Junior School Research Articles

Digital tools for gamification of the educational process of junior school students in conditions of distance learning

The article examines the role of digital gamification tools in the educational process of junior high school students in the conditions of forced distance learning. The main online platforms and digital learning tools used during forced distance learning are highlighted, in particular: online learning platforms (Storyboard, Ed Puzzle, Edugames), mobile digital applications (MinecraftEdu, BookWidgets). The concept of gamification is defined as a powerful tool for engaging and motivating primary students, which refers to the process of adding game elements or mechanics to the learning process, which promotes the development of various cognitive skills, such as spatial imagination, imagination, reaction and mental abilities, which is of particular importance in children of primary school age. Gamification turns out to be an important strategy in distance learning, as it is aimed at engaging students in learning tasks. It was considered that one of the key advantages of using digital gamification tools is the possibility of increased individualization of training. This allows you to adapt the tasks to the level of development of each student, providing a personalized approach. Also, graphic and visual elements of gamification make learning more exciting and understandable for children, creating a positive attitude towards learning. Digital tools facilitate interaction and social support between students, even at a distance. They can include online team tasks that develop skills in collaboration and information sharing. In the absence of face-to-face contact, teachers can use digital gamification tools to effectively monitor student progress and provide quick feedback. This allows to identify and solve the learning difficulties of students. The main requirements to ensure the implementation of the idea of introducing gamification into the educational process of elementary school include giving students the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and try to cope with the task again in case of failure, providing students with a mobile environment for independent learning, providing constant and instant feedback with each other and with the teacher, create interactive tasks or quests instead of homework. In general, we note that digital gamification tools are a necessary advantage in the conditions of forced distance learning to create a stimulating and effective environment that contributes to the learning and development of junior schoolchildren.

Selected Factors that Influence Self-Efficacy in Competence Based Education among Junior School Learners in Kenya

Selected Factors that Influence Self-Efficacy in Competence Based Education among Junior School Learners in Kenya

Level of development of communication skills as a basis for adaptation of junior school children in the educational environment

In this article we have summarized theoretical provisions about the essence and level of development of communication skills as the basis for the adaptation of younger schoolchildren in the educational environment. The article also discusses the child’s problem - the ability to interact with other children, especially if they are representatives of different cultures, it is difficult to adapt to educational activities and study regularly. Also, interaction in the conditions of a collective educational process is ensured due to the required level of development of communication between the student and his peers. This communication is inextricably linked with one of the main components of the educational process: educational action. It is taken into account that the mechanism of pedagogical support for a student in the educational space includes a pedagogical element direct communication. It covers the entire system of social life and represents an image of educational activity and indicates the level of social development of society. Pedagogical assistance should be considered as assistance in self-knowledge (knowledge of national culture, multicultural identification and the formation of ethnic self- awareness). It helps to solve problems during educational activities in a multicultural environment and protect the rights of the child.

Enhancing Students' Religiosity in Educational Context: A Mixed-Methods Study in Islamic High School

Cultivating religiosity among students in schools is a crucial initiative that should be implemented. The aim of the research project was to evaluate the impact of school climate on students' development of religiosity. The research methodology used mixed-method explanatory models to evaluate theories on the influence of school climate on religiosity and to explore the strategies that teachers use to develop students' religiosity within schools. Quantitative data was collected from 482 students at junior and senior schools, and qualitative data was gathered from six randomly selected teachers. Quantitative data was collected using school climate and religiosity scales. Descriptive and regression analyses were used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The regression analysis results showed a value of R = 0.338, R2 = 0.114, p .005, indicating a positive impact of school climate on students' religiosity. Teachers employ six approaches to achieve this goal: habituation, guidance, leading by example, attention to individual students' needs, creating a positive atmosphere, and providing educational sanctions. These results highlight the importance of improving teachers' expertise in promoting student religiosity. Experimental research could be an effective alternative for further advancing this type of study.

Determinants of Parents' Decision to Choose Private Junior School

Every parent prepares their children's future by providing a good education. Parents often choose private junior high schools over public ones because they are thought to provide a better education. It is driven by various factors ranging from teachers, the quality of school services, learning facilities, and the parents' social environment. This research aims to analyze the factors driving parents' decisions to choose private junior high schools. This type of research is quantitative. This research used 100 samples obtained through the purposive sampling technique. The research sample was parents who entrusted private junior high schools as their children's educational institutions. The data collection method uses a questionnaire. The data collection instrument uses a questionnaire sheet. The technique used to analyze data is inferential statistics. Research data was analyzed using multiple linear regression. The research results show that teacher quality significantly influences parents' decisions in choosing private junior high schools. This research also proves that there is a significant influence of service quality on parents' decisions to choose private junior high schools. Learning facilities have been proven to significantly influence parents' decisions to choose private junior high schools. Furthermore, this research also proves that the social environment influences parents to choose private junior high schools.

APPRASAL OF THE FACTORS THAT HINDERS EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATIOM POLICY IN PUBLIC JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ADAMAWA STATE

The aim of the research is to identify the factors that hindered the effective implementation of policies in the in junior schools. Therefore, to identify these factors, the paper comes up with four research questions and four research objectives as a guided to the study. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Population of the study consisted of 254 junior secondary schools, 4500 teachers and 254 principals in Adamawa state. Sample of the study was drawn using deliberate and stratified random sampling techniques, while proportionate sampling technique was used to determine the sample size required from each school. Data for the study was obtained using questionnaire. Pilot test was conducted using Cronbach Alpha and a reliability index of 0.79 was realized. Data collected was analyzed using frequency counts, percentage, mean and standard deviation while independent T-test was used to test the hypothesis generated. Findings from the study indicated that: insufficient funding, poor planning and inadequate professionally qualified teachers are some of the challenges that mars successful implementation of UBE programme in Adamawa state. It was discovered that the allocation to education in the state is below the 26% recommended by UNESCO and as a result of Poor welfare package (Mean=3.96, SD=0.96), Lack of training & retraining opportunities (Mean=2.98, SD=0.96). The study recommended among others that efforts should be made by the government to counter the factors which has become impediments to successful implementation of UBE programme such as provision of adequate funding, qualified professional teachers and instructional materials.

The role of Xpert MTB/RIF using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in active screening: insights from a tuberculosis outbreak in a junior school in eastern China.

Tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in schools present a public health challenge. In order to effectively control the spread of transmission, timely screening, accurate diagnosis and comprehensive epidemiological investigations are essential. In July 2021, a TB outbreak occurred in a junior high school in Y City, Zhejiang Province. Students and faculty were screened for TB by symptom screening, chest radiography, and tuberculin skin test during four rounds of contact screenings. For sputum smear-negative and sputum-scarce patients, bronchoscopy was used to collect BAL samples for Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampin (MTB/RIF). Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on isolates to identify the strains of MTB isolates and predict drug resistance. Between July 2021 and November 2021, a total of 1,257 students and faculty were screened for TB during screenings. A total of 15 students (1.2% of persons screened) aged 15 years were diagnosed with TB. Eighty percent (12/15) of the cases were laboratory-confirmed (10/12 [83%] Xpert MTB/RIF-positive, 2/12 [17%] culture-positive). Most cases (12/15 [80%]) were in students from Class 2. All cases were asymptomatic except for the index case who had symptoms for more than two months. Seven MTB isolates were collected and belonged to lineage 2. Our findings demonstrated the potential of Xpert MTB/RIF using BAL as a screening tool in school TB outbreaks for sputum smear-negative and sputum-sparse suspects, which may not only rapidly improves diagnostic accuracy, but also facilitates epidemiological investigations and homology analysis.

An Assessment of Human Resource Management Practices on Newly Appointed Teachers in Secondary Schools in Gwembe District, Zambia

The study assessed the human resource management practices on newly appointed teachers in secondary schools in Gwembe District. The objectives of the study examined teachers` biographics, the effects of human resource planning and human resource training and development on organizational effectiveness, assessed and determined the influence of employee recognition and the extent to which work place climate influenced teacher effectiveness in secondary schools. Descriptive research method was employed. The target population comprised 16 secondary schools and 212 teachers. A sample contained 14 schools and 112 teachers (8 per school). All the 7 senior schools with grades 8-12 were purposively selected and out of the 9 junior schools with grades 8-9, only 7 schools were simple randomly selected and used. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used. A pilot study was conducted in two schools to determine the reliability of instruments. An Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.890 was obtained which deemed the instrument reliable. The data collected was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression and content analysis. Findings from the study on demographics revealed that the teaching profession was dominated by males, majority teachers held Bachelor’s Degree, were married and have worked for about 10 years to 14 years. Other findings revealed that HR planning, training and development, employee recognition programs and work place climate had a positive and significant influence on organizational and teacher effectiveness. The study concluded that teachers were not given job descriptions; orientations were not done. The majority teachers were not confirmed within 3/6 months of their appointment. Schools lacked effective communication and management did not involve staff in decision making. Also, teachers refused of having a health scheme supported by the government. The study recommended that job descriptions should be given to newly appointed teachers at the initial stage. Adequate orientation should be conducted. Teachers should be confirmed within 3/6 months. Management should enhance effective communication and involve staff in decision making at all times. The government should support teachers practically with health scheme not just on paper.

Effects of parenting style on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their comorbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown among 3117 Chinese junior high school students

IntroductionDepressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and comorbidity increased in junior high school students due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to measure the impacts of parenting style on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their comorbidity in Chinese junior high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. MethodsAn online survey was conducted in June 2020 among 3117 junior high school students from Shandong Province, China. The Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran scale was used to measure parenting styles. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire scale and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale were used to measure depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted with SPSS 25.0 Version. Results3117 junior school students enrolled in this study. The prevalence of depressive symptoms only, anxiety symptoms only, and comorbidity among junior high school students was 11.55 %, 5.29 %, and 22.97 %. Paternal over-protection was a risk factor not only for depressive symptoms only (OR = 1.075, 95 % CI = 1.020–1.134) but for anxiety symptoms only (OR = 1.090, 95 % CI = 1.016–1.170) and comorbidity (OR = 1.098, 95 % CI = 1.050–1.148). Paternal over-interference was a protective factor for depressive symptoms only (OR = 0.947, 95 % CI = 0.908–0.987) and comorbidity (OR = 0.953, 95 % CI = 0.921–0.986). However, maternal over-interference and over-protection were risk factors for depressive symptoms only (OR = 1.039, 95 % CI = 1.011–1.068). LimitationsThis was a cross-sectional study and the causal inferences could not be conducted. ConclusionsJunior high school students with poorer family environmental factors were more likely to suffer from the comorbidity of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Decision-makers from the government, educational, and healthcare institutions should pay more attention to junior high school students at higher risk of mental disorders due to poor parenting styles. We should discuss family interventions in the future to prevent mental disorders in junior high school students.

Characteristics Motivation of Work in the Context of Work Engagement Among Preschool Teachers

Being a specific group of educators due to the specifics of the organization as well as the pedagogical and psychological content of their activities, preschool teachers show both similar and different characteristics in comparison with their peers from other educational institutions. At the same time, data on their work engagement, as well as on its connection with autonomous and controlled motivation, are scarce. The purpose of this study was to identify the connection between the professional motivation of the preschool teachers and their work engagement. The research involved 260 female participants ( M = 35.95, SD = 10.08), of whom 131 were preschool teachers and 129 made up a comparison group (the respondents were employed in different fields of activity). Data were collected using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) by W. Schaufeli and A. Bakker (adapted by D.A. Kutuzova) and the Professional Motivation Questionnaire by E.N. Osin et al. The results of the study confirmed the hypothesis of a positive relationship between autonomous professional motivation and work engagement, and a negative relationship between controlled motivation and work engagement. In addition, data were obtained on the significant predictive role of autonomous motivation for the level of work engagement. It was also found that the preschool teachers had higher rates of work engagement, as well as autonomous and controlled professional motivation, than the respondents of the comparison group. At the same time, in the group of the preschool teachers, with pronounced autonomous motivation, the effect of controlled motivation, which is negative for work engagement, disappears, which was not found in the comparison group. The age of the preschool teachers turned out to make a positive impact to their work engagement. As prospects for further research, it is proposed to involve teachers employed at different levels of the educational process (preschool, junior school, etc.), as well as to clarify the role of age and experience of the preschool teachers in their work engagement and professional motivation, since the available data are rather ambiguous.

Exploring the volume and type of unhealthy advertising in close proximity to schools: An audit of bus shelter advertising in one mid-sized Canadian city

Background: Unhealthy advertising influences the attitudes and behaviour of children. Child exposure to products such as alcohol and fast food have been linked to adverse health problems, such as heavy drinking and obesity. Bus shelter advertisements are a potential exposure site for unhealthy advertising for children as they take municipal transit to and from school. This study explores the volume and type of unhealthy advertising at bus shelters within close proximity to schools in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Methods: In Halifax, Nova Scotia, 55 bus shelters with advertising were within a 500-metre distance of an elementary, junior, or high school. Three audits occurred in October 2020 (Fall), January 2021 (Winter), and April 2021 (Spring). Advertisements were coded as unhealthy if containing alcohol or gambling promotions. Food promotions were classified as maximum (healthy), moderate, or minimum (unhealthy) nutrition. Results: In total, 319 bus shelter advertisements were collected across three audits. Of these, 14.4% of advertisements were unhealthy (n = 46), and less than 1% (n = 3) were classified as healthy. For the unhealthy advertising, 37.0% (n = 17) of advertisements promoted gambling, 32.6% (n = 15) advertised food, 21.7% (n = 10) advertised non-alcohol beverages, and 8.7% (n = 4) advertised alcohol. The majority of advertisements (n = 270; 84.6%) were classified as other. Implications: Children are potentially exposed to unhealthy advertising as they travel to and from school in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Further research is needed to understand how and when children are exposed to these types of advertising. Municipalities can consider implementing further bylaws and administrative orders that create supportive environments for children and youth.

Factors Influencing Students’ Selection of Home Science in Public Secondary Schools

Home Science as a subject has been given emphasis in the Kenya’s Basic Education Curriculum Framework as one of the core subjects in Junior School. However, fewer students selected Home Science as an optional subject in the previous education system. This study sought to investigate the relationship between perceived determinants of subject selection and students’ selection of Home Science in public secondary schools. The study investigated relationship between gender related students’ perceptions and students’ attitudes on students’ selection of Home Science subject. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The sample size comprised of 144 students who had selected Home Science and 124 who had not selected the subject in form three. Further, all the eight Home Science teachers and five principals of the sampled schools were purposefully sampled as key informants. Data from students was collected using a questionnaire. Interview guides were used to collect data from Home Science teachers and principals. Data were analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics and content analysis. Results of the study revealed a statistically significant relationship between students’ gender related perceptions of Home Science subject selection [x2 (2, n = 263) = 12.501, p= .002]. Students’ attitude towards Home Science also influenced Home Science subject selection [x2 (2, n = 263) = 6.121, p= .047]. From the findings, the study recommends sensitizing learners, educators and community members about the importance of Home Science as a technical subject and to demystify gender stereotypes on the subject

Development of critical thinking of junior school children in mathematics lessons

The concept of critical thinking presupposes the ability to present a situation perspective from all sides: to see difficulties, to imagine alternative scenarios for the development of events, to see difficulties where they were not initially expected, to use mental activity to find a way out of a difficult situation, to study a complex state of affairs from all sides, to be able to see your own mistakes and the mistakes of others, draw the right conclusions from the experience gained. The purpose of the study was to develop and apply a methodology that allows the development of critical thinking in a mathematics lesson among first-graders, as well as to select diagnostic techniques in order to identify the level of development of critical thinking in first-graders, as well as to develop lesson plans for the purpose of developing critical thinking skills in children primary school age.

EFL Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Teaching Practice: Metekel Zone Junior Schools in Focus, Ethiopia

EFL Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Teaching Practice: Metekel Zone Junior Schools in Focus, Ethiopia

Liminality, Leisure, and Lego®: Using a Leisure-Based Creative Methodology to Support Children and Young People

This paper demonstrates how liminality provides a core framework for understanding the processes and practices through which Lego® Serious Play® can positively influence the student experience and wellbeing of children and young people (CYP). The study adopts a creative multi-sensory methodology whereby the focus is upon the Lego® and not the child. Using a play-based learning approach within an educational setting, data was collected in a UK junior school, involving sixty-four children, ranging from seven to eleven years of age. An initial group session was repeated two weeks later to monitor and observe changes. The results highlight that the Lego® Serious Play® methodology uses liminality to further the debate about the use of play as a leisure-based activity in educational settings. This study contributes to knowledge by utilizing Lego® Serious Play® (LSP) through a playful lens as a creative methodology and highlights the unique interaction between leisure, liminality and Lego®.

Zooming into the Future: Implementing Theory into Practice for Educational Crisis Times

ABSTRACTThe abrupt transition from face‐to‐face classes to online learning during March 2020 occurred as a result of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Teachers were forced to shift to online teaching with no prior training, while students had to adapt to a new learning format. The physical distance between students and teachers led to changes in interactions. The current study examines the instructional approaches used for online teaching and learning during the Covid‐19 crisis. The research focuses on using the Covid‐19 pandemic as a case study to explore crisis events and their impact on education system. The study uses a qualitative approach, with three junior and high schools participating. Thirteen teachers were interviewed, and 27 students participated in three focus groups, one from each school. The study's theoretical framework is based on the Transactional Distance Theory (TDT) and the Connectivism Learning Theory (CLT). The main finding focuses on teachers' use of autonomy to vary their teaching approaches, while students felt they did not know how to cope with the autonomy given to them and even felt neglected by their teachers. Therefore, in order to strengthen learners' autonomy, teachers need to design and monitor the scaffoldings by both structure (curriculum) and dialog (teacher‐student and student–student).

The Effect of Educational Program Based on the COM-B Model on the Adoption of Preventive Behaviors against the Tendency for Addiction in Sensation-Seeking Male Students of Junior School

Introduction: Drug abuse usually starts in adolescence; it is influenced by factors such as gender, age, psychological factors affecting sensation seeking and social communication. The COM-B model includes a full range of behavioral concepts and is suitable for intervention regarding substance abuse. This research was carried out with the aim of evaluating the impact of education on the prevention of substance abuse among students.
 Methods: An experimental study with a randomized controlled trial type was carried out. Using cluster method, two clusters were randomly selected from trhe schools on the outskirts of the city; one school was determined as intervention, and the other as control with a sample size of 50 people in each group. With Zuckerman's sensation seeking questionnaire, students were examined, and those with a positive score were evaluated with the COM-B substance abuse tendency questionnaire. Educational interventions were implemented for the intervention group. After completion of the intervention and three later, this questionnaire was completed by both groups.
 Results: In the intervention group, the scores of physical capacity (p=0/001), mental capacity (p=0/001), reflective motivation (p<0/05), automatic motivation (p<0/05), and preventive behavior against substance abuse increased after the intervention (p<0/05), but no significant difference was observed in the opportunity score in the studied times. In the control group, there was no significant difference in the scores of any of the variables during the study.
 Conclusion: The implementation of educational programs based on COM-B model is effective in reducing the tendency of students to abuse drugs.

‘I finally understand my mistakes’ – the benefits of screencast feedback

ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of screencast feedback on maths tests for junior and high school students. While prior research emphasises the influence of feedback on learning, its effectiveness varies with type and delivery. Although studies in higher education observe improved precision and emotional connections through screencast feedback, its applicability in secondary education remains understudied. The authors surveyed 99 students, collecting responses via an 11-item questionnaire after the students had received feedback. Through thematic analysis, they found 72% favoured video feedback due to its clarity, depth and personal touch. Conversely, 17% preferred written feedback for efficiency. These findings underscore the benefits of screencasting feedback, highlighting its comprehensibility and individualised nature. Given the rise of digital learning, educators are encouraged to adopt screencasting as a valuable tool for enhancing feedback in academic settings.

Features of Education of Tolerance of Young Schoolchildren

Currently, humanity is divided into different societies called states. Although not all states are multinational, they are multicultural. History and current events clearly prove that no society has yet been recorded as being based on tolerance in relationships, civil solidarity and individual respect. In this regard, the problem of tolerance is considered important both at the international and national levels. Tolerance is a complex social-pedagogical, philosophical phenomenon that has different meanings within the spheres of knowledge of different people, and at the same time it is an ethical-philosophical concept, a socio-cultural phenomenon, a socio-political solution method, a principle of mutual relations between people. Junior school age is a sensitive period of tolerance education. In children, this age period is more intensive in the process of general development of personality.

Swimming skills formation of junior school age children

Swimming skills formation of junior school age children