Shaping Education Research Articles

Challenges And Solutions In Implementing Reading Policies In The Foundation Phase: A Multiple Case Study From The Lichtenburg Circuit, North West Province

This article aims to examine the policies guiding reading instruction and investigate how these policies are implemented in the FP to gain a deeper understanding of teachers’ experiences in this area. Implementing reading policies effectively in the FP is crucial for fostering early literacy skills, which form the foundation for lifelong learning. However, teachers often encounter various challenges that impact the successful application of these policies. This article explores the complexities associated with implementing reading policies within the FP, specifically focusing on the Lichtenburg Circuit in the North West Province. The Lichtenburg Circuit, a unique educational setting within the North West Province, provides a valuable multiple case study for examining these challenges and identifying effective solutions. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, the research focused on the perspectives of Subject Advisors, Principals, HoDs, and FP teachers in three primary schools within the Lichtenburg circuit. Thirteen participants were purposively selected, and data were collected through document analysis, observations, and interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that the CAPS is the primary policy used for reading instruction, yet it lacks explicit directives on teaching reading, leading to challenges in implementation and application by teachers. By investigating the experiences of English Home Language this article aims to uncover the specific difficulties teachers face and assess the support mechanisms available. The findings will offer insights into improving policy implementation and enhancing literacy outcomes for young learners. The objective of this article is to identify and analyze the key factors that influence teachers’ implementation of reading policies in the FP. This article aims to understand how various contextual, professional, and institutional elements shape teachers’ approach to applying reading policies in their classrooms. By examining these factors, the article seeks to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by teachers in translating policy into effective practice, ultimately contributing to the development of more supportive and practical strategies for improving reading outcomes in the FP. The purpose of this article is to investigate and evaluate the challenges and solutions in implementing reading policies, using the Lichtenburg Circuit in the North West Province as a multiple case study. The article also seeks to uncover the specific challenges that teachers encounter in implementing these policies and to analyze how these obstacles impact the effectiveness of reading instruction. The article aims to provide insights and recommendations for improving the implementation of reading policies to better support FP teachers.

Self-Presentation of Teachers in Social Networks

This study was undertaken to investigate the use and motivations behind teachers' engagement in social networks, while exploring their self-presentations and attitudes within these digital communities. The aim was to shed light on the relationship between real-life and digital communities by focusing on teachers as a specific demographic group. To address the research questions, namely the demographic characteristics of teachers using social networks, the reasons behind teachers' usage of social networks, the role of these platforms in shaping teachers' self-perception and professional identity, a mixed-method approach was employed. The findings of the study indicate that social networks provide an ideal platform for individuals to present themselves, and teachers exhibit distinct patterns of behavior compared to other groups. Teachers express themselves more openly and assertively when their identities are anonymous. They actively seek attention to expand their social network, yet refrain from making political posts to avoid jeopardizing their online presence. They strive to portray an idealized image of themselves and make efforts to distinguish themselves from others. Based on the study's conclusions, it is recommended to develop a digital platform that caters to the interests, needs, and inclinations of teachers.

How does principal’s instructional leadership shape teacher performance mediated by teacher self-efficacy in Indonesian education context?

How does principal’s instructional leadership shape teacher performance mediated by teacher self-efficacy in Indonesian education context?

What Explains Teachers’ Trust in AI in Education Across Six Countries?

AbstractWith growing expectations to use AI-based educational technology (AI-EdTech) to improve students’ learning outcomes and enrich teaching practice, teachers play a central role in the adoption of AI-EdTech in classrooms. Teachers’ willingness to accept vulnerability by integrating technology into their everyday teaching practice, that is, their trust in AI-EdTech, will depend on how much they expect it to benefit them versus how many concerns it raises for them. In this study, we surveyed 508 K-12 teachers across six countries on four continents to understand which teacher characteristics shape teachers’ trust in AI-EdTech, and its proposed antecedents, perceived benefits and concerns about AI-EdTech. We examined a comprehensive set of characteristics including demographic and professional characteristics (age, gender, subject, years of experience, etc.), cultural values (Hofstede’s cultural dimensions), geographic locations (Brazil, Israel, Japan, Norway, Sweden, USA), and psychological factors (self-efficacy and understanding). Using multiple regression analysis, we found that teachers with higher AI-EdTech self-efficacy and AI understanding perceive more benefits, fewer concerns, and report more trust in AI-EdTech. We also found geographic and cultural differences in teachers’ trust in AI-EdTech, but no demographic differences emerged based on their age, gender, or level of education. The findings provide a comprehensive, international account of factors associated with teachers’ trust in AI-EdTech. Efforts to raise teachers’ understanding of, and trust in AI-EdTech, while considering their cultural values are encouraged to support its adoption in K-12 education.

Urban green spaces in early childhood education and care: insights from teachers in Stavanger, Norway

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of urban green spaces (UGSs) in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) teachers’ pedagogical practices and their impact on young children's environmental and sustainability learning. Utilizing observations, teacher interviews, conversations, and a comprehensive survey conducted in Stavanger, Norway, the study reveals the crucial role of UGSs in shaping both teachers’ pedagogical practices and children’s learning across various subject areas. The research highlights the educational significance of diverse UGSs in providing varied and tailored learning experiences that are crucial for children's education and development. In line with this, the study provides findings supporting the application of experiential learning theory within UGSs and ECEC settings. Additionally, the findings reveal a growing concern among teachers about the reduction of UGSs due to increasing urbanization. These results underscore the need for both teachers’ advocacy and strategic policy to preserve UGSs, ensuring their availability for future generations.

The determinants of data use practice for instructional practice in higher education

PurposeAn evidence-based approach to improving instructional practices and student outcomes in data use. It is a systematic process of evaluating and analysing learning problems, collecting and transforming various types of data into instructional decisions, and implementing informed actions to improve instruction and student learning. Since teachers are the main actors in instructional practices, this article reports on a study aimed at predicting the influence of various teachers’ characteristics on the degree of data use practices for instructional purposes.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, we conducted a survey in a developing country to gather primary data. The collected data were analysed using a supervised machine learning approach, focussing on decision tree analysis, to determine the influential factors.FindingsOur investigation identifies pedagogical knowledge, data literacy, content knowledge, knowledge of English for teaching and attitudes towards data as crucial determinants in predicting the intensity of such data use practices. Notably, pedagogical knowledge emerges as the most potent predictor, emphasising its pivotal role in shaping teachers’ frequency of instructional data use practices. Surprisingly, English proficiency does not exhibit a significant influence in this predictive model.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings may not be generalisable to a wider context since this study relied on a relatively small teacher self-reported sample collected through surveys, and, as this study used perception data, this may or may not reflect teachers’ actual knowledge and skills.Practical implicationsBy spotlighting the nuanced interplay between teacher individual characteristics and the practice of data use for instructional improvement, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping teachers’ engagement with data. Ultimately, it provides a foundation for targeted interventions and strategies aimed at fostering a culture of evidence-based practices to improve instruction and consequently student learning outcomes within educational settings.Social implicationsThis insight holds significant implications for policymakers, educational practitioners and providers of professional development programmes seeking to facilitate effective data use practices for instructional improvement.Originality/valueBy spotlighting the nuanced interplay between teacher individual characteristics and the practice of data use for instructional purposes, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping teachers’ engagement with data. This study represents an empirical examination of such factors by employing a quantitative approach: a flexible decision tree analysis. This contributes to a growing body of research on factors related to teacher characteristics and much of the research in the field of data use has been done using a qualitative approach.

Peran Guru Pendidikan Agama Katolik dalam Pembentukan Karakter Peserta Didik di Sekolah

The development of character education in schools in modern times is a challenge for Catholic Religious Education teachers in forming a generation with noble character. A Catholic Religious Education teacher is bound by the obligation to carry out the role of shepherd within the scope of education. Catholic Religious Education Teachers play the role of mentors in their duties, namely educating, so they have duties as journalists and educators. As a preacher, a Catholic religious education teacher takes on the task of proclaiming the news of salvation. Meanwhile, as educators, the task of Catholic Religious Education teachers is to guide students towards maturity, both physically and spiritually mature. Students who are spiritually mature will have noble character. To achieve this noble character requires character education which cannot be separated from the role of a Catholic Religious Education Teacher. It is hoped that character education will be able to form a generation whose existence will provide the widest possible benefits in daily life both at home, at school and in society. A literature review approach is used to write articles in order to develop an in-depth understanding to improve the role of Catholic religious education teachers in shaping the character of students in schools. The results of the research in this article conclude that Catholic Religious Education Teachers have an important role in shaping the character of students at school.

Religious ideologies of minimal computing: negotiating digital technology in religious nationalist education

ABSTRACT Using resistance to digital technologies in religious nationalist public high schools in Israel as a frame for discussing minimal computing, this paper explores how socio-religious ideologies foster minimal technological practices. Based on interviews with administrators, homeroom teachers, and religious and secular content teachers from three schools near an urban center, the study explores how multiple mandates to provide religious, nationalist, and modern education shape teachers’ educational approaches to digital technologies. The paper argues that an approach that segregates technologies to secular domains disentangles digital devices from religious subjectivity; one that allocates time for ‘profane’ digital technologies creates discontinuity between digital practices and religious educational aims; and one that integrates technologies into religious practice fosters a symbiotic digital–analog religiosity. By highlighting the role of religious ideology in shaping limited technological approaches, the paper explores how constraints on teachers’ practices stem not only from resource-driven limitations but from minimal technological will.

Shaping teachers’ organizational citizenship behavior through self-efficacy and trust in colleagues: moderating role of collective efficacy

Background/purposeThe aims of this study are: (1) to examine the mediating effect of teacher self-efficacy on the relationship between trust in colleagues and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB); and (2) to evaluate the moderating effect of collective efficacy on the relationships between teachers’ self-efficacy and OCB, as well as between trust in colleagues and OCB.Design/methodology/approachThe cross-sectional data were based on 408 sets of usable questionnaires collected from teachers who worked in government schools in Malaysia. The partial least square structural equation modeling technique was used to test the model and hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that trust in colleagues is positively related to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and teacher self-efficacy. Additionally, teacher self-efficacy and OCB are also positively related. Furthermore, the relationship between trust in colleagues and OCB is partially mediated by teacher self-efficacy. Moreover, collective efficacy significantly moderates the path between teacher self-efficacy and OCB but not between trust in colleagues and OCB.Originality/valueDespite earlier studies examining the relationship between trust, teacher self-efficacy, and OCB, little is known about the mediating mechanism of teacher self-efficacy and the moderating effect of collective efficacy. Thus, this present study makes significant contributions in both theoretical and practical aspects.

Unearthing Vulnerability and Resilience of Novice EFL Teachers in Shaping Their Professional Identity

This study explored the experiences of novice English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in both formal education (FE) and non-formal education (NFE) settings, with a focus on professional identity development. It examined how these experiences contribute to the formation of their professional identity with the research question: What is the impact of vulnerability and resilience on the professional identity development of novice EFL teachers in both FE and NFE settings? This qualitative research adopted a descriptive narrative approach. Data collection was through interviews and literature review. The data collected was analysed through the use of coding and triangulation techniques. Four novice EFL teachers, two of the FE teachers and two of the NFE teachers were selected to participate in this research. The findings identified four impacts of vulnerability and resilience on professional identity development of novice EFL teachers; 1) self awareness, 2) adabtability to challenges, 3) institutional support, and 4) professional commitment.

Enriching the professional capital of primary school teachers to assess play and learning through play

ABSTRACT This paper explores the significance of a tailored professional learning program (PLP) for transforming primary school teachers’ practices through fostering the development of professional capital; specifically human capital. The focus of the PLP was on assessing play and learning through play for Foundation teachers (the first year of formal schooling) in Victoria, Australia. Drawing from professional capital theory, the study engages with a significant issue through a mixed methods approach. Findings showed that the tailored PLP enhances teachers’ abilities to not only implement play-based learning but also to assess children’s play abilities and learning through play. The study underscores the importance of professional learning in facilitating teachers’ capacity to integrate play-based approaches into the curriculum effectively, while also identifying the tensions between teachers’ learning about assessment through play and navigating this approach in the classroom with competing external and mandated school policies. The paper adds to existing literature highlighting the pivotal role of professional learning when situated as a social practice in shaping teachers’ practices and confidence. It provides ways to promote reflective dis[positions which impact professional learning opportunities and processes, while also pointing to the transformative conditions of social arrangements and personal aspects that enable agency, collegiality and deliberation.

Local Belief and the Negotiation of EFL Teachers’ Identity in an Asian Country

Aim. This study investigates the local belief and the negotiation of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers' identity within the Asian context. Methods. Framed within the Martha Pennington (2014) model, this qualitative research examines the complex interplay between local beliefs and the participants’ identity formation through in-depth interviews. The data was collected from three (3) EFL teachers operating at local Asian schools. Results. The findings reveal the significance of local beliefs in shaping teachers' instructional practices, classroom interactions, and professional identities. This research sheds light on the dynamic nature of EFL pedagogy in culturally diverse settings as it underscores the dialectical process through which EFL teachers negotiate their identities within the local cultural and educational milieu. Conclusions. It can be concluded that this research contributes to the field of EFL education by highlighting the need for teacher training programmes that address the diverse cultural and contextual factors that influence the formation of EFL teachers' identities.

Peran Guru dalam Budaya Sekolah Untuk Membentuk Sikap Disiplin Peserta Didik

Discipline reflects an attitude that embodies an awareness of and adherence to rules, contributing to the formation of moral character. As such, discipline is a critical issue, particularly in educational settings. In this context, the role of teachers in schools is crucial for developing strong character in students. This study aims to: (1) analyze the role of teachers in cultivating the disciplinary attitudes of second-grade students in class II-A at SDN-4 Menteng Palangka Raya, and (2) identify the factors that support the development of these disciplinary attitudes. To achieve these objectives, a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design was employed. The primary instrument in this research was the researcher, and data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation. The data were processed through reduction, explanation, and conclusion drawing. The findings of the research indicate that: (1) The role of teachers in shaping the disciplinary attitudes of class II-A students at SDN-4 Menteng Palangka Raya encompasses their roles as educators, guides, and motivators. (2) The factors supporting the development of a disciplined attitude among these students include fostering good habits such as proper manners, time management, and adherence to rules, as well as providing consistent guidance, which collectively contribute to the enhancement of student discipline.

Explore How Transformational Leadership Styles Impact Educational Environments and Student

This study investigates the impact of transformational leadership on school climate and student outcomes using both correlational and regression analyses to assess the relationships between leadership behaviors and educational variables. The findings reveal that transformational leadership significantly enhances teacher collaboration (r = 0.65), inclusivity (r = 0.71), and innovation (r = 0.58), with leadership explaining up to 51% of the variance in inclusivity. Additionally, transformational leadership is positively correlated with student outcomes, including academic performance (r = 0.62) and student engagement (r = 0.62). Schools led by transformational leaders had higher mean scores in student academic performance, with an average test score of 85.50 compared to 78.00 in schools with other leadership styles. Statistical analyses such as ANOVA confirmed that these differences are statistically significant, showing that transformational leadership fosters a more collaborative, inclusive, and innovative school environment, which directly enhances student engagement and academic achievement. These results highlight the importance of transformational leadership in educational settings, particularly in shaping both teacher effectiveness and student success. The study concludes by recommending leadership development programs, collaboration initiatives, and regular leadership evaluations to ensure continuous improvement in school environments.

The Role of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Fostering Students' Morals at State Vocational High School 1 Banyudono

<p>Personality is a crucial factor for the success of students in the learning process. Instilling good habits from an early age is very important for students. Teachers play a significant role in schools, especially Islamic Education (PAI) teachers, who are educators directly responsible for moral development and the inculcation of legal norms concerning right and wrong, as well as responsibility. This study aims to determine the roles, methods, supporting factors, and obstacles faced by PAI teachers in shaping the personalities of students at SMKN 01 Banyudono Boyolali. The approach used is qualitative, employing case study research methods through data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of this study conclude that PAI teachers play an essential role in the moral development of students at SMKN 1 Banyudono, primarily as educators, guides, habituators, and implementers of religious activities. Efforts made by PAI teachers to cultivate students' morals include encouraging the habit of reciting "basmallah" at the beginning of learning activities, saying "hamdallah" at the end, starting lessons by reciting Asma’ul Husna, maintaining classroom cleanliness, assigning additional tasks to memorize prayer recitations, promoting Quranic literacy, guiding and setting an example for students to perform congregational prayers, and actively participating in the execution of religious activities.</p>

Competing practice-based mentoring frameworks for student-teachers: between quasi-residency and expedited alternative teacher preparation

ABSTRACT At their best, teacher preparation programmes harness the power of mentoring to provide professional, emotional, and organisational support for novice teachers and student-teachers. While teacher mentoring research provides much information regarding effective practices, little is known about how different preparation tracks structure the mentoring they provide. Based on interviews with student-teachers (n = 24), this paper examines and compares the mentoring experiences of students in two different, highly reputed Israeli teacher preparation tracks; Academia-Classroom and Hotam. The analysis focuses on emerging similarities and differences between the tracks, indicating two structural aspects associated with the intensity of mentoring – the division of mentors’ roles and co-teaching – that hindered or supported the quality of student-teachers’ mentoring experience. It exemplifies that, despite the importance of individual agency and interpretation, structural programmatic features are key factors in shaping teacher preparation processes and outcomes.

Challenges in implementing instructional leadership: Insights from Turkish school principals

The growing international literature on instructional leadership notes that its implementation often varies depending on cultural and contextual factors. Previous studies have indicated that while Turkish school principals demonstrate some instructional leadership behaviours, they frequently do not practice its key components such as shaping teacher professional development, goal setting, curriculum development and instructional supervision. This study used qualitative research methods, including interviews with 33 school principals, to identify and understand the major barriers hindering the implementation of instructional leadership in Türkiye. Factors such as a lack of authority, beliefs about the profession, workload, community context, inadequate resources and principal competency are key influences affecting the implementation and effectiveness of instructional leadership in Türkiye. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the nature of instructional leadership in diverse cultural contexts.

From EMI to CLIL: negotiating teacher identity

ABSTRACT In English-medium instruction (EMI), students learn content knowledge through their additional language. Despite the implicit English learning goals, EMI content subject teachers have been urged to provide more language support for their students. Such expectations may not be something that EMI teachers were professionally prepared for. It is then worth examining how EMI teachers (re)construct their identity when facing such new expectations. Based on Wenger’s [Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge University Press] identity construction framework, this qualitative multiple case study reveals how three EMI teachers in Hong Kong and Mainland China secondary schools negotiated their identity when being supported to incorporate language teaching in their content lessons. From data collected in co-planning meetings, lesson observations and interviews, all the teachers were engaged in constructing the identity of language aware content teachers, but some of them appeared to experience identity conflicts. The contrast of the three cases reveals that teachers’ professional training, school context and curriculum requirement are important in shaping teachers’ professional identity. Teachers’ agency also impacts on how teachers negotiate their identity, especially when facing contextual constraints. These findings underscore the importance of preparing teachers both psychologically and practically in EMI teacher education.

Understanding cross-cultural differences in pedagogical beliefs: A comparison among South Korean, Spanish, and German early childhood teachers

This study aimed to elucidate how cultural values and the ECE context in three distinct countries —South Korea, Spain, and Germany— shape teachers' perspectives on their pedagogy. This study unveiled three key findings. First, the study identified partial strong invariance for the pedagogical beliefs measure. Second, Korean ECE teachers showed significantly stronger constructivistic beliefs than Spanish teachers. Third, instructivistic beliefs were significantly higher among Korean teachers than German teachers. The findings emphasize the notable differences in teachers' pedagogical beliefs among the three countries, underscoring the substantial impact of cultural values and ECE background on the development of the teachers’ beliefs.

The governance of teachers’ time allocation and data usage through a learning management system: a biopolitical perspective

ABSTRACT This paper examines the intricate relationship between state ambitions and institutional disciplining in the context of managers and teachers’ time allocation and data usage. Using a specific learning management system (LMS) as a case study in Danish public elementary schools and drawing on Foucault’s theory, we examine how governance through the LMS, constituted as disciplinary power and surveillance techniques, shapes time allocation and data usage in schools. Our study is based on an analysis of policy documents and qualitative interviews, identifying discourses about educational ambitions and intentions with the LMS. Our analysis has three perspectives. First, we argue that the Danish state’s educational ambitions are characterized as biopolitics grounded in economic imperatives and the need for a well-educated population. Second, we argue that the enactment of a mandatory LMS in schools manifests as governance to secure state ambitions. Finally, we argue that the disciplinary power and surveillance techniques embedded in the design of the LMS shape teachers’ time allocation and data usage in accordance with state ambitions. Thus, our analysis contributes a theoretical perspective to develop a critical understanding of how state ambitions for governance through digital tools shape possibilities for practice among actors within the educational field.