Pre-service Training Programs Research Articles

School Librarians as Data Coaches

School library educators at two university locations in North Texas collaborated on a research initiative to address the perceived need for data literacy preparation at the pre-service level. The research initiative explored the potential for school librarians to provide data literacy leadership through the systematic development of competencies in the master’s-level pre-service professional preparation program. Participants from various school levels operated as a focus group in the fall of 2018 to identify competencies necessary for library professionals to develop as part of a pre-service training program. The answers to the nine key questions are presented as participant data related to data-informed decision-making in schools.

The Impact of Relative Age Effect on Mathematics Achievement

The timing of children’s start to school is the interest of researchers, policy-makers and especially parents. Researches on this issue have recently pointed to the concept of relative age effect (RAE). The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of RAE on mathematics achievement in Turkey. In order to accomplish this purpose, the question was sought: Does RAE have an impact on TIMSS 2015 the fourth and eighth grades mathematics scores of Turkey? The research was conducted in survey model. In the present study, the data obtained from the TIMSS 2015 results of Turkey was used. Totally 6456 students were sampled for TIMSS 2015 the fourth grade in 242 schools. Also, totally 6079 students (2943 girls and 3136 boys) were sampled for TIMSS 2015 the eighth grade in 218 schools. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. In conclusion, it has been reached that RAE has an impact on TIMSS 2015 the fourth and eighth grades mathematics scores of Turkey and the youngest children born just before the cut-off date has the worst performance. The recommendations based on the results have been submitted as making the enrollment dates more flexible, especially for children in rural areas, not applying honors classes in schools, raising awareness about RAE in pre-service and in-service training programs for teachers, no pressure on children at home and at school for their lagging in competition.

A study of graduate teaching assistants’ self-efficacy in teaching: Fits and starts in the first triennium of teaching

Graduate teaching assistant (GTA) pre-service training programs proliferated in the past two decades as universities realized the importance of training GTAs to provide high quality teaching. It wa...

SUATU MODEL PENDIDIKAN DENGAN SISTEM BELAJAR MANDIRI

This case study research was focused to find out what, why and how (1) PGMKSBM was implemented; and (2) the diffusion of PGMKSBM was taken. Data collection techniques used were (1) questionnaires; (2) in-depth interviews; and (3) documents and archives analysis. Scope of the study was limited only to the implementation of PGMKSBM in Banten Province. Research findings show that PGMKSBM is an in-service training program aimed to enhance the teacher’ qualification (D-2 or D3) for teachers who are still active teaching but do not has qualification as required, yet. PGMKSBM has some unique characteristics, i.e. (1) it’s in-service training program, not preservice training program; (2) using independent learning system that integrated with the daily teaching practices; (3) applying collaborative action research approach to synergize between theory and daily teaching practices; (4) using authentic assessment technique (portfolio) beside pencil on paper test as learning assessment tools; and (5) use peers and principals as partner and learning resources. Success of PGMKSBM implementation can be showed by some indicators, i.e. (1) quantity of graduated students; (2) improvement of student’ mastery of teaching; (3) teacher performance improvement in school; and (4) improvement on student’ achievement.

Principal’s Computer Application Skills as a Determinant of Computer Use in Administration of Public Secondary Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship that existed between principals’ computer application skills and computer use in administration of public secondary schools in Kiambu County. Computer use in schools administration is a contemporary issue in the improvement of quality leadership in schools. The study was triggered by the need for effective leadership in schools which would lead to improved academic performance in Kiambu County.Methodology: The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population for this study was all the 307 principals of public secondary schools in Kiambu County. The study sample comprised of 205 principals which translated to 67% of the target population. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in the selection of the respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Relationship between the two variables under study was established by use of spearman rho. Pearson’s Chi- square test of independence with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings: The study found out that principals’ possession of computer skills influenced the use of computers among school principals. Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: The study recommended provision of computer skill courses relevant to administration work, and ICT technical support to advise school principals on usage and maintenance of computers and review of both teacher preparation and staff development programs to ensure that universities and Teacher Training Colleges provide pre-service and in-service training programs to enable school principals to successfully use computers carrying out administrative tasks. The study further recommended that the government should develop a policy framework for training all educators/education officers on computers and ICT applications in Schools.

Pre-service Educational Assistants’ Attitudes Toward Inclusion

In recent years, educational assistants (EAs) have taken on an integral role in special education. They often work with the most challenging and vulnerable student population (i.e., students with exceptionalities). To prepare EAs, some of Ontario’s publicly funded colleges have developed pre-service training programs. In Ontario, the number of students receiving special education services from kindergarten to Grade 12 is increasing, and policy trends are advocating for inclusion. Literature has suggested that educators’ attitudes toward educational inclusion may impact the extent to which inclusive strategies are implemented. Despite the importance that EAs bring to the special education team, very few studies have investigated their attitudes toward inclusion. This qualitative study investigated four pre-service EAs’ attitudes toward educational inclusion through the use of semi-structured interviews. Participants held mostly positive attitudes toward inclusion, but expressed concerns about implementation. Recommendations are made for policy, practice, and research based on three themes that emerged from the data.

Applying the Foundational Concepts from Early Intervention to Services Provided to Young Children with Visual Impairments: A Literature Review

Introduction The foundational concepts of early intervention are: family-centered and relationship-based practices, natural environments, child learning, adult learning, and quality team practices (Pletcher & Younggren, 2013). In this literature review, the authors consider the application of these concepts to services provided to families of infants and toddlers with visual impairments (that is, those with blindness or low vision) by vision professionals. Methods Three databases (ERIC, ProQuest, and PsychINFO) were used to search for articles from 1997 to 2016, focusing specifically on infants and toddlers with visual impairments. Twenty-seven articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Results Family-centered practices are valued by virtually all researchers in the field of visual impairment. Practices that promote parent-child relationships are especially important, given the specialized needs for early communication and the development of strong social relationships. Concerning the natural environment, commentators from the field of visual impairment are critical of federal definitions of natural environments; however, a broader definition of natural environments is supported. Child and adult learning are viewed as important for the promotion of positive outcomes for children and families who receive early intervention services, as is practice that promotes the formation of quality teams. Discussion The foundational concepts of early intervention (Pletcher & Younggren, 2013) have applicability to professionals working with infants and toddlers with visual impairments and their families. Research supports these concepts as beneficial in achieving positive child and family outcomes. Implications for practitioners Pre-service and in-service training programs for visual impairment should include early intervention principles and concepts in a manner that prepares the workforce to address the unique needs of this population.

Special Education Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities in Middle Schools In Saudi Arabia

Teachers’ practices are influenced by their attitudes and beliefs (Avramidis & Norwich, 2002). Consequently, a large part of the success of inclusive education depends on teachers’ attitudes. Understanding teachers’ attitudes and beliefs is critical to the development and success of inclusive education practices (Hodkinson, 2005). In Saudi Arabia, limited research has been conducted on teachers’ attitudes and beliefs at the primary school level and no research has been identified that investigates teachers’ attitudes towards teaching students with learning disabilities (LD) at the middle school level. The present study sought to investigate special education teachers’ attitudes towards teaching students with LD in regular classrooms and examine the collaborative efforts that create inclusive classrooms in Saudi public middle schools. The quantitative data were collected through a Likert scale questionnaire. A vignette attached to the questionnaire was used to collect the qualitative data. Fifty-six special education teachers from a range of middle schools in Riyadh completed the questionnaire for this study. The results indicated that special education teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education were positive. There were no significant differences between teachers’ attitudes according to their gender. However, the qualitative findings indicated that special education teachers thought their training was insufficient to meet the educational needs of students with LD in Saudi middle schools. The results of this study suggest that decision makers should consider in-service and pre-service training and education programs for teachers to enhance educational services for students with LD. Teachers should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills before implementing inclusive education practices. Specifically, teachers need to learn to use evidence-based strategies to serve students with LD in inclusive classrooms and find ways to collaborate with colleagues and parents through on-going professional learning.

Grammar teaching at pre-service training program in Kampung Inggris (a case study on mastering system program)

Kampung Inggris is a very popular English learning area as there are many English courses with various programs are offered. Mastering System is a pre-service training program at one of the leading courses in Kampung Inggris. They are devoted exclusively to graduates or instructors interested in teaching in formal or non-formal schools. The purpose of this research is to reveal the process of teaching Grammar on Mastering System program. This research is a qualitative research using case study design. Data was collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis. There were a total of 3 teachers and 5 students interviewed. Observations were made to find out how teachers and students perform the learning and teaching process in the Grammar class as well as outside the classroom. Documents used in the form of field notes, transcripts recording interviews, brochures, schedules and subject matter. Document analysis was done by organizing data, coding and reducing, and representing. Based on data analysis, it can be concluded that Grammar teaching process in MS program is carried out in two activities, namely Grammar class and Study Club. In classroom learning, instructors apply the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) method. In Study Club activities, teaching is done in tutorial with the delivery of material using CTL (Communicative Language Teaching). The purpose of Grammar teaching is for MS students to be able to improve Grammar understanding through the cases found in the giving of tutorials to juniors. In addition, MS students can practice firsthand how Grammar's teaching process before going to school. From the results of interviews and observations obtained the conclusion that the involvement of students actively in learning Grammar able to create effective learning.

Effectiveness of web-based problem-based school administrator training program and its effect on participants' attitudes towards web-based learning

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a web-based problem-based school administrator training program (WB-PBSAT) in practice and the effect of training on participants' attitudes towards web based learning. Mixed method approach was used in this study. While the quantitative dimension of the study was conducted within the framework of one group pre-test post-test experimental design, focus group interviews was performed in the qualitative dimension. Participants of the experimental and the control groups were determined by purposive sampling. Attitudes Toward Web-Based Learning (ATWBL) Scale was used to determine the participants' attitudes towards web-based learning, and the Program Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the training process. According to the findings it was concluded that the training process positively affected the attitudes of the participants towards web-based learning and training process has also provided significant contributions to participants' establishing the link between theory and practice and self-directed learning. Based on these results, some suggestions for educational policy makers and practitioners were developed for the use of a web-based problem-based learning in school administrators' pre-service and in-service training programs.

Training and Appointing Processes of School Leaders in Developed and Developing Countries: How is the Situation in Turkey?

Goal of the study is to compare training and appointing processes of education administrators in developed and developing countries to see similarities and differences and also the situation in Turkey so as to give some suggestion thought to have some positive impacts on training and appointing-related problems of Turkish Education. Within the terms of this main goal, some developed countries such as England, United States, France and Finland as well as some developing countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland and Hungary have been compared and contrasted in terms of training and appointing processes of education administrators. When taken insight into the results of the study; developed countries except for France have some pre-service training programs and this is a prior requirement to be appointed. When it comes to France, two- year on-the-job training is needed. Master degree in education management is also a pre-requisite for appointing in developing and developed countries but Turkey and Bulgaria. With the result of the study, it has turned out to be that Turkey hasn't got a pre-service training process among all those countries and the policy for education administrators' choosing and appointing has been changed almost every year over the past 10 years. In addition, it is seen that political interference is frequent thus leading to some conflicts. In view of solving Turkey's education problems in general, training, choosing and appointing processes of education administrators must be regulated in the light of new, permanent and consistent laws.

Improving Special Olympics volunteers’ self-esteem and attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disability

ABSTRACTBackground: Information regarding how the Special Olympics programs affect volunteers’ self-esteem and attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is limited. We conducted a quasi-experimental study to address this gap.Method: The intervention group participants (n = 120) were Chinese volunteers for the Special Olympics Eunice Kennedy Shriver University Day. They were asked to attend a pre-service training program and provide a half-day service. Results were compared with a control group (n = 123).Results: Our findings showed that the volunteers’ self-esteem and attitudes immediately improved after intervention. In addition, change in participants’ self-esteem contributed to their positive attitude change.Conclusions: The Special Olympics may provide an avenue for promoting the volunteers’ self-esteem and attitudes regarding inclusion towards individuals with ID. Future research should include follow-up tests to examine the lasting effects of intervention.

Self-Assessed Gap of Acquired and Desired Assessment Skills of Prospective Teachers

The difference between the skills desired to carry out assessments tasks and the skills actually acquired during pre-service teaching training program by prospective teachers is being referred to as skills’ gap. The study draws its basis from 5thnational professional standards for teachers, which describes necessary assessment skills for teachers. This study intends to find out the assessment skills of prospective teachers. The assessment skills consisting of 39 items and three subscales were used to collect data from 333 prospective teachers selected from four public sector universities of central Punjab. The majority of the prospective teachers acquired a moderate level of assessment skills (Mean= 4.37, SD = 0.96). The average desired level of assessment skills (Mean= 5.45, SD = 0.91) was higher than the acquired level majority of the prospective teachers acquired a moderate level of assessment skills. Positive relationship between acquired and desired level of assessment skills leads to the conclusion that the prospective teachers who desire higher level of assessment skills achieve comparatively higher level and vice versa. Gender differences were found in existing and desired self-assessed assessment skills, knowledge of assessment, dispositions towards assessment and skills of assessment in the favour of female’ prospective teachers. The study may contribute to improve the achieved level of assessment skills by sensitizing the prospective teachers and teacher educators about the significance of desired level of assessment skills in improving the acquired level.

AWARENESS OF E-LEARNING AMONG PROSPECTIVE TEACHER EDUCATORS (M.Ed. SCHOLARS)

Prospective Teacher Educators (M.Ed scholars) using e-learning is more crucial than acquiring a large number of computers. Prospective teacher educators have to be trained to facilitate the learning process, make the process real, achievable, challenging, yet exciting and not intimidating. Everything need not be written on the blackboard to be considered as taught. Prospective teacher educators think that the computer is used only to make the content look attractive. They need to know that in 21st century, information is not difficult access, instead organizing, sharing, and collaborating become essential skills. The present generation is a multimedia generation. They are numbed by too much of information and easy access to that information. The information that is given in the classroom is redundant and presented in boring manner. They show so much of the present and the past far and wide that one seems to learn unknowingly. So a study is intended to study about the level of awareness of e-learning among prospective teacher educators. The investigator selected normative methodology and survey technique for the present study based on the problem selected. For that a sample of 306 number of prospective teacher educators was selected for the present study. Descriptive and inferential techniques were used for the present study. It was found that the level of awareness of e-learning of prospective teacher educators was average. Independent variables like gender, nature of subject has significant influence on the awareness of prospective teacher educators. Other independent variables like medium of instruction, educational qualification, marital status, location and type of family has least significant influence over the awareness of e-learning among prospective teacher educators. So it is necessary to revamp the existing policies to improve e-learning among the prospective teacher educators during their pre-service training programme.

The Present State and Challenges of the Syllabi of Pre-Service Practical Training Programs at Social Welfare Facilities for Nursery School Teachers

The Present State and Challenges of the Syllabi of Pre-Service Practical Training Programs at Social Welfare Facilities for Nursery School Teachers

Impact of a statewide early childhood curriculum enhancement initiative on community college faculty and paraprofessional students

ABSTRACTAs the number of young children with disabilities being included in diverse early childhood settings continues to increase, employing personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills to support their active participation and learning becomes of paramount importance. Because paraprofessionals frequently serve in this capacity, it is critical that their preservice training programs provide them with the information and experiences needed to work effectively in inclusive environments. In this article, we describe the development and implementation of a collaborative initiative between a major urban research university and a state’s community college system and member institutions to enhance the preparation of paraprofessionals to work with young children with disabilities and their families. Supplemental content, assignments, and resources were incorporated into six core courses in the early childhood development curriculum statewide, and program administrators and instructional faculty received training and professional development to facilitate consistent use of the course modifications. We report on gains in knowledge and confidence experienced by both faculty and paraprofessional students, and we identify programmatic practices that support adoption, fidelity of implementation, and sustainability of curricular innovations. Implications of enhanced training programs for increasing access of young children with disabilities to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs are discussed.

Evidence-based practice in local public health service in Ghana

While the role of evidence-based public health in improving health outcomes is frequently touted, there remains a dearth of research examining the use of evidence in public health service particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this research was to examine the use of evidence in local public health service in Ghana, a lower middle-income country. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with local health managers from 11 District Directorates of Health in Ashanti Region. Three organising themes emerged from the interview transcripts: understanding of evidence-based public health; the process of using evidence; and the value of evidence in public health practice. The study suggests that though evidence-based practice was not new to the local health managers, its application was very low. The process of using evidence commenced with making a decision about the direction of a programme which had been already prioritised and planned by other high-level actors and then various sources of information, including available research evidence, were used to justify the decision. The study has revealed that there is an urgent need for pre-service and in-service training programmes that build and maintain common skill sets and language among local public health practitioners in Ghana to accomplish evidence-based public health goals. Similarly, giving local health managers flexibility to prioritise and make decisions would result in increased uptake of evidence in local public health service.

Determination of Teacher Characteristics which Support Constructivist Learning Environments

Problem Statement: Exploring the variables that affect teachers’ teaching approaches in learning environments is crucial to determining their response to new trends. Their teaching and learning characteristics set the success level of the new reforms. In addition, monitoring the usage of constructivist pedagogies and giving feedback about them are other crucial aims of this research. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of primary school teachers that helped them prepare constructivist learning environments. Method: The data were collected through the Constructivist Learning Environment Questionnaire (CLEQ) and a modified version of Draw a Classroom Teacher Test Checklist (DACTT-C), which is a modified version of the Draw a Science Teacher Test Checklist (DASTT-C). The sample of the study was 115 primary school teachers from schools in Afyon, Turkey. Convenience sampling was used as a sampling strategy. Findings: The results of the study showed that the gender of primary school teachers was not a factor in determining the constructivist characteristics of the primary school, and less experienced primary school teachers were more willing to use constructivist principles in their primary school. The primary school teachers’ drawings were analyzed qualitatively. There were 15 missing drawings in the survey, so researchers scored and evaluated only 100 drawings. Only eight primary school teachers’ drawings (8%) reflected a student-centered teaching style; 56% had both student and teacher-centered characteristics; and 36% were teacher-centered. Two of the eight student-centered drawings belonged to males and four of the eight drawings belonged to teachers with 0 to 5 years of experience. Three of the eight student-centered drawings belonged to teachers with a master’s degree and five belonged to teachers with a bachelor degree. Conclusion and Recommendations: Primary school teachers who had graduate degrees were more open to using constructivist characteristics in teaching and learning. Females and less experienced primary school teachers had a higher tendency to draw student-centered instructional characteristics. Turkish teachers are mostly in a transition process from teacher-centered instruction to student-centered instruction. The Ministry of National Education should promote collaboration between senior and novice teachers. Primary school teachers should be supported with pre-service and in-service training programs during the transition process of teacher-centered teaching to a student-centered teaching style. For further research, primary school teachers’ perceptions about constructivist learning environments should be observed in the primary school environment. Keywords: constructivist learning environments, primary school teachers, teacher characteristics, draw a classroom teacher test checklist, primary school drawings.

Motivational aspects of teachers’ intercultural competence: Development and psychometric evaluation of new scales for the assessment of motivational orientation

This paper deals with the development of three scales for the assessment of motivational aspects of teachers? intercultural competence - Teacher Cultural Diversity Enthusiasm Scale (TCDES), Teacher Cultural Diversity Self-Efficacy Scale (TCDSES) and Teacher Commitment to Social Justice Scale (TCSJS). The second goal of the study was to test the assumption that these three scales were indicators of a single latent concept - Motivational orientation related to diversity. The results have demonstrated strong reliability (?s> .80), one-factor structure (cross-validated with EFA and CFA) and satisfactory content and concurrent validity for each scale. Additionally, EFA has shown that three distinct factors explain item level variations. These results suggest that the three scales are reliable measures of three different motivational aspects. In the next step, CFA has confirmed the model of Motivational orientation, where a single latent construct explains variations at the level of the scales. The assessment of motivational orientation may better inform training and pedagogical interventions aiming to develop teachers? competence to deal with diversity and measure the outcomes and efficacy of educational efforts such as preservice and in-service intercultural training programs for teachers.

Project-based Approach to Teaching Standardized Test Construction: A Model for Pre-Service Education Students on How to Standardize a Test

The article is a descriptive case study of a project-based approach to simulate test construction in a pre-service undergraduate training program for future teachers. The curriculum for pre-service teachers (PSTs) in the training program involved learning how to develop tests, how to practice using standardized assessment instruments, and to how to interpret the results from testing. The PSTs completed an educational project to acquire hands on teaching skills in relation to test construction and standardizing a test of a sample population. This article discusses the use of a project-based instructional approach by having students develop a standardized test, rather than using a traditional lecture-based approach, to teach basic assessment skills. Results revealed that PSTs learned the necessary foundational knowledge required in the curriculum and enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning. Practical implications and areas in need of future research are discussed.