Context Of Primary Education Research Articles

Evaluation and total quality management: the case of primary education

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptions of primary education (PE) teachers with respect to evaluation within the framework of Total Quality Management (TQM) and their readiness to engage in the process of quality improvement. Within this context, a relevant measurement instrument is developed and empirically validated.Design/methodology/approachThe instrument developed herein included 30 items distributed across seven dimensions. It was disseminated among public PE units in Greece, yielding a substantial 2,088 responses. Several tests were performed, including principal component analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings supported the validity and reliability of the instrument, confirming that the proposed measures encapsulate actual dimensions that are most suitable for exploring evaluation perception and readiness in the context of TQM in PE. The study explored several correlations between the validated dimensions and independent variables such as gender, level of education, years of teaching experience and age. These analyses yielded additional valuable insights, enriching the depth of understanding provided by the present research.Practical implicationsThe fields of TQM and PE lack empirical evidence. However, this study offers valuable insights into teachers’ perceptions of evaluation and broader quality improvement efforts. This can help school managers, policymakers and practitioners refine their implementation strategies for educational excellence.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to focus on the examination of evaluation as a key aspect of TQM within the context of PE. Through the development and validation of a real-time measurement instrument, it bridges a significant research gap, providing practitioners and researchers with a vital tool to understand and improve educators’ evaluation perceptions, enabling targeted interventions for enhanced performance.

Exploring the nexus of attitude, contextual factors, and AI utilization intentions: A PLS-SEM analysis among primary mathematics teachers in China

This study delves into the pivotal integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in primary mathematics education, examining the nuanced interplay between teachers’ attitudes toward AI, Contextual Factors (CFs), such as institutional support and resource availability, and their Intention to Use AI (IUAI) in teaching practices. With the advent of digital transformation in education, understanding the dynamics of AI adoption in primary settings becomes increasingly critical. Surveying 476 primary mathematics teachers in China, this research employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to unravel the complexities influencing AI integration. The findings reveal that teachers’ attitudes significantly impact their IUAI, while CF, particularly institutional support and resource availability, play a crucial role in shaping these attitudes and directly influencing IUAI. This investigation not only bridges a vital research gap by offering empirical insights into the determinants of AI adoption in a primary education context but also provides a robust framework for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to foster a conducive environment for AI integration. By aligning AI deployment with pedagogical strategies, this study contributes significantly to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of mathematics education, underscoring the transformative potential of AI in shaping future educational landscapes.

An Action Research On Peer Feedback In The Croatian Primary EFL School Context

This paper presents an action research whose aim was to implement the peer feedback activity in EFL writing in primary school contexts in Croatia. The study follows the methodology of action research conducted in five stages. The study aims to answer the following research questions: 1. Can the activity of peer feedback in writing be tailored to primary school students? 2. Can peer feedback activity be successfully implemented in primary educational contexts? The action research provided valuable insights into the complex area of teaching writing in the context of EFL, proving that its successful implementation will largely depend on the willingness of teachers to re-think their feedback-giving practice and embrace peer feedback as a part of their teaching routine.

Analyzing the needs for learner characteristics diagnosis and prescription through AI-based personalized teaching and learning in primary educational contexts

Analyzing the needs for learner characteristics diagnosis and prescription through AI-based personalized teaching and learning in primary educational contexts

Playful (music) teaching and learning in Irish primary school classrooms

ABSTRACT The value and importance of play for children’s well-being, learning and development is evidenced by its inclusion within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and its increased policy and research presence on a national and international stage. However, with a need for educators and pupils to navigate a range of implicit tensions in understandings of play and formal learning, enactment of playful pedagogy in primary schools is not without its challenges. This article situates playful teaching and learning in the primary education sphere, drawing from the broader policy and research context, and findings from empirical case study research conducted with Irish primary school teachers (n = 6) exploring playful music pedagogy over a 6-week period in their classrooms in 2019. Results indicated teacher perceptions of a capacity for playful music pedagogy to facilitate deep, holistic learning in tandem with enhanced engagement and motivation for children. Also of note is a blurring of boundaries between play and work with implicit shifts to classroom culture, ownership, and associated movement outside comfort zones for teachers and pupils alike. Recommendations are made pertaining to cultural and policy shifts, and sustained support for educators in navigating tensions, paradoxes and challenges associated with implementing playful pedagogy in the Irish primary education context.

Exploring the Impact of Lesson Study in Vietnamese Primary Education: Perspectives of EFL Lecturers

This qualitative study investigates the incorporation of Lesson Study, a pedagogical approach from Japan, into Vietnamese primary education, with a specific focus on the perspectives of Vietnamese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lecturers. These educators, though not directly involved in primary education, engage with it through various roles like teacher training and curriculum development. The research is based on in-depth interviews with nine EFL lecturers from two educational institutions in Vietnam. Employing thematic analysis, the study identifies five key themes: collaborative enhancement of teaching practices, navigating cultural and systemic challenges, improved understanding of student learning needs, professional growth and empowerment, and challenges such as resistance to change and time constraints. These themes underscore the potential of Lesson Study in fostering collaborative and reflective teaching practices, as well as professional development. However, they also highlight the obstacles imposed by traditional educational norms and practical limitations. The study emphasizes the necessity of support structures and resources for effective implementation of Lesson Study, advocating for adaptations to align with local educational contexts and cultural values. Contributing to the discourse on professional development in EFL teaching, this research underscores the importance of collaborative, reflective practices in educational innovation. Moreover, it stresses the significance of considering unique cultural and systemic elements in applying pedagogical methods like Lesson Study. Offering specific insights into its application in the Vietnamese primary education context, this study not only enhances understanding of cross-cultural educational transfer but also provides practical guidance for educators and policymakers. It paves the way for further research in diverse educational settings, expanding the international conversation on educational practices.

Exploring Education for Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Mothers Perspectives

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a complex and widely variable genetic syndrome involving multisystem physical health problems, significant cognitive and psychosocial challenges, all of which may impact upon learning and academic achievement. In the current study, we explored mothers’ perceptions of their child’s learning within early and primary educational contexts. We conducted 3 online focus groups and 1 online semi-structured interview with a total of 9 mothers of children diagnosed with 22q11.2DS. Mothers were included if their child had a genetic diagnosis of 22q11.2DS and was aged from 3 to 12 years old. The mothers were asked a series of open-ended questions to explore the educational experiences of their child. We adopted an inductive approach to our data analysis and conducted a reflexive thematic analysis resulting in the emergence of 4 major themes (1.) The impact of 22q11.2DS on a child’s learning; (2.) The impact of adaptive behaviour skills on their child’s learning; (3.) The level of support available within the educational setting and; (4.) Mothers’ perceptions about their child’s learning. From these themes, the following 12 sub themes were identified: absences affecting learning; the development of specific learning behaviours; the impact of a 22q11.2 DS diagnosis on their child’s self-perception; toileting, motor issues; communication; sleep; school and teacher support and the presence (or absence) of therapists. Finally, the mothers’ confidence about their child’s learning; mothers’ concerns and comparisons of their child; and mothers’ apprehension about their child’s future were all identified as sub-themes. Children with 22q11.2DS require increased and specific psychosocial support to allow them greater opportunities to fully participate in their learning environments. Mothers perceived the level of support their child received was greater during pre-school compared to that received at primary school. It was clear that a greater understanding of the needs of children with 22q11.2DS, by educators, was needed. Implications for tailored support for school-based learning and educational transitions for young children with 22q11.2DS are discussed.

Adapting Corpus Linguistics for Primary EFL Education in Vietnam: Perspectives from Linguistics Scholars

This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of Vietnamese linguistics scholars on the integration of corpus linguistics into primary English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. Through semi-structured interviews with nine scholars from two leading Vietnamese institutions, the research explores the applicability, challenges, and strategies of implementing corpus linguistics for young learners in Vietnam. Participants, categorized into novice, mid-career, and near-end career stages, offer diverse viewpoints on this innovative teaching approach. The underpinning theoretical frameworks are sociocultural theory and constructivist learning theory. The thematic analysis reveals four key themes: tailoring corpus linguistics to young learners’ needs and abilities, the challenges in implementing corpus linguistics in primary EFL settings, the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and the role of cultural context in corpus linguistics application. The study finds a consensus on the need for simplifying and contextualizing corpus materials to suit young learners’ cognitive and cultural backgrounds. Challenges identified include adapting corpus materials, teacher training inadequacies, and curriculum integration difficulties. The gap between theory and practice highlights the need for hands-on teacher training and comprehensive resource development. Furthermore, the importance of culturally relevant corpus materials is emphasized, balancing local and global cultural elements. This study contributes to the field of EFL education by highlighting the specific challenges and strategies for implementing corpus linguistics in the Vietnamese primary education context. It underscores the importance of culturally and pedagogically sensitive approaches in language teaching innovations.

Changing teacher educator cognition within a collaborative teacher education programme for CLIL: A case study in China

This study reports on a six-month collaborative teacher education programme designed to support the implementation of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in the Chinese primary education context. ‘Activity theory’ was used as an analytical framework to investigate the changes in cognition regarding CLIL experienced by two teacher educators – one at district level and the other at school level – and the factors that contributed to shifts in their cognition. Thematic analysis was conducted on data consisting of semi-structured interviews, field notes, a reflective report, and project meeting minutes. Results indicate that for both teacher educators, the programme functioned as an activity system that facilitated the emergence of advanced cognition of CLIL over the six months of the project, and did so along two distinct trajectories, one focusing on pedagogical applications of CLIL tenets and the other centring on implementing CLIL as an educational policy. The results also show how the collaborative nature of the teacher education programme fostered the expression of diverse views as well as shared motives through frequent interaction and co-construction of knowledge. As such, it offers a viable alternative to more traditional top-down approaches that are used to foster the professional development of teacher educators.

Implications of Teachers’ Personal Practical Knowledge for Teacher Training Programs: A Case Study of Primary Teachers

This study aims to understand teachers’ Personal Practical Knowledge to provide future teacher educators with essential points for improving teacher training programs. The study was conducted with six teachers in the primary education context, using narrative inquiry as a qualitative approach. The semi-structured interview with teachers indicated that they had a rich knowledge of factors affecting the success of the teaching profession. As such, data analysis of teachers’ transcripts using open, axial, and selective coding resulted in five main themes crucial for future teacher educators to consider for developing effective teacher training programs: (1) Entwined and complicated aspects of teaching, (2) Effective communication is key, (3) Ineffectiveness of theoretical versus practical courses, (4) Being ignored by society, and (5) Losing the dream of being perfect. The paper concludes with implications for the theory and practice in the teacher education field.

Should state regulate the private schools? An argument from the Indian perspective of primary education

ABSTRACT In the recent literature on the regulation of private schools by the state, Tooley argues that the state should refrain from such a practice. The important reasons for this view are that the state regulations are impractical and do not foster an entrepreneurship attitude. He prefers the implementation of a self-regulating mechanism for the private schools. We find that Tooley’s argument of private institutions functioning without state intervention, in the Indian context of primary education, is inappropriate. The reasons are: (i) the state has a duty to provide education and this cannot be done without state’s intervention. (ii) If the end-users in the market themselves demand state intervention, then Tooley has to accept it as it is the demand from the market and in the Indian context, the parents do demand state interventions and (iii) there is an incompatible interest between the private and state institutions on education and hence require state’s intervention. On these grounds, we argue that in India the state needs to regulate the private schools, especially for primary education. In the absence of such regulations, these private schools may focus on maximising their interest rather than ensuring justice in education.

Teacher translanguaging in CLIL primary education: do teachers’ perceptions match their real practices? (Translingüismo y aprendizaje integrado de contenidos y lengua extranjera (AICLE) en la educación primaria: percepciones y prácticas reales del profesorado)

ABSTRACT The use of the students’ first language (L1) in the foreign language class (FL) is a common but controversial issue that has received little attention. This might be more relevant in the case of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), since, under CLIL approaches, students need to acquire content through an FL that they have not mastered yet. The current paper aims at analysing teachers’ uses and perceptions of translanguaging in CLIL classrooms in a primary education context following a case study. Five CLIL primary education teachers from Catalonia participated in the study. They were voice-recorded for several sessions teaching a subject in CLIL with the same class and they also completed a questionnaire. The analysis showed that all the participants used their L1 for a number of purposes. Even though individual perceptions differed, in general, teachers were positive about using translanguaging. CLIL teachers would benefit both from reflecting on their own practices in terms of translanguaging uses and from formal instruction in the matter.

Relationship between Socio-Emotional Competencies and the Overlap of Bullying and Cyberbullying Behaviors in Primary School Students.

Digital life forms part of daily reality for young people. For this reason, traditional bullying in school has been reproduced in the online environment, resulting in an overlap of off- and online bullying. Research on socio-emotional competencies and bullying is revealing interesting results among students in secondary schools. However, studies involving primary school students are much scarcer. In addition, the majority of studies have been carried out based on an understanding of socio-emotional competencies as a unidimensional construct. In the present study, we examined the overlap between off- and online bullying victimization and the influence of the factors comprising socio-emotional competencies on this overlap. Participants comprised 1130 students (49.7% were boys and 50.3% were girls) from the fifth and sixth grades at 15 schools in the autonomous communities of Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). The results indicate a high rate of overlap between off- and online bullying victimization, without significant gender differences. Poor relationship skills in boys and low self-management in girls were associated with being a victim of both traditional bullying and cyberbullying. The conclusions point to an interesting line of intervention and prevention, establishing a framework of confluence for social and emotional variables within the primary education context.

Integrated STEM – a step too far in primary education contexts?

The focus on integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education that prepares students for an ever-changing society is gaining momentum. Recent STEM education research has concentrated on developing guiding principles for integrating STEM amid the lack of a unified definition and varied implementations of STEM integration. Aware of the challenges posed by the inconsistent language and lack of consensus on a common definition, we recognise the importance of educators developing a shared conceptual framework and co-constructing a vision for STEM education. This research reports on the STEM education perspectives held by key stakeholders in Irish primary STEM education. Using qualitative surveys and interviews, we investigate primary teachers’ and teacher educators’ conceptions of STEM education alongside their perceptions of approaches to and the efficacy of integrated STEM education. Insights are provided into how engagement in STEM education professional development programmes supports the development of understandings and practices. The research contributes valuable insights into the unique perspectives of primary education practitioners regarding balancing the affordances of integrated STEM alongside the perceived threat to content knowledge development within the discrete STEM disciplines.

DELVING INTO WRITING STRATEGIES AND DIFFICULTIES OF PRIMARY LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Writing has been regarded as a most challenging language skill; which has been placed at the center of the research and teaching activity over the last decades. Writing skill along with reading are the two key-skills that shape the context of literacy in a target language while special emphasis is placed on developing and empowering different aspect of students’ literacy repertoire to students even from an early age. This paper presents and describes a multidimensional study which was designed and carried out to investigate primary education students’ difficulties in writing Greek texts. In parallel; the study aimed at investigating the strategies that employed by the students throughout the writing phases. To this end; thirty-five 10-year-old students attending Greek primary education classes took part in this study during the school year of 2020 – 2021. The students lived in Larissa; a city in Central Greece and they participated upon receiving the agreement of their parents. They were engaged in semi structured interviews related to writing a text and they were also invited to complete specifically designed questionnaires focusing on both students’ writing difficulties and the strategies they employ pre- while and post- writing texts in Greek. Both the interviews and the record protocols have been designed and developed by the researcher in an attempt to focus on the students’ writing profile in multidimensional way. Following the data processing; the findings indicated that students were acquainted with their difficulties in writing texts in the Greek language. However; through the study it was released that the students do not make a regular use of writing strategies during their writing activity. Thus; the author of the article presents suggestions for further research and educational practice in primary education contexts.

Unpacking the Relationship Between Teachers’ Perceptions of Professional Learning Communities and Differentiated Instruction Practice

Purpose: This exploratory study investigates the relationship between teachers’ perceptions of professional learning communities (PLCs) and their differentiated instruction (DI) practice in a Hong Kong primary education context. Design/Approach/Methods: Three subsidized primary schools participated in the study. A total of 121 teachers completed surveys regarding their perceptions of PLC engagement and DI practice. Findings: Using principal component analysis, three dimensions of PLC engagement were identified: student learning, reflective dialogue, and shared and supportive leadership. Two distinctive PLC engagement profiles were generated based on cluster analysis: high PLC engagement and low PLC engagement. Teachers’ PLC engagement profiles were correlated with their DI practices. Originality/Value: The findings have implications for fostering teacher engagement in PLCs. Increased teacher participation in PLCs has great potential for promoting the use of DI.

La actividad metalingüística en una tarea de escritura colaborativa en Educación Primaria

Diversos estudios destacan el valor de la actividad metalingüística que se genera en tareas de escritura colaborativa para el desarrollo de la competencia escrita del alumnado. Sin embargo, pocos la han analizado en el contexto educativo de primaria. Este artículo investiga el contenido de la actividad metalingüística que nueve parejas de 5º curso (10-11 años) generan en las fases de preescritura, escritura y revisión de la producción colaborativa de una fábula tras una intervención didáctica sobre este género textual. Para ello, se identificaron los episodios metalingüísticos generados en las interacciones orales, y se analizó su contenido y su frecuencia. Los resultados muestran que la mayor parte de los episodios se refiere a aspectos textuales y mecánicos, y que su contenido varía de acuerdo al objetivo propio de cada fase de la tarea: la organización textual en la fase de preescritura, y la corrección, meramente ortográfica, en la fase de revisión. Los resultados obtenidos se discuten en relación con los efectos de la intervención didáctica, de la madurez cognitiva del alumnado y del tipo de corrección habitual en la escuela. Finalmente, se ofrecen algunas recomendaciones didácticas.

A flipped classroom model for inquiry-based learning in primary education context

A multi-case study will be presented in this publication which aimed to address an important gap in the current literature concerning the effective implementation of a flipped classroom (FC) model in a particular educational setting. There has been limited research focusing on utilising a FC model within the primary education context despite its potential benefits for young students, such as facilitating student-centred inquiry-based learning (IBL) and developing their higher order cognitive skills. This multi-case study has been drawn from authors’ collaborative action research project with other teacher participants, during which the authors explored the effective ways in which a FC model can be utilised to promote students’ IBL in primary school settings. The authors first develop an inquiry-based flipped classroom (IB-FC) model and applied the model into five primary schools in Cyprus for a school year (2017–2018). A total number of five teachers, 77 students and 48 of their parents were invited to participate in the project. A large volume of qualitative data was collected mainly through classroom observations and interviews. Data analysis of teachers’, students’ and parents’ experiences and perceptions led to the development of seven universal design principles. These principles can be used to support primary school teachers’ attempts to design effective instructions using the IB-FC model.

Curriculum Reform: A Key Driver to the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education

People with disabilities (PwDs) have been prevented from accessing rights that are freely available to other members of the society in such areas as health, education, employment, community participation and other basic social and political rights. The concept of inclusive education has been promoted internationally for more than a decade however, multiple barriers remain to the full participation of students with disabilities (SwDs) in education. This is in spite of many countries being signatories to a number of United Nations (UN) conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities. Most literature has cited accessibility in its three forms that is curricular, structural and systematic as major hindrances to the inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education (HE). The right to education for students with disabilities is often only considered within the context of primary education and not in terms of education for all. Discrimination against persons with disabilities has been long-term and widespread with a number of effects. Most curricula at higher education level do not cater for the needs of learners with disabilities hence the need for curriculum reforms so that learners with disabilities are fully and effectively included. As such, this paper is going to focus on challenges being faced by students with disabilities in accessing higher education curriculum and strategies that can facilitate their inclusion. Models of disability and their influence towards the inclusion of SwDs in higher education are also going to be analysed. Keywords: keywords, curriculum, curriculum modification, curriculum adaptation, accommodations, universal design learning, students with disabilities. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-6-09

Understanding the Notion of Friction Through Gestural Interaction with a Remotely Controlled Robot

Embodied interaction with tangible interactive objects can be beneficial for introducing abstract scientific concepts, especially for young learners. Nevertheless, there is limited comparative evaluation of alternative interaction modalities with contemporary educational technology, such as tablets and robots. In this study, we explore the effects of touch and gestural interaction with a tablet and a robot, in the context of a primary education physics course about the notion of friction. For this purpose, 56 students participated in a between-groups study that involved four computationally enhanced interventions which correspond to different input and output modalities, respectively: (1) touch-virtual, (2) touch-physical, (3) hand gesture-virtual, and (4) hand gesture-physical. We measured students’ friction knowledge and examined their views. We found that the physical conditions had greater learning impact concerning friction knowledge compared to the virtual way. Additionally, physical manipulation benefited those learners who had misconceptions or limited initial knowledge about friction. We also found that students who used the more familiar touchscreen interface demonstrated similar learning gains and reported higher usability compared to those using the hand-tilt interface. These findings suggest that user interface familiarity should be carefully balanced with user interface congruency, in order to establish accessibility to a scientific concept in a primary education context.