segments of their oral participations. The results are shown in Unique-Code Model (summaries) of each skill in the area of communication and collaboration.

The impact of collaborative ePortfolios on academic learning in a university setting

This study is focused on promoting self-reflection and self-regulation of learning through the use of digital tools to improve the academic performance of university students. Specifically, the main objective is to evaluate the impact of the use of collaborative ePortfolios on facilitating the comprehension of the concepts being studied. During the 2021/2022 academic term, a voluntary survey was administered to 60 students in the Adaptation Course of the Primary Education Degree Program. Through a structural equation analysis, a theoretical model was analyzed in which the intensity of participation in the ePortfolio appears as a mediating variable between the different independent variables and the improvement in academic learning. The results of the study confirm this mediating function for some variables, while at the same time they show a direct positive relationship between the intensity of participation in the ePortfolio and comprehension of the course concepts. The findings of this study can have important implications for the promotion of digital tools, such as ePortfolios, to improve learning in the university context. In addition, the work offers methodological alternatives to the recurring problem of analyzing complex relationships (both direct and indirect effects) with small samples.

Collaborative mind mapping in RICOSRE learning model to improve students’ information literacy

<span lang="EN-US">This research aimed to determine how the reading, identifying problem, constructing solution, solving problem, reviewing and extending problem solution (RICOSRE) learning model integration with collaborative mind mapping affects students’ information literacy in higher education institutions. This quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. There were 40 multiple-choice questions selected to assess student information literacy. All instruments have been validated and are reliable. The data were collected from 100 participants who were college students enrolled in the environmental pollution course of the biology education degree program at Siliwangi University, Indonesia. To analyze the research data, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used at a 5% level of significance, followed by the least significance difference (LSD) test. The ANCOVA results showed that the RICOSRE-CMM learning model impacted students’ information literacy. LSD scores were significantly different in terms of students’ information literacy. It can be concluded that the RICOSRE-CMM model could enhance each component of information literacy as these components have been integrated into the learning model syntax, which involves a series of information discovery and analysis processes during group work to find a solution to a problem.</span>

Assessment of the Perceived Mastery of Interdisciplinary Competences of Students in Education Degree Programmes

The importance of fostering interdisciplinary competences in students acquires a relevant value in the skills that must be developed throughout university studies. These enable them to tackle complex problems and apply knowledge in different contexts, promoting the construction of knowledge through the integration of different disciplines and collaboration between areas of knowledge. The study aims to analyse how university education students perceive their interdisciplinary competences, identifying areas where they feel more confident and those in which they need to improve, with consideration of gender differences and a possible measurement model. The study involves 1066 students from university education courses in Ecuador. The main results highlight the importance of strengthening training in interdisciplinary skills for future teachers, especially in reflective behaviour and the integration of knowledge from different disciplines to address complex problems. It also points to the need to promote interdisciplinary work in higher education and recognises that gender may influence students’ interdisciplinary perceptions and skills. Confirmatory factor analysis supports the validity of the model for measuring these competences.

Comparative Competence of Science Educators on the New Licensure Examination as Basis for a Review Program

The demand to prepare future science educators for national board examinations necessitates teacher training institutions to assess the licensure competence of pre-service teachers. In the case of the Philippines, the Licensure Examination for Teachers or LEPT has new competencies, which have not been fully assessed on the perspective of pre-service teachers. In this, the researcher assessed and compared the self-reported competence of alumni (a, n=38) and ongoing pre-service teachers (o, n=43) of a large state university in the Philippines. To do this, the researcher developed a survey-questionnaire with contents based on the Enhanced Table of Specifications or TOS for LEPT which was first implemented in March 2023 in the Philippines, the survey was conducted during the 1st semester of S.Y. 2023-2023. Results revealed that the pre-service teachers (n=81) have high level of competence for the LEPT. Further, the level of competence of alumni is comparable to those of on-going students. However, a significant difference was found in competencies related to Challenging Activities in Science, Assessment Tools, Basic Biotechniques, and Waves and Optics, where alumni demonstrated a significantly higher competence. To provide continuity for the findings, the researcher proposes a review program for Filipino pre-service teachers based on the findings. Furthermore, the researcher recommends that a content-competency alignment will be conducted between the Enhanced TOS of LEPT and the latest relevant issuances on Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSGs) for Education degree programs issued by the Commission on Higher Education. Moreover, a curriculum mapping is recommended between the Enhanced TOS and the MATATAG Curriculum for Science. To provide an international perspective, the researcher recommends an analysis of licensure competencies for teachers among ASEAN countries.

Conhecimento prévio e construção do conhecimento entomológico por estudantes de graduação indígenas e camponeses da região centro-oeste do Brasil

Abstract This study presents findings from research conducted with indigenous and peasant students (n = 53) in their first year of the Rural Education Degree (Countryside Education) program at a public university in the Brazilian Midwest. We investigated previous knowledge and methods for developing entomological knowledge using structured questionnaires with open, closed, and multiple-choice questions. As a result, we discovered 24 distinct types of animals known as insects. Indigenous peoples conceptualized insects using ecological principles, whereas peasants approached the subject from health and emotional perspectives. Our findings revealed that indigenous students’ prior entomological knowledge was primarily developed within their families, while peasant students developed it at school. This study provides important insights into pre-existing knowledge and the development of entomological understanding in an intercultural setting. It encourages reflection on the interactions of traditions, folk knowledge, and scientific understanding.