Early Education Research Articles

Media competence in the early, primary and secondary education curriculum: presence and progression in Latin America

ABSTRACT The aim of the present article is to analyse the presence and curricular progress of the learning objectives associated with the different dimensions of Media Competence (MC), encompassing the stages of early to secondary education, in the study plans from 18 Latin American Countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela. Through a content analysis of 161 curricular texts, 85 learning objectives were identified associated with eight dimensions of MC. Among the notable findings, there is a trend towards the inclusion of certain dimensions of MC, such as the processes of comprehension and use and adaptation of technology, while other dimensions such as interculturality, received less attention. Also, the curricular proposal from Uruguay is noteworthy, as it distinguishes itself for having the most objectives, being the only country in the region that explicitly integrated Media and Information Literacy. Likewise, a platform is provided that allows policy writers, educators, researchers, and other key actors to access current information on the presence of MC in the curricula of each country analysed.

Exploring electricity in early childhood education: A 5E-based learning approach

This paper presents a teaching scenario designed to introduce preschool children to electricity, structured around the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate). The study involves 18 children from an urban kindergarten with diverse backgrounds and learning needs. Over four weeks, children engage in interactive activities to understand electrical devices, electric current, static electricity, conductors, insulators, electricity generation, and safety. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary learning, combining literacy and science, and uses hands-on experiments and digital tools to enhance engagement. Activities include constructing simple circuits, experimenting with static electricity, and role-playing. Emphasis is placed on practical applications and safety. Findings highlight the effectiveness of a constructivist approach, where children build understanding through exploration. The study underscores the need for resources, teacher preparedness, and inclusive strategies to address diverse learning needs. This scenario provides insights into effective early childhood science education, emphasizing the potential to build a strong foundation for future learning and curiosity in young children.

Insights into early childhood English education: a comparative analysis of perspectives between English teachers and preschool teachers

ABSTRACT The study aims to illuminate and compare of the perceptions of Turkish preschool and EFL teachers regarding English language education in the preschool years. The study is a basic qualitative research method involving 16 Turkish EFL and Turkish preschool teachers. As a result, the teachers showed similar views about early English education benefits a child’s language, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. However, both groups expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of early English education, highlighting the challenges. Teachers emphasized that English language should be taught by native Turkish speakers rather than native English speakers.

Influence of Early Childhood Education on the Level of Development of Children

This study aimed to determine the influence of early childhood education at 0-3 years on school children aged 4-6 years. It looked into the profile of the respondents and the preschool teachers ‘utilization of teaching strategies and the influence of early education on the level of development of respondents. This study used quantitative-descriptive survey research design using survey questionnaire. The statistical tools used in this study were percentage, weighted mean, and ANOVA. Majority of children were enrolled in school at an early age with 42% enrolled at age 2; a slight majority of females (53%); parents exhibited diverse educational backgrounds, with 39% holding Bachelor's Degree and 33% being high school graduates. Teachers represented varied age groups with the majority falling between 21-35 years. Different positions were held, including early childhood main class teachers (40%), and early childhood supporting class teachers (20%). All teachers had received professional training in early education and child development and utilized various teaching strategies. ANOVA results demonstrated a significant difference of pre-school teachers' utilization of teaching strategies on children's level of development. The utilization of teaching strategies by pre-school teachers underscores their commitment to enhancing children's learning experiences. There is a positive influence of early education on various aspects of children's development such as intellectual abilities, behavior, skills, and attitudes. The significant difference of pre-school teachers' utilization of teaching strategies on children's level of development emphasizes the importance of tailored teaching strategies. The proposed guidance for future educational policies and practices aims to foster a more comprehensive and effective coordination between early education and school education, ultimately supporting children's sustainable development and successful learning.

Model of Character Education for Early ChildhoodEduwisata Ndalem Kerto through Outing Class Activities

This study examines the character education model by Eduwisata Ndalem Kerto Ponorogo through outing class activities. It examines the level of success in instilling various characters developed in Indonesia for early childhood. The research approach uses descriptive qualitative field research type. Data collection techniques are carried out by observation related to the early childhood character education model, interviews with managers, teachers and students during outing classes and documentation of outing class activities. Data analysis is done by organizing, interpreting, presenting data narratively, and drawing conclusions. The study results revealed that the early childhood character education model through outing classes at Eduwisata Dalem Kerto includes gardening activities, learning fun, interaction with livestock, and cooking fun. This outing class activity is designed for 2 hours and is guided directly by the instructor from beginning to end. The results of the character education model through outing classes effectively instil various early childhood characters from characters developed in Indonesia. It should be noted that this study is still limited to the early childhood character education model using outing classes in eduwisata. The findings of this study provide originality in the form of a character education model for early childhood through outing classes in the form of gardening, learning fun, cooking fun and livestock edu-tourism that can be used as a fun and meaningful early childhood education model. These findings provide many contributions to the enrichment of character education models, specifically character education for early childhood which is rich in stimulation that develops the character and intelligence of early childhood.

College Students’ Preference and Information Comprehension of Different Forms of Diabetes Education Materials Under Different Reading Scenarios

ABSTRACT Background There is a lack of research on diabetes education for healthy college students. Purpose To examine the effect of three different forms of diabetes education materials on college students’ information comprehension under focused and fragmented reading scenarios. Methods A total of 300 college students divided into six groups were enrolled in this study with a response rate of 91.45%, with each group representing different reading scenarios with different forms of education materials (text, icon, and illustration). A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the understanding (information perception and memory retention) of participants. Results There was similar influence of different forms of education materials on college students’ perception and memory retention in the context of focused reading. In contrast, under the fragmented reading scenario, materials with illustrations were the most effective. Discussion The form of education materials is crucial for information comprehension of college students in the scenario of fragmented reading rather than focused reading. Translation to Health Education Practice It is necessary to design visually appealing health education materials to promote diabetes education among college students.

Cognitive and motor improvement by tummy time practice in preemies from low-income settings: a randomized clinical trial.

Early intervention and parental education for preemies are limited in some low-income countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess whether daily tummy time (TT) associated with usual care (UC) enhances motor and cognitive development in preemies from low-income countries. The main and secondary aim was to assess prone head elevation (PHE) and motor and cognitive functions, respectively. Thirty-one preemies with a mean gestational age at birth of 33.3 ± 1.6 weeks and weighing <2,500 g were included and 18 completed all assessments. Parents from the TT group were asked to perform TT with their preemies for at least 20 min during daily activities and playtime. Motor and cognitive functions were assessed by a blinded examiner using the motor and cognitive composite scores of Bayley-III after two and four months of corrected age. PHE was given by the angle from the tragus of the ear to the supporting surface of the infant; measurements were obtained using the Kinovea® software at baseline, after two, three, and four months of corrected age. The Bayley-III motor composite score of the TT group was higher than the UC group after two and four months of corrected age. The PHE angle increased over time but did not differ between groups. Nevertheless, TT expanded the perspective of preemies to explore their bodies and environment, favoring the stimuli for motor and cognitive patterns. The loss of participants (31%) was one of the limitations of the study, illustrating the challenge of providing continued early interventions to preemies from low-income countries. In this sense, TT practice is a home intervention that may improve motor and cognitive function of preemies immediately after hospital discharge.

The Effectiveness of Online vs. Traditional STEM Education Methods for Preschool Children Aged 5-6 years in China

This study explores the effectiveness of online vs. traditional STEM education methods for preschool children aged 5-6 years in China. Through qualitative interviews with educators, this study compares how these methods affect children's engagement and learning outcomes. The findings suggest that traditional hands-on approaches are more effective in engaging younger learners due to the importance of sensory and social experiences in early cognitive development. While online platforms offer personalized learning, they often struggle to maintain long-term engagement. The study highlights the need for a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of traditional and digital methods to optimize STEM education. In addition, the study explores the challenges of the digital divide and the importance of equitable access to technology. These insights provide practical recommendations for improving early STEM education practices and guiding future policy decisions.

Student experiences of agile-blended learning in emergency online education: insights from a participatory case study

PurposeThis study examined the implementation of an agile-blended learning (ABL) approach in a master-level early childhood research course and assessed its impact on the learning experience. The purpose was to understand how incorporating ABL concepts affected flexibility, learner autonomy, collaboration and technology mediation, the core principles of ABL.Design/methodology/approachA participatory case study methodology was employed to gather insights from 40 students regarding their experiences in the redesigned research course. Data were collected through interviews, observations and document analysis. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed and quantitative data descriptively analyzed.FindingsABL fostered flexibility, convenience and learner autonomy. However, students desired richer interpersonal interactions. Technological integration enhanced learning, but social presence was lacking.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to a specific master-level early childhood education course and focused on a particular group of students. Further research is needed to examine the generalizability of the findings in different educational contexts and student populations.Practical implicationsRecommendations include ongoing professional development and support systems to optimize ABL realization. Sustaining ABL practices necessitates flexible, empowering institutional structures.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by exploring the potential of ABL in the context of early childhood research education. It provides empirical evidence of the benefits of ABL for increased flexibility, learner autonomy, collaboration and technology mediation. The case study design adds to the originality by offering insights into the practical implementation of ABL in an educational setting.

Understanding parental preference for childcare: a cross-sectional study in Chongqing, China.

This study analyzed the factors influencing childcare preference and the relationship between childcare preference and childcare service demand scale, using data collected from a questionnaire survey of 3,921 parents of infants and toddlers in Chongqing, China. The results indicate that parents with higher incomes, higher education levels, older ages, multiple infants, and dual-career living in urban areas have a stronger preference for childcare. In the shared or grandparent care model, the childcare preference is not obvious. Parents of infants tend to choose childcare institutions that provide reception services, early education, and convenience services. Higher quality environmental facilities tend to reduce the preference of parents for childcare.

Effect of the Partners in Play Intervention on Parents' Autonomy-Supportive Guiding Behaviour and Children's Self-Regulation.

Compelling evidence supports the foundational importance of early self-regulation (SR). It also supports parents in the home environment as having the foremost influence on early development. Yet, prevailing approaches to support early SR growth have tended to leverage early education and clinical settings. Partners in Play (PiP) was developed as a sustainable approach for parents to learn how and when to support children through experiences of self-regulation challenges in the home learning environment. This study reports the first randomised control trial evaluation of the PiP program, with 21 parent-child dyads (consisting of twelve girl-mother dyads, eight boy-mother dyads, and one boy-father dyad; mean child age = 4.12 years, SD = 0.65). Dyads were randomised to a PiP intervention group (n = 10), which entailed four online parent information sessions and four out-of-home guided practice dyadic play sessions across 8 weeks, or an active control group (n = 11). The primary outcome was parent autonomy support, and the secondary outcome was child SR. Results indicated a significant increase in parents' use of autonomy support and a non-significant but moderate-sized effect on child SR. This innovative proof-of-concept program and evaluation provides a roadmap for effecting change in parental support during children's play, to the prospective benefit of important abilities such as child SR. Analyses show promise for a parent-based model toward parent behaviour change and child SR improvement.

음악교육가들의 교육내용을 반영한 음악 교수내용지식에 따른 유아 음악교육 대학교재 분석: Orff, Dalcroze, Kodály를 중심으로

Objectives The purposes of this study were to analyze university textbooks in early childhood music education utilized within early childhood teacher training courses, according to the music pedagogical content knowledge that reflects the educational content of music educators. Methods For this study, seven early childhood music education university textbooks suitable for research were selected as the research subjects. Next, these textbooks were analyzed and categorized into music pedagogical content knowledge domains: subject content, teaching and learning methods, curriculum, and learner knowledge. The results were presented. Results First, the analysis of the subject content knowledge revealed that there is a noticeable deficiency in content related to traditional Korean music in the textbook. Second, the analysis of the teaching and learning method knowledge in the textbook showed that the included plans for early childhood music activities predominantly focus on music appreciation and activities following the principle of gradual deepening. Activities such as singing with inner hearing, harmony-linked activities, and singing by note or scale are less frequently presented. Third, upon analyzing the curriculum knowledge within the textbooks, the music education content linked to the Nuri curriculum is presented more frequently on average than the content linked to the standard child care curriculum. Fourth, as a result of analyzing the knowledge of leaners in the textbook, the target age for the included plans for early childhood music activities tended to center around young children or toddler-young children integration. Conclusions The significance of this study lies in its proposals for future enhancements and revisions of university textbooks for early childhood music education.

예비유아교사의 잠재적 역량 발전을 위한 마이크로티칭 경험에 대한 이야기

Objectives In this study, micro-teaching was conducted to develop potential teaching competencies of pre-service early childhood teachers, and these experiences were analyzed. Methods For this purpose, micro-teaching was conducted to 10 students among the subjects of early childhood curriculum research and guidance law operated by the Department of Early Childhood Education at a university located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, and their experiences were analyzed. Results As a result of this study, the pre-service early childhood teachers recognized the micro-teaching experience as an activity of personal reflection opportunity, understood their own class activity form, and tried to improve their class activity attitude and teaching skill from the perspective of others. Second, pre-service early childhood teachers were thinking more practically about the meaning of becoming a teacher by breaking away from their subjective perception through microteaching. Third, the improvement process through trial and error showed the possibility that the pre-service early childhood teachers themselves could improve by experiencing several trial and error processes. Finally, the pre-service early childhood teachers were expecting improvement of teaching efficacy through microteaching experience. This shows that it is an opportunity to improve class competencies by having opportunities for peer supervision as well as self supervision. As a result, it was found that pre-service early childhood teachers recognized the micro-teaching experience as an opportunity for personal reflection, an activity based on escape, an improvement process through trial and error, and an expectation for improvement of teaching efficacy. Conclusions This study presents the findings of preservice early childhood teachers taking a semester-long course in early childhood materials research and teaching methods at a university's early childhood education department, which may have implications for future preservice early childhood teacher education.

Dr. Dharmendra's Enduring Influence on Leprosy: From Laboratory to Disease Control.

A stalwart of Indian dermatology, Dr. Dharmendra was particularly known for his breakthrough research on leprosy. Spanning over several decades, his work was marked by significant contributions, including the development of Dharmendra's lepromin, which served as a critical diagnostic tool and in advancing the understanding of immunological aspects of leprosy. Born in 1900 in present-day Pakistan, his early education and work experiences set the foundation for his later achievements in leprosy research. Despite the social stigma associated with the disease at the time, Dr. Dharmendra's dedication led him to take up key roles, such as the first director of the National Leprosy Control Programme and head of the Central Leprosy Teaching and Research Institute in Chengalpattu. His work significantly impacted leprosy control efforts in India. ⁤⁤His legacy was further cemented by his leadership in founding the Indian Association of Leprologists and his tireless editorial work in the Indian Journal of Leprosy. Through his publications and ongoing research, even after retirement, he continued to influence the field. Dr. Dharmendra's life and work remain a cornerstone of leprosy research, inspiring future generations. His legacy continues to be felt in the ongoing efforts to combat leprosy.

Students’ Personal Experience vis-à-vis Personal Interest Towards Philippine Traditional Dances with Respect to Dance Steps, Music, Costume, and Dance History for Preservation Endeavors: Does it Matter?

The primary aim of this research is to investigate the immediate influence of students’ personal experiences and their degree of interest in traditional dances of the Philippines in relation to preservation efforts. Respondents for the study are students from a higher education institution in the Philippines. After obtaining data and performing multiple regression analysis, it was observed that overall personal experience has a direct influence to level of interest. Moreover, students’ personal experience has a direct influence to their interest towards dance steps and costumes, except music and dance history. Therefore, offering a wide range of varied and substantial activities students is imperative, commencing from early education through to their tertiary education years, to enhance enthusiasm and involvement in the safeguarding of these intangible cultural heritages. Limitations and recommendations for physical education teachers in the higher education sector, institutional projects and collaborative efforts, and future research directions are also presented.

Edward Jenner: A Beacon of Hope in the Age of Disease.

Edward Jenner, born in 1749 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England is widely recognized as the pioneer of the smallpox vaccine, a breakthrough that paved the way for the eventual eradication of the disease. This article traces Jenner's journey from his early education and apprenticeship under renowned surgeon John Hunter to his groundbreaking work on vaccination. Jenner's keen observations led him to hypothesize that cowpox could provide immunity against smallpox, which he confirmed through an experiment in 1796. Despite initial skepticism and the continued practice of variolation, Jenner's findings gained acceptance, and his work laid the foundation for modern immunology. The article also explores Jenner's personal life, his contributions to the medical community, and the eventual global impact of his work, culminating in the eradication of smallpox. Jenner's legacy is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and its transformative effect on public health.

Learning Experiences and the Development of Critical Thinking in Students of Early Childhood Education at Public Universities – 2023

Introduction: This study explores how learning experiences at public universities impact the development of critical thinking in early education students in 2023. Objective: To determine the influence of learning experiences on the critical thinking of early education students, identifying effective didactic strategies for its promotion. Methodology: Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 247 early education students across various public universities in Peru through structured surveys. These surveys were designed to measure students' perceptions of their learning experiences and their impact on critical thinking, including items related to communicative, reflective, and problem-solving competencies. The instruments' validation was ensured through reliability and validity analysis, and data were statistically analyzed using SPSS V.25 software to examine the relationships between variables. Results: The findings indicated a positive and significant correlation between carefully designed learning experiences and the enhancement of students' critical thinking. This link underscores the critical value of adopting didactic strategies focused on fostering critical thinking, showing that when students are immersed in learning environments that challenge their abilities and promote reflection, their capacity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information significantly improves. Conclusions: The findings highlight the necessity for universities to continuously implement and adapt their pedagogical methods to foster meaningful and critical learning. This research contributes to understanding how educational experiences can be designed to enhance critical thinking, providing a foundation for future curricular and pedagogical developments in higher education.

Early childhood education and early childhood special education teachers’ perceived stress, burnout, and depressive symptoms

The current study examines the relationships between teachers’ job demands and resources, perceived stress, job burnout, and depressive symptoms through an online survey administered to early childhood education (ECE: n = 143) and early childhood special education (ECSE: n = 121) teachers in a western state of the United States. Results showed no difference between ECE and ECSE teachers in their levels of job demands, resources, perceived stress, job burnout, and depressive symptoms. Both ECE and ECSE teachers’ job-related stressors were positively related to their perceived stress, and their job commitment was negatively associated with job burnout. However, there were some differences in the correlates of job burnout between ECE and ECSE teachers. For ECE teachers, the number of children with disabilities and their teaching efficacy predicted their job burnout, whereas with ECSE teachers, job-related stressors and the supportiveness of school climate (or the lack thereof) were indirectly related to their job burnout through their perceived stress. The current study suggests that providing professional development for these teachers and enhancing a school’s supportive climate will promote the well-being of both ECE and ECSE teachers.

Principal Leadership of Pre-K Programs in Elementary Schools: Evidence from North Carolina

Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) programs are becoming increasingly common in elementary schools across the United States—in fact, a recent analysis of federal data revealed that 57% of public schools have a Pre-K grade. Despite the prevalence of Pre-K programs in schools, principals—known to be among the most important factors in school success—often lack the knowledge and professional supports to effectively lead Pre-K programs. In this study, guided by sensemaking theory, we work to advance knowledge on Pre-K principal leadership through a sequential mixed-methods analysis of elementary school principals in the state of North Carolina. Our study includes a statewide survey of all lead and assistant principals in the state ( N = 520) as well as follow-up interviews with 27 of the surveyed principals. Our findings reveal that while they report strong conceptual support for the Pre-K programs in their schools, principals demonstrate limited engagement with them. We also find that principal background and preparation in early education and the proportion of students from a Pre-K program that ultimately enroll in the school for kindergarten are important factors that help explain variation in principal orientations to Pre-K leadership.

New Insights for Teaching the One Health Approach: Transformative Environmental Education for Sustainability

The One Health approach often reaches classrooms through Environmental Education (EE), which aims to guide society’s response to current crises (environmental, health, economic, values). However, traditional EE teaching has focused on isolated ecological concepts and standardised solutions, ignoring the multidimensional nature of EE and failing to integrate the interdependence between environmental, animal, and human health. Moreover, teacher training often neglects didactic content knowledge, preventing students from acquiring the systemic vision needed to address eco-social problems and create sustainable solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This limits teachers’ ability to influence students’ concerns and behaviours. In this context, this study aims to reflect on the current state of the issue and propose strategies informed by Science Education research to improve EE teaching, enabling the integration of One Health dimensions through effective didactics to achieve Transformative Environmental Education (TEE). For this purpose, we begin by addressing the limitations identified in recent systematic reviews, shifting the paradigm towards a symbiosis of EE and Science Education through scientific practices. We then present practical examples showcasing successful EE initiatives that foster a deeper understanding of socio-environmental issues, encourage innovative solutions, and nurture engaged citizens from early education onwards. These proposals can support classroom practice and ongoing teacher self-development. Pedagogical strategies include tackling issues that require systemic and critical thinking by developing scientific and epistemic practices while raising awareness of Environmental Justice. Thus, this study advocates for a new vision of EE, integrating the One Health approach, which could be applied to develop new educational programs, including teacher training. This would lead to a new learning evaluation model and help identify key determinants that trigger pro-environmental behaviours.