Primary School Students Research Articles

Handwashing practices and associated socio-demographic factors among primary school students in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Handwashing practices and associated socio-demographic factors among primary school students in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

TEACHING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING IN SAUDI ARABIAN SCHOOLS USING SMARTPHONE APPS

This study investigates the efficacy of smartphone applications in teaching computational thinking to students in Saudi Arabian primary and secondary schools. Computational thinking, encompassing problem-solving, computational logic, and algorithmic thinking, is an essential skill in the modern world. The research assesses various educational apps that support the development of computational thinking and examines their integration into the Saudi curriculum. This study incorporates qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide an inclusive perspective. Participants included primary and secondary school students from various schools in Saudi Arabia. The research employed pre- and post-tests for quantitative analysis and interviews and questionnaires for qualitative data. Quantitative results include pre- and post-tests of the students in computational thinking with the aid of co-varying with Computational thinking, while interviews and questionnaires with teachers and students offer qualitative data. Best-selling educational applications for ScratchJr, Lightbot, Cargo-Bot, and Kodable are compared concerning how efficiently they introduce programming ideas and encourage rational thinking. Results have suggested that smartphone applications have a positive influence on students’ computational skills. An enhanced standard is also noticed regarding the students’ aspects that involve problem analysis, identification of pattern, and formation of algorithm. The use of applications such as ScratchJr and Lightbot is justified regarding an application’s capacity to improve students’ motivation and willingness to learn computational concepts. Teachers indicate that their students have shown more concern and engagement mainly when the teacher integrates these apps. Hence, based on the findings of the study, it is evident that incorporating Smartphone applications into the curriculum will lead to a reforming change in the teaching approaches towards efficiency as well as feasibility of the learners. These findings are valuable for the Saudi context for policy and teaching enhancement, signaling the need to provide more resources in digital tools and invest in the professional development of teachers to capture the virtues of advanced technology in improving learners’ performance.

Experimental activities about heat conduction in metals

Abstract In this paper we describe two experimental activities regarding heat conduction in metals. The activities were designed according to the Predict-Observe-Explain strategy and are appropriate for primary and secondary school students. The aim is for the students to find out that heat is conducted at the same rate in all directions, regardless of the height difference from the heating point. The alternative idea attempted to be confronted through the aforementioned activities is that heat is considered a substance with fluid’s properties.

Cultivating creative minds: Integrating imagination and innovation in primary school piano instruction

This study aims to show how creativity and imagination can be integrated into primary school instruction to foster creative musical minds. A mixed method was employed, examining the impact of various pedagogical practices, instructor experience, and cultural differences on students’ creative music-making abilities, focusing on improvisation and composition. Participants included primary school students, piano teachers, and parents from diverse Chinese ethnic backgrounds. The study found that innovative approaches emphasizing creative and experiential learning significantly enhanced students’ ability to structure and optimize music, compared to conventional methods. The cultural context and the teacher’s expertise were also identified as critical factors in fostering students’ creative musical development. Integrating creativity into music education is essential for primary school students. A learning environment that encourages experimentation, self-expression, and discovery plays a vital role in developing students’ creative potential. Music educators should consider adopting teaching methods that prioritize creativity and imagination tailored to the cultural context and the teacher’s expertise to better cultivate creative musical talents in young learners.

Artificial Intelligence and Education: A Metaphorical Analysis on the Perceptions of Students with Special Abilities

The main goal of this study is to reveal special talented primary school students' perceptions of artificial intelligence, one of the popular concepts of recent times, through metaphors. In this study, the phenomenological design, which is within the scope of qualitative research, was used. In this study, Türkiye Science and Art Center included special talented primary school students in the education field. The 104 special talented primary school students participating in the research were 9-14 years old. Of these students, 53 were boys and 51 were girls. The participants were in the 3th grade, 4th grade, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades of primary education. Purposive sampling method was chosen in the research. When the answers from the students were examined, a total of 36 different categories emerged in line with the relevant metaphors. When these categories are examined in detail, it is seen that the concept of artificial intelligence is represented by different metaphors. According to the findings, it was determined that primary school students simulated the concept of artificial intelligence to different metaphors such as robot, smiling robot, robot vacuum cleaner. As a result, it has been revealed that special talented student generally have positive opinions about the concept of artificial intelligence.

DEVELOPMENT OF COHERENT SPEECH AND COMMUNICATION CULTURE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AT THE LESSONS OF THE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE EDUCATIONAL FIELD

The article investigates the peculiarities of the development of coherent speech and culture of communication of primary school students in the lessons of language and literature educational branch. The competence-based approach to speech and culture of communication, the emphasis shifts from the language-centred concept to the anthropocentric one, when the development of subject-subject learning is emphasised and a linguistic personality is formed, which possesses a set of abilities and properties that allow creating oral and written speech works, adequately understanding texts addressed to communicators, that is, communicating fully and effectively. The most important means of awakening the child’s self-awareness, stimulating his/her spiritual development, according to the national didactic tradition, is teaching the native language, which is the basis of national and cultural self-identification. One of the main methods of work on coherent speech and culture of communication is practical exercises, which are used in phases: the first phase is the task, which should contain a motive for performing a certain speech action/activity, a speech situation) and explanations of what and how the student should do (orally or in writing; independently or in pairs, in a group; in a notebook or on the board); the second phase is a sample of performance; the third phase is the task performance; the fourth phase is control, which can be either teacher’s control, self-control, or students’ mutual control. The exercises aimed at forming orthoepic, pronunciation, accentological and lexical norms, distinguishing intonation in sentences are systematised. Exercises aimed at studying the peculiarities of figurative meaning will be relevant. Grammatical skills are an integral part of all types of speech activity, the formation, improvement and development of which is the main task of teaching. As a result of working with primary school students using a system of exercises to form a culture of speech, not only does the students’ speech culture improve, but also their memory improves, they develop an attentive, thoughtful attitude to language and books, and the level of spelling literacy and interest in Ukrainian language lessons increases.

THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE USE OF HEALTH-SAVING TECHNOLOGIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

The article substantiates the theoretical foundations of the development of health-saving technologies in primary school. Methods of research: analysis of scientific and methodological literature to identify the state of research in Ukrainian pedagogical science and the peculiarities of health-saving competences of primary school students; systematisation for the arrangement of groups of tasks and health-saving technologies; generalisation for the formulation of conclusions; prognostic to determine the prospects for the development of health-saving technologies in primary school. The key health-promoting competences that primary school students should have are the following: rational nutrition skills; physical activity and hardening skills; sanitary and hygiene skills; skills of organising work and rest regimes; self-control skills; skills of motivating success and training the will; stress management skills; effective communication skills; conflict prevention skills; compassion (empathy) skills; skills of behavior under pressure; cooperation skills; skills of self-awareness and self-esteem. The principles of application of health-saving technologies in primary school are systematised: motivational support of the educational process, cooperation, individualisation and differentiation, comfort, consciousness and activity, improving life skills, continuity and continuity. Attention is paid to the means of implementing tasks related to the use of health-saving technologies in primary school: motor orientation, health-giving forces of nature, hygienic conditions. The functions of health-saving technologies in primary school are defined: formative, informative and communicative, diagnostic, adaptive, reflective, integrative. It is emphasised that the use of health-saving technologies in the educational process allows students to adapt more successfully in the educational and social space, to reveal their creative abilities, and a teacher to effectively prevent antisocial behaviour, to actively involve parents of students in the work on strengthening and preserving children’s health.

Development of problem mind mapping-based learning model (PMM-BL) integration patterns to improve critical thinking skills in primary school students

PISA 2022 data shows that Indonesia's ranking has risen 5-6 positions compared to PISA 2018. However, even though there was an increase in ranking in PISA 2022, Indonesia recorded a decrease in scores in each ability assessment subject. Therefore, Indonesia actually still has the opportunity to develop a model (PMM-BL) integration patterns to improve critical thinking skills because it has the capacity and potential that have not yet been developed. The purpose of this research is to produce a PMM-BL model book product and its operational form to improve critical thinking skills and test differences in students' critical thinking skills before and after implementing the PMM-BL. The research subjects during the limited trial of the PMM-BL model were fifth-grade students at SDN Bandulan 2, Malang City, Indonesia. The research method used is research and development (R&D). The development procedure is guided by the stages of the systems approach model, namely Dick & Cary's learning system development design model. This study examined the development of the PMM-BL model and its operational form to improve critical thinking skills and examines differences in students' critical thinking abilities before and after implementing the PMM-BL model.

SLR: Discovering STEAM Integrated Science Disciplines for Learning Planning for Primary School Students in Indonesia Towards the Era of Society 5.0

This research aims to find elements related to STEAM from 100 Google Scholar indexed articles resulting from scientific research. Elements related to STEAM can be implemented in elementary school students in facing the era of society 5.0. The method used in this research is the SLR (Literature Review System) PCR model (Planning, Conducting, Reporting) with the aim of systematically reviewing the literature to find elements related to STEAM based on research results from the last 7 years (2017-2024). The research results showed that other elements were compared with STEAM, such as language, social sciences, economics, religion, culture and literacy with the terms STREAM, SELAMeT, STREAME, STELAM and STEAMS and were even used as a basis for curriculum development such as in South Korea with the term WS-STEAM . Based on these findings, there are elements that can be used as a reference in developing learning plans in elementary schools towards the era of society 5.0 which are in accordance with the national basic education curriculum, especially in elementary schools in Indonesia, namely language, social (including culture and economics in social science learning ), religious, and literacy.

The Impacts of Technology on Learning Motivation of Primary and Secondary School Students — A Systematic Review

The Impacts of Technology on Learning Motivation of Primary and Secondary School Students — A Systematic Review

Literature Review of Studies on the Effects of Short Tennis on Fundamental Movement Skills of Primary School Students

Literature Review of Studies on the Effects of Short Tennis on Fundamental Movement Skills of Primary School Students

Transforming stereotypes: how meeting male and female professors changes children's gender bias and ‘mad professor’ perceptions

ABSTRACT The persistent ‘mad professor’ stereotype – the perception of professors as typically old, dishevelled men with grey hair – contributes to the lack of diversity in the academic workforce, with important implications for social justice and the advancement of science. This study examined the research question of how an informal classroom visit by a male versus a female professor influences gender bias and mad professor stereotyping among upper primary school students. To investigate this question, a survey was conducted with 171 upper elementary school children, examining their gender bias and mad professor stereotyping both before and after a classroom visit from either a male or female professor. The results revealed that visits by female professors significantly reduced gender bias, while visits from male professors, conversely, heightened it. However, this bias-reinforcing effect of male visits was mitigated through supplementary activities that introduced the children to professors from diverse genders and backgrounds. Importantly, visits from both male and female professors were effective in diminishing mad professor stereotyping. This study not only highlights the critical role of a professor’s gender in shaping children’s perceptions but also introduces a novel pictorial choice task for measuring bias, offering an objective alternative to the traditional Draw-a-Scientist test.

Influence of physical activity and screen time on sleep quality in primary school students

In a society where, sedentary lifestyles and the use of technological screens are on the rise, students' lifestyle is being significantly affected. In fact, nowadays many students experience various sleep problems, and two of its main factors may be physical activity and the use of technological screens. In this sense, this research aimed to analyze the influence of students' physical activity and the screen time on sleep quality of students. The participants were 28 students in 5th and 6th grade of primary school. They wore ActiGraph WGT3X-BT accelerometers for one week to collect data related to physical activity and sleep patterns. Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess their use of technological screens. The collected data were analyzed, with a focus on differences by sex. Correlations between these parameters were also analyzed. The analysis revealed no significant correlation between physical activity and sleep quality. However, a significant correlation was observed between screen time and sleep quality. This finding highlights the importance of continued research in these areas to enhance the wellbeing and sleep quality of students.

Greek Cypriot and immigrant students’ attitudes and perceptions of acculturation, ethnic identity and self-esteem in the Republic of Cyprus

Abstract The multicultural Cypriot society is called upon to face its increasing diversity and manage the relations between its inhabitants (locals and immigrants) for peaceful coexistence. The present study compared acculturation processes of Ιmmigrant students to those of local primary school students aged 11–12 years regarding social adjustment, ethnic identity and self-esteem. Results showed a stronger orientation toward their Country of Origin for both Cypriot and Ιmmigrant students regardless of the nationality of immigrants’. Furthermore, Cypriots and Ιmmigrant students had more group contact with their compatriots than children from other countries. Lastly, the strategies of acculturation and the stages of forming ethnic identity were correlated to Ιmmigrants’ self-esteem levels. The findings highlight the need for new directions in educational policies in the country. The educational system must become flexible and effectively adaptable to the recent changes to form the foundation of cultural coexistence of all the island’s inhabitants, ensuring social cohesion.

The Impact of Growth Mindset on K-12 Students' Academic Performance in Australia

Students' performance in academic courses highlights the curriculum's development of knowledge and abilities, which is a crucial sign of academic success. The goal of the study is to determine how growth mindset affects students' academic performance in terms of engagement, skill development, information acquisition, and resilience. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the influence on Australian primary and secondary school students (K-12) aged 5-18 years, given the significance of this growth mindset on academic performance. In this study, the content analysis technique is used from 10 different studies and it is identified that there was no discernible growth mindset mediating effect in the relationship between reading achievement and formative assessment approaches. This study makes two different literary contributions. First of all, it links two related study streams: attitude and formative evaluation. This study has demonstrated that the connection between these two strands might lead to enhanced synergy between exterior educational approaches and internal psychological processes.

İBTİDAİ SİNİFLƏRDƏ RİYAZİYYAT DƏRSLƏRİNDƏ DİDAKTİK OYUNLARIN ROLU

Didactic games play a big role in education and upbringing of primary school students. Thanks to such games, it is possible to focus students' attention and attract their interest. Gradually, children become interested in the mathematics lesson itself, which is a necessary condition for successful learning. Game activity ensures the development of children's personal qualities, abilities and skills.

Restrained Eating and Disinhibited Eating: Association with Diet Quality and Body Weight Status Among Adolescents.

Background/Objectives: Problematic eating behaviours may affect food consumption and, therefore, body weight. However, these associations have not been well understood, especially among adolescents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations of restrained eating and disinhibited eating with diet quality and body weight status among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1450 primary school students aged 11-13 years (52% girls). Dietary data were collected using the food frequency questionnaire (SF-FFQ4PolishChildren®). Two diet quality scores were evaluated: (i) the pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI), which included vegetables, fruit, dairy products, and fish, and (ii) the non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI), which included fast food, sweets, sweetened beverages, and energy drinks. Based on the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, two eating styles were identified: restrained eating (RE) and disinhibited eating (DE). Body weight status was evaluated using the body mass index (BMI) z-score and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Spearman's correlation coefficient and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between eating styles, diet quality, and body weight status. Results: Restrained eating was negatively correlated with nHDI (r = -0.178, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the BMI z-score (r = 0.253, p < 0.001) and WHtR (r = 0.197, p < 0.001). Disinhibited eating was positively correlated with nHDI (r = 0.232, p < 0.001). Among adolescents with different RE and DE levels, significant differences in the mean nHDI, BMI z-score, and WHtR were found. Compared to adolescents with 'low RE & DE', those with 'low RE & higher DE' were more likely to fall in the upper than bottom tertile of nHDI (odds ratio (OR) =1.90, 95% CI: 1.29-2.81). Adolescents with 'higher RE & low DE' were less likely to be underweight (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.49) and more likely to be overweight (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.41-2.91) and to have abdominal obesity (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13-2.82). Conclusions: The findings suggest that both eating styles may be predictors of diet quality among adolescents. Body weight status was related to restrained eating, which seems to characterise mainly adolescents with overweight or obesity.

Digital Technologies in Primary Mathematics Education: Insights from Future Teachers’ Portfolios

The integration of digital technology in education has become an essential competency for primary school teachers, particularly in mathematics education, where innovative tools can enhance learning outcomes and student engagement. This paper investigates the extent and nature of digital technology utilization among future mathematics teachers, focusing on tools like dynamic geometry software (GeoGebra), e-testing platforms (e.g., Kahoot), learning applications (e.g., Learning Apps), and immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality. Our research centers on the analysis of final portfolios submitted by graduating students from the Faculty of Education at the University of Ostrava in 2024. These portfolios, which are a culmination of the students’ educational strategies and experiences, offer a unique lens through which to assess the preparedness and innovation potential of future educators. Additionally, we surveyed the views of these students through questionnaires on the use of digital technologies in mathematics teaching. We specifically examined how these candidates plan to integrate digital technologies into their teaching practices and the innovative methods they propose to engage primary school students in mathematics. Through a qualitative study of 24 portfolios and a questionnaire survey of 15 students, we identified prevalent trends and inventive approaches in the use of digital tools. Our analysis highlights not only the variety of digital technologies incorporated into teaching strategies but also the depth of pedagogical integration, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of how to enhance learning environments effectively. The findings underscore the importance of digital literacy in teacher education and suggest that current training programs are effective in equipping future educators with the necessary skills to implement advanced technological tools. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion about digital competence in education, providing evidence of emerging trends and the transformative potential of digital technologies in primary mathematics education.

Nutrition nurturers: Empowering primary school children through innovative dietary education and parental engagement

Purpose: This research aims to examine effective pedagogical methods for promoting healthy dietary practices among elementary students. By reviewing the literature, the study will identify key factors influencing children's eating habits, assess treatment impacts on eating patterns and metabolism in obese children, and explore how breakfast quality affects the health of children and teenagers. Method: This study analyses pertinent literature on encouraging healthy eating habits in primary school students using a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology. Comprehensive searches of electronic databases, such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, are part of the systematic review process to find pertinent research published in peer-reviewed journals. The inclusion criteria cover research on instructional methods, tactics, and interventions intended to encourage primary school students to eat healthily. Result: The outcomes of the meta-analysis and systematic review point to several successful instructional methods and tactics for encouraging primary school students to eat healthily. Children's eating habits are influenced by several factors, and treatments that focus on diet and metabolic responses, especially in obese kids, seem to be working well. The study also emphasizes how important a healthy breakfast is to kids' and teens' overall health and well-being. Conclusions: The study concludes that raising lifelong good eating habits in primary school students requires comprehensive strategies incorporating nutritional education, parental involvement, and community support. The results have significant ramifications for educators, legislators, and medical professionals who work to encourage children to adopt healthy habits. To investigate the long-term impacts of interventions and create specialized tactics for a range of populations, more study is necessary.

How parenting styles affect primary school students' subjective well-being? The mediating role of self-concept and emotional intelligence.

To explore the relationship between parenting styles and self-concept, emotional intelligence, and subjective well-being among primary school students. In total, 1,683 students from 10 primary schools in Hangzhou, China, were surveyed using a simple random sampling method. Participants completed the Parenting Style Scale, the Self-Concept Scale, the Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the Subjective Well-Being Scale. (1) Father's and mother's emotional warmth was significantly positively correlated with students' subjective well-being (r = 0.513, p < 0.01 and r = 0.478, p < 0.01, respectively). Father's and mother's rejection was significantly negatively correlated with students' subjective well-being (r = -0.257, p < 0.01 and r = -0.285, p < 0.01, respectively). Father's overprotection was significantly negatively correlated with students' subjective well-being (r = -0.178, p < 0.01; r = -0.227, p < 0.01). (2) Self-concept and emotional intelligence acted as chain mediators between father's and mother's emotional warmth and students' subjective well-being (0.337, 0.477 and 0.366, 0.520, respectively). Self-concept and emotional intelligence acted as chain mediators between father's and mother's rejection and students' subjective well-being (-0.590, -0.377 and -0.693, -0.460, respectively). Self-concept chain-mediated between father's and mother's overprotection and students' subjective well-being (-0.380, -0.224 and -0.413, -0.264 respectively). Parenting styles can affect primary school student's subjective well-being both directly and through mediating effects. Self-concept and emotional intelligence partially mediate the impact of emotional warmth and rejection parenting styles, and fully mediate the impact of father's overprotective parenting on subjective well-being.