Instructional Support Research Articles

What’s the Fuss about Extra Lessons? Empirical Evidence on Pupils’ Perception

Divergent perspectives on extra lessons for pupils have dominated current discourse on instructional support. Debates regarding the benefits of extra lessons have been on the increase. A number of experts are of the view that primary school curriculum is overloaded. Often, there is no empirical data for evidence-based policies regarding this. We designed this pilot study to explore students’ extra lessons experiences in order to inform policies. We used a cross-sectional survey design to sample 261 students (male = 54%; female = 46%; mean age = 10.51±1.41) from six intact classes in two primary schools owned and operated by two tertiary institutions in Anambra State. We developed a questionnaire consisting of 9 items to gather students’ views on their extra lessons activities. Part A of the questionnaire comprises the participants’ demographic information while the part B consists of 9 items eliciting the experiences of the participants in extra lessons activities. Major findings demonstrated that the majority of students engaged in extra lessons were satisfied with the lessons, experienced little stress during extra lessons, and learned a lot from them. Furthermore, a higher proportion of male students were more dissatisfied with extra lessons than their female counterparts; and more students reported being dissatisfied with the extra lessons when they lasted longer than two hours per day. The implications of the findings were highlighted, and it was concluded that, while extra lessons may benefit primary school pupils, if not properly implemented, they may be detrimental to students’ mental health and learning outcomes.

Including adults and peers through translanguaging in literacy activities

ABSTRACT Translanguaging in reading activities in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) can result in child engagement, language learning and the development of multilingual identities. Few studies have explored the engagement of very young children and languaging when they participate in activities with both educators and parents. The present study therefore investigates the ways in which educators in two daycare centres and parents jointly supported children when the parents read in the home language as well as the children’s engagement and interactions. The observational and interview data were collected in Luxembourg where a multilingual education policy is in place in ECEC. The findings show that the parents used the home language on its own or together with the instructional language which, in turn, resulted in different emotional and instructional support and impacted children’s engagement and interactions differently. While the opportunities to hear and speak a home language other than the institutional one resulted in most children performing their multilingual identities, children only engaged with content, interacted with the parent, educator and peers, and included them when the adults translanguaged. The findings suggest that children and parents can benefit from collaborative reading events when the adults draw on children’s multilingual repertoires.

In-service teachers’ and pre-service teachers’ perceptions of interdisciplinary instruction combining music and mathematics

ABSTRACT This qualitative-phenomenological study explores the perceptions of in-service and pre-service teachers regarding the integration of music and mathematics in elementary education. Using interviews, audio recordings, questionnaires, and blog analysis, the research examines the effects of interdisciplinary teaching. The methodology adopted in this study provides a robust framework for analysis, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Findings show positive views among four in-service mathematics teachers and one music teacher, who observed increased student engagement, motivation, and creativity. Additionally, 50 pre-service teachers expressed curiosity about this approach, emphasizing the need for better training and resources in teacher education. Despite initial concerns, teachers acknowledged the importance of collaborative planning and instructional support for interdisciplinary learning. This study highlights the potential of integrating music and math to enhance student outcomes and innovation in education.

Immersion Experiences of Teacher Education Students in Conducting Indigenous Studies

Indigenous studies is a popular research interest among social studies teacher education students, emphasizing the importance of properly educating them to conduct these studies and prepare them for immersion experiences. This study explores the experiences of teacher education students during their immersion in Indigenous studies in Bataan and proposes instructional support to enhance sustainable practices for future researchers. Utilizing phenomenological research, student teachers who have conducted Indigenous studies were purposefully interviewed. The results demonstrate that despite encountering challenges, these immersion experiences gave students valuable first-hand knowledge, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures. These findings underscore the need for instructional support, as suggested in the study, to better equip teacher education students to support and promote Indigenous studies.

When bigger looks better: CLASS results in public Montessori preschool classrooms

The CLASS-PreK instrument is widely used to evaluate early childhood classrooms, but how classrooms using Montessori, the world's most common alternative education system, fare on CLASS is understudied. Because CLASS focuses largely on teacher-child interactions as the situs of learning, but in Montessori theory, child-environment interactions are considered more primary, Montessori classrooms may score systematically lower than conventional classrooms on CLASS. CLASS also collects format, content, and demographic information that could illuminate how Montessori classrooms compare to other classrooms. Here we used data from the first national study of public Montessori preschool to examine CLASS data in Montessori preschool classrooms as compared to a lottery-control-selected set of business-as-usual ones. Montessori classrooms (n = 54) had 50% more children on average, and significantly higher child:adult ratios (roughly 9 vs. 6) than a set of intentionally stratified control classrooms (n = 19 of 128), and CLASS scores did not differ across classroom types. Children in Montessori classrooms were observed in whole group activities during fewer cycles and in freely chosen activities during more cycles; also children were observed engaging with math content during more cycles in Montessori than in control classrooms. Counterintuitively, but consistent with Montessori theory, Montessori classrooms with larger class sizes (up to 26) had higher Emotional Support and Classroom Organization domain scores, and those with higher child:adult ratios (up to 13:1) trended towards higher Instructional Support domain scores.

The Impact of Multilingualism on Second Language Acquisition: A Study of Cognitive and Linguistic Proficiency Among Ethnic Minority Groups

This study investigates the cognitive and linguistic differences in second language acquisition (SLA) among multilingual H'mong and Tay students compared to monolingual Kinh students in Vietnam. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examined cognitive proficiency, including working memory and cognitive flexibility, as well as linguistic proficiency in English, focusing on vocabulary size, syntactic knowledge, and phonological accuracy. Quantitative data from cognitive and linguistic tests were analyzed using MANOVA, while qualitative data from focus group discussions provided insights into the sociocultural influences on language learning. The findings reveal that H'mong and Tay students exhibited higher cognitive proficiency, particularly in working memory and cognitive flexibility, than their monolingual Kinh peers. However, despite their cognitive advantages, multilingual students faced greater challenges in English vocabulary acquisition, syntax, and phonological accuracy, likely due to structural differences between their native languages and English. The qualitative findings highlight the role of sociocultural factors, including limited access to resources and the desire to maintain cultural identity, in shaping language learning experiences among ethnic minority students. The study concludes that while multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities, ethnic minority students require targeted instructional support to overcome linguistic barriers in SLA. The findings have implications for language education policies, particularly in designing culturally sensitive curricula and improving access to quality English education in rural and ethnic minority communities.

AI Policies, Equity, and Morality and the Implications for Faculty in Higher Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education. While universities have generally touted technological advancements as part of the fabric of their learning environments, the challenges to equitable outcomes for faculty and students related to the use of AI are under-recognized. There is scant work on the equity and morality of university AI policies and the implications for faculty within higher education institutions. While significant attention has been paid to the effect of tools like ChatGPT on student writing and academic integrity, less attention has been paid to how rapidly emerging AI policies affect other aspects of faculty work, and in potentially inequitable ways. This article considers AI policies at three large state universities to examine what policies are provided to faculty and their impacts, including instructional support for students, faculty research, and patents. Findings suggest that institutions vary greatly in terms of faculty guidance and far more work is needed to provide clear policies and resources regarding ethical AI for faculty. We discuss the implications, including challenges and opportunities for higher education institutions, and provide recommendations for moving forward as new technology continues to evolve.

Text Messaging as an Instruction Support on Spelling Performance of the Learners

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of text messaging on the spelling performance skills of the learners in selected elementary schools. It utilized the descriptive method of research to explore the prevailing or existing condition as to the extent of text messaging and the spelling performance of the learners. The findings revealed in the dictation and written test of the learners that their spelling skills highest frequency was “Good.” Further, the results showed a highly significant relationship between the extent of cellphone use on text messaging and the spelling performance of the learners. However, some of the participants contradicted the views mentioned, according to them, using a cellphone in texting can be used as a tool to enhance the spelling performance of the learners due to the built-in features of grammar and spelling. Therefore, it is concluded that text messaging can be used as a tool to support instruction in the spelling skills of the learners. Further, it is recommended to give full guidance on the proper usage of a cellphone to appropriately correct the learners’ spelling skills.

Drivers and barriers to academic instructors’ willingness to adopt student-generated online quiz games as an assessment method

In recent years, academia has begun recognizing the necessity of integrating innovative assessment methods into academic courses. Nevertheless, initiatives to introduce alternative assessment practices may encounter resistance, despite the strong pedagogical rationale behind it. This research was conducted following a workshop titled “Make Games, Not Exams,” which aimed to introduce higher education instructors to an alternative method of assessing academic course achievements through student-generated online quiz games. The primary objective was to explore the instructors’ attitudes toward the assessment method introduced in the workshop and their willingness to integrate it into their courses, two months after the program’s conclusion. The study utilized a qualitative approach involving the participation of 10 instructors who took part in the workshop. The results revealed that only half of the instructors were willing to incorporate this method into their teaching. Most instructors agreed with the pedagogical rationale for using digital game generators as assessment tools. Nevertheless, they expressed reluctance to adopt this method primarily due to resistance to change, the time investment required, concerns about the compatibility of games with academic content, and apprehensions regarding evaluating student outcomes. Institutional support and peer influence were also noted as barriers. These findings suggest that integrating such an innovative approach demands a prolonged commitment involving ongoing exposure and consistent support for instructors within the institutional context.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in Introductory Technical and Professional Communication (TPC) Courses Across Institutions

ABSTRACT The social justice turn of the last two decades has spurred significant scholarship, but much remains to be done to gauge the impact of social justice scholarship on programmatic and curricular efforts. Programmatic and curricular development provides the primary, most important platform and “nurturing ground for promoting and enacting social justice” (p. 39), and that should engage our attention. This article is one such attempt, even if small, at contributing to this work by investigating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives in introductory TPC classes across institutions in TPC programs nationwide. It reports the results of a survey of instructors of introductory TPC courses across US institutions as well as an analysis of syllabi used by those instructors. Noting a multiplicity of macro- and micro-level challenges to JEDI work, the authors call for increased and targeted curricular discussion of JEDI as well as focused support and training for instructors at the institutional and programmatic levels.

Leveraging epistemic data agency with data visualizations to bridge the gap between data trends and personal experiences

Purpose While designing personally meaningful activities with data technologies can support the development of data literacies, this paper aims to focuses on the overlooked aspect of how learners navigate tensions between personal experiences and data trends. Design/methodology/approach The authors report on an analysis of three student cases from a design study in which middle and high school youth assembled family migration stories using data visualization technologies with socioeconomic and demographic data. The authors used interaction analysis to examine how students responded to misalignments they encountered between their families’ experiences and data trends in their models, drawing on the theoretical construct of epistemic data agency. Findings This case analysis demonstrates ways in which students enacted epistemic data agency. Instructional support can help students deepen inquiry and avoid certain pitfalls, such as encoding data in unsound or misleading ways to support a particular story, while encouraging students to see themselves as an epistemic authority on par with data. This study opens pathways for future research that considers how data can shape personal narratives and how students can leverage their experiences in the stories they tell with data. Originality/value The authors introduce the construct of epistemic data agency to describe the conceptual and material practices that reveal and shape students’ relationships to the data. The descriptions of students enacting epistemic data agency in assembling data stories informs the understanding of how to better elevate and recognize students’ efforts in relation to disciplinary norms and support deeper, meaningful student learning with and about data.

Teacher-related factors associated with teacher–child interaction quality in preschool education

Quality teacher–child interaction is considered one of the primary mechanisms through which educational experience fosters the development of children’s competencies. Teachers’ self-efficacy and beliefs about developmentally appropriate practices influence the quality of classroom interaction. However, the findings are mixed, and more research must be done within the preschool teacher population. The present study investigated teacher-related factors influencing teacher–child interaction quality with preschool children. Two rating scales and one observation measure were used to survey and observe 55 preschool teachers in preschool centres of Arba Minch town, Ethiopia. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between teacher factors (i.e., teacher belief, self-efficacy, teaching experience) and teacher–child interaction quality (emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support). Teacher belief significantly predicted teachers’ emotional support and classroom organization, while teaching experience significantly predicted instructional support. The findings of this study have implications for concerned bodies striving to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals aimed at increasing the supply of qualified teachers to ensure all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development and care so that they are ready for primary education, especially in the least developed countries.

Implementation of Comprehensible Input in Teaching English as a Second Language: Basis for an Action Plan

This study explored the extent of the implementation of comprehensible input among ESL teachers. The theoretical underpinning of this study was based on the concept of comprehensible input (i+1), which was introduced by Krashen (1985). Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to present the strategies that teachers used in implementing comprehensible input, teachers’ perceptions, and the challenges they encountered. There were four (4) ESL teachers who voluntarily participated in this study. The results showed that all strategies were rated positively by ESL teachers, indicating that they found them useful in implementing comprehensible input. Teachers perceived that the implementation of comprehensible input in teaching ESL was effective in promoting natural language acquisition and improving students' language skills. Limited credible resources, lack of formal training, and proficiency mismatch were the minor challenges that teachers encountered in the implementation of comprehensible input. The action plan that provides instructional support to ESL teachers has been developed by the researcher in order to effectively implement comprehensible input in teaching English as a second language.

Transforming fifth graders’ misconceptions in solving probability comparison problems with purposefully designed instructional interventions

ABSTRACT Students often struggle to solve probability problems, and teaching probability is an international challenge. This study aimed to design and implement two rounds of test-based instructional interventions to support Chinese fifth graders in incrementally transforming their misconceptions when solving probability comparison problems. The intervention was purposefully designed based on the findings from two rounds of tests. The results of the single-group quasi-experiment showed that the instructional support was feasible and effective in transforming misconceptions and enhancing students’ understanding of probability concepts. The findings of this study raised community attention to Chinese students’ misconceptions that are obscured by their good performance on large-scale tests. In addition, it demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of purposefully designing incremental, individualized instructional interventions based on tests in promoting elementary student learning. Reflecting on the design of the instructional support, we provide pedagogical suggestions for enhancing students’ performance in probability problem-solving.

Effects of Student Choice on Intrinsic Motivation and Language Proficiency in High School L2 Education

This literature review investigates the impact of student choice on intrinsic motivation and language proficiency in high school second language (L2) classrooms. The study addresses the existing gap in comprehensive research regarding how the implementation of student autonomy influences these educational outcomes. A systematic review of empirical studies, teaching practices, and peer-reviewed articles was conducted. Relevant keywords were used to search journals from different academic databases. The identified studies were evaluated based on their methodology, relevance, and quality. This review finds that providing students with autonomy in selecting learning materials and activities could enhance their intrinsic motivation. Increased autonomy fosters greater interest, engagement, and enjoyment in learning. However, the impact of autonomy on language proficiency is mixed. Some studies demonstrate improved proficiency due to personalised learning experiences, while others indicate that excessive autonomy without adequate instructional support can hinder language development. The review highlights the necessity of balancing autonomy with teacher guidance and considers the developmental stage of high school students. While student autonomy in high school L2 classrooms generally increases intrinsic motivation, its impact on language proficiency necessitates carefully combining autonomy with appropriate instructional support. This review underscores the need for longitudinal research to better understand the long-term effects of autonomy on motivation and proficiency, the development of sophisticated tools for measuring intrinsic motivation, and the implementation of practical strategies for integrating student choice in educational practices.

How to Optimize Self-Assessment Accuracy in Cognitive Skill Acquisition When Learning from Worked Examples

The present study was designed to understand and optimize self-assessment accuracy in cognitive skill acquisition through example-based learning. We focused on the initial problem-solving phase, which follows after studying worked examples. At the end of this phase, it is important that learners are aware whether they have already understood the solution procedure. In Experiment 1, we tested whether self-assessment accuracy depended on whether learners were prompted to infer their self-assessments from explanation-based cues (ability to explain the problems’ solutions) or from performance-based cues (problem-solving performance) and on whether learners were informed about the to-be-monitored cue before or only after the problem-solving phase. We found that performance-based cues resulted in better self-assessment accuracy and that informing learners about the to-be-monitored cue before problem-solving enhanced self-assessment accuracy. In Experiment 2, we again tested whether self-assessment accuracy depended on whether learners were prompted to infer their self-assessments from explanation- or performance-based cues. We furthermore varied whether learners received instruction on criteria for interpreting the cues and whether learners were prompted to self-explain during problem-solving. When learners received no further instructional support, like in Experiment 1, performance-based cues yielded better self-assessment accuracy. Only when learners who were prompted to infer their self-assessments from explanation-based cues received both cue criteria instruction and prompts to engage in self-explaining during problem-solving did they show similar self-assessment accuracy as learners who utilized performance-based cues. Overall, we conclude that it is more efficient to prompt learners to monitor performance-based rather than explanation-based cues in the initial problem-solving phase.

Partnering with genAI for communication course design: Innovations, challenges, and ethical considerations

This article explores the value of generative AI (genAI) tools for much-needed support for instructors in higher education in the realm of course design. Two authors detail their experiences partnering with two distinct tools, ChatGPT and Bard (now known as Gemini), for communication course development, emphasizing iterative collaboration with genAI. Benefits of genAI for creativity and innovation are balanced with challenges and ethical considerations, along with recommendations for faculty and institutions on leveraging genAI for innovative course design.

A Guide to Innovation in Physician Associate/Assistant Education: Using Instructional Technology for Improved Engagement.

For physician associate/assistant (PA) educators, the path of least resistance often is to focus our cognitive energies on topics with which we are most comfortable and to deliver content in the style in which we are most accustomed. The consequence of this approach is that many didactic curricula are delivered in a traditional, lecture-based format, which then aligns with how the faculty were taught. Studies show that lecture-based teaching may not be the most effective and that blending teaching modalities can improve knowledge acquisition. In addition, scheduling several classroom lectures week to week can be challenging, especially in a program that uses numerous guest lecturers to deliver the curriculum. One solution to this problem may be through innovative, engaging resources that enable faculty to deliver content asynchronously. Developing and implementing such tools can be challenging to PA faculty because they are often not formally trained in education nor are they up to date on the most current innovations in educational technology. Furthermore, change can be difficult, and it could seem an insurmountable feat to step outside the comfort zone of a traditional lecture. This work describes a collaboration between PA faculty and a University Instructional Support Specialist where the Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate ADDIE model, a widely used system for developing training tools, was used to create an asynchronous lecture for students in the form of an interactive series of modules to replace a traditional classroom lecture.

Testing the combined effects of the PAX Good Behavior Game and MyTeachingPartner™ coaching for early career teachers: Impacts on teacher-student interaction quality and teachers' occupational health

Early career teachers experience exceptionally high rates of attrition from the profession, often due in part to elevated concerns about student behavior and poor occupational health. This study reports findings from a randomized controlled trial testing the combined effect of the PAX Good Behavior Game and MyTeachingPartner™ for 188 early career, early elementary teachers (Grades K–3). Of primary focus were observations of the quality of teachers' interactions with students and their self-reported occupational health over 2 consecutive school years. Results indicated that relative to comparison teachers, those in the intervention condition reported lower distress at follow-up (d = −0.23) and less decline in teacher affiliation across the 2-year period (d = 0.50). In addition, the intervention teachers who were highly distressed at baseline and who experienced high levels of disruptive behavior had higher quality interactions with students around emotional support (d = 0.27), classroom organization (d = 0.32), and instructional support (d = 0.69) at the end of 2 years than comparison teachers. This subgroup of intervention teachers also experienced more favorable changes over time in distress (d = −2.47) and teacher affiliation (d = 3.00) over the course of the study. Professional development focused on classroom management with coaching support may be particularly impactful for early career teachers experiencing higher levels of distress and in classrooms with higher rates of behavior problems.

Navigating the New Frontier: Recommendations to Address the Crisis and Potential of AI in the Classroom

Introduction The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education ushers in a new era of teaching and learning possibilities for both educators and students. Statement of the Problem These technologies not only offer unparalleled opportunities for personalized learning and instructional support, but also introduce challenges related to academic integrity. Literature Review The literature highlights AI's versatile applications in education, from facilitating research to acting as a tutor. Teaching Implications Educators can create AI-informed assignments that encourage active learning, critical thinking, and creativity. AI tools can be integrated as supports rather than substitutes for learning and foster an ethical framework within which students can explore AI's capabilities. Conclusion This review of AI's impact on education and the discussion of teaching strategies underscore the need for a nuanced approach to integrating AI in the classroom. By acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, educators can enhance teaching and learning while upholding academic standards.