Primary School Teachers Research Articles

Factors Impacting Students’ Learning Performance in Higher Education in Chengdu, China

Background and Aim: The effectiveness of education has always been a focus of social attention. Previous research has mostly focused on the level of education in primary and secondary schools, and some studies have shown that college students may have different motivations and learning concepts. Therefore, this study aims to take Xihua University in Chengdu, China as an example to systematically examine various factors that affect the academic performance of university students. Through quantitative analysis, this study investigated the impact of five independent variables (learning attitude, learning anxiety, learning motivation, teacher ability, and student participation) on the dependent variable (academic performance), especially in higher education. Moreover, it aims to identify significant differences between variables. Methodology: Research Design, Data, and Methods: This study used the Project Objective Consistency Index (IOC) to test the validity of the questionnaire, and Cronbach's Alpha was used as reliability in the pilot study (n=30). They used the multiple linear regression method to analyze the effective responses of 80 students at Xihua University and verify the significant relationship between variables. Afterward, a group of 30 students underwent a 14-week planned study. Then, the quantitative results after and before the scheduled study were compared in paired sample t-tests. Results: In multiple linear regression, studies have shown that learning attitude, learning anxiety, learning motivation, teacher ability, and student participation have a significant impact on student academic performance. Finally, the comparison results of paired sample t-tests indicate substantial differences in student academic performance between the post-strategic and pre-strategic plan stages. Conclusion: This research endeavors to foster students' learning performance in the context of Chengdu, China.

Оценка профессиональной педагогической подготовки в контексте принципа инклюзии в Беларуси

<p>The results of an empirical study of a comprehensive assessment of the professional training of future teachers of various specialties (preschool educators, primary school teachers, subject teachers, psychology teachers, social educators, speech pathologists) at higher education institutions in the Republic of Belarus are presented. The complexity of the assessment is ensured by the study of all components of professional teacher training (educational conditions, educational process, educational results) and the representativeness of the multi-subject groups of respondents (vice-rectors for academic affairs of institutions of higher education, teaching staff, graduate students and undergraduates). In order to obtain the research results, there were used author's checklists, 4 types of questionnaires correlated with the marker system (marker 1 – "educational conditions", marker 2 – "educational process", marker 3 – "educational results"), criteria, indicators. The study involved 8242 respondents, including the authority (10 vice-rectors for academic affairs), the teaching staff (1131 people), future teacher students of various specialties (7101 people). Mathematical and statistical data processing included the usee of Pearson's χ2 criterion (STATISTICA statistical package version 10.0). The study allowed us to see an important problem – "deficits" in the quality of university teaching staff training (especially its methodological component) that enables to solve problems of forming professional competencies in future teachers. The assessment of professional teacher training made it possible to determine the vectors of improvement of organizational and pedagogical conditions, content and methodological support of higher teacher-training education in the context of the implementation of the principle of inclusion, new methodological approaches to improving the quality of differentiated professional teacher training and to create a basis for making a number of managerial decisions.</p>

Perceptions of Primary School Teachers on Quality Assurance to Feedback Reports in Shinyanga Municipality

This study seeks to explore primary school teachers’ perceptions on quality assurance to feedback reports Shinyanga Municipality. A quantitative research approach was employed to conduct the research. The study’s target population included teachers from 10 government and 10 private primary schools. The sample size comprised 119 respondents. A simple random sampling techniques was used to select the 10 government, 10 private primary schools and 119 teachers from the 17 wards in Shinyanga Municipality. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires. The collected quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found that while over half of teachers regularly use Quality Assurance feedback reports for instructional planning and alignment, a significant portion either rarely or never engage with them. Barriers such as access, training, or perceived relevance likely contribute to this inconsistency. Although nearly half of the teachers view the feedback as well-aligned with classroom needs. These findings suggest a need for better support and more tailored feedback to ensure its effective use across diverse teaching contexts.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge of Teachers Regarding Brunt of Corporal Punishment and its Impact on Child Mental Health in Selected Schools Bangalore with a View to Prepare an Informational Booklet on Impact of Corporal Punishment in Mental Health

Corporal punishment is violence inflicted on children by parents, teachers, guardian and others in the name of “discipline”. Discipline is training that corrects, molds or perfects the mental facilities or moral characters. There are 3 types of corporal punishment, those are: School corporal punishment, Parental or domestic corporal punishment and judicial corporal punishment.  Objectives To assess the knowledge of primary school teachers regarding brunt of corporal punishment and its impact on child mental health.  Methods A descriptive approach design used to assess the knowledge of primary school teachers regrading brunt of corporal punishment and its Impact on child mental health In selected primary schools at Bangalore. In this study non-probability purposive sampling technique was adopted. A structured interview schedule was determined based on the objectives of the study. The data were analyzed using the computation of mean and standard deviation an inferential statistic. The data represented by using various graphical devices, the bar diagram, pie diagram etc.  Results The findings of the result shows that participants 73.33% had inadequate knowledge, 26.67% had moderate knowledge on the brunt of corporal punishment and its impact on child mental health. The result findings show that there will be a significant association between brunt of corporal punishment and its impact on child mental health with their selected demographic variables.

A Study on the Self-Efficacy of Primary School Teachers: The Case of Public Schools in Telavi Municipality

A Study on the Self-Efficacy of Primary School Teachers: The Case of Public Schools in Telavi Municipality

Primary school teachers’ views on language-responsive physical education

Language-responsive teaching aims to promote pupils’ participation opportunities by enabling them to acquire general academic language skills. It is assumed that the acquisition of academic language competencies must be accompanied and supported by the entire school and all school subjects. Yet, the idea of language-responsive Physical Education (PE) seems to be taken up only reluctantly in the current subject didactic and academic discourse. Thus, it is the aim of this article to contribute to bringing this topic into focus. The possibilities and limitations of language-responsive teaching in PE are examined from the teachers’ point of view. Special attention is paid to pupils facing language-barriers, as it is essential for this group to receive extra support to avoid educational disadvantages. Language education in PE has been a rather marginalized topic – much in contrast to the more recent discourse on general education and its crucial role for long-term academic and socio-economic success. It has been argued that the potential for language-building in PE has not been exploited satisfactorily. The observation that the idea of language-responsive PE has received little attention, despite its promising potential, begs the question of possible reasons. The following inquiry therefore investigates the perspectives of PE teachers on language-responsive teaching. The study consisted of 26 qualitative interviews with primary school teachers and aimed to generate insights into the importance attached to language teaching in PE in general (a), and its relevance for pupils’ participation in PE as well as for creating equal educational opportunities (b). Moreover, the study explores subject-specific potentials and challenges for language-responsive teaching faced by teachers with respect to pupils with special needs in language and communication or non-native speakers who have difficulties in understanding the language of instruction (c).

Primary School Teachers’ Attitudes, Perceptions and Self-Efficacy Regarding Students With Special Educational Needs: A Comparative Study of the Education Systems in Slovenia and Kosovo

The purpose of this paper is to explore teachers’ attitudes, perceptions and self-efficacy regarding students with special educational needs in Slovenia and Kosovo, as well as to identify the similarities and differences between the two education systems in terms of inclusive practices. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of teachers working in grades 1–5 of primary schools in Slovenia (n = 258) and Kosovo (n = 255). The data were gathered using the Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education scale and the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice scale and analysed using SPSS version 21.0. The findings indicate higher means of samples in both Slovenia and Kosovo in negative sentiments, attitudes and perceptions regarding inclusive education, while statistically significant differences were identified in attitudes and other factors, such as age, gender or teaching experience with students with special educational needs. Teachers in Slovenia and Kosovo scored higher in self-efficacy, which is negatively correlated at a significant level with sentiments, attitudes and perceptions regarding inclusive education.

Professional agency in the classroom and burnout among early career teachers in China

The aim of the present study is to investigate early career teachers’ professional agency in the classroom. In addition, the association between early career teachers’ professional agency in the classroom and the burnout they experienced was examined. In this study, 779 early career teachers, teaching in primary and junior secondary schools in China, responded to the study survey in 2021. The Mplus statistical package (version 8.4) was used to conduct the analysis and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that early career teachers’ professional agency in the classroom consists of three elements: motivation, self-efficacy beliefs, and skills to manage new learning, which entails building a collaborative environment by transforming teaching practices and reflection in the classroom. The results also showed that early career teachers’ professional agency in the classroom was negatively related to their burnout.

Language teacher emotional intelligence: A scoping review

The current study reviewed and synthesized empirical research on foreign/second language teacher emotional intelligence (EI) using a scoping review approach. Specifically, 15 articles published between 2018 and 2024 were included and analyzed with a particular emphasis on the theoretical perspectives, research themes, research background, and methodologies. The results indicated that there were a variety of models and theories in language teacher EI research, with the trait EI model and theories of self-efficacy and emotion regulation receiving the most attention. Moreover, most reviewed studies regarded language teacher EI as an independent variable or antecedent, examining its impact on other individual and environmental variables. Underdeveloped regions, other target languages apart from English, multilingual teachers, and primary or secondary school teachers haven’t received much attention in the included articles. Additionally, homogenization in research design among these studies was noticeable, with quantitative studies, cross-sectional design, and self-reported questionnaires being prevalent. Finally, implications were provided based on these findings for the further development of language teacher EI.

Exploring and comparing central mental health problems between rural primary and secondary school teachers—insight from a large sample symptom network analysis

Exploring and comparing central mental health problems between rural primary and secondary school teachers—insight from a large sample symptom network analysis

MODERN FORMS AND METHODS OF AESTHETIC EDUCATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

With the deepening of the reform of China’s general education system and the popularisation of information technology, computer music software has become an essential component of music education in primary schools. The purpose of the article is to theoretically study modern forms and methods of aesthetic education of primary school students. The problems existing in general music education in China at the present stage are analysed, the important role of computer software in music lessons is explained, and ways and means of integrating information technology into the process of aesthetic education of schoolchildren are proposed.

Evaluating the Development of Pre-Service Primary School Teachers’ Competences in the Context of a Student-Centred Science Visits Course

The student-centred approach emphasises active learning, where students take responsibility for their own learning process, in which they are actively involved and integrate new information into their existing knowledge framework. Combining this approach with outdoor learning provides an even more effective teaching strategy. When combining these approaches, the individual needs and interests of the students must be taken into account. The research was conducted as part of The Science Visits Course among 30 prospective primary school teachers in their final years of study. The focus of the study was on the students’ self-assessment of their competences in science education and on the implementation of a student-centred teaching process, including outdoor teaching. Data were collected using online questionnaires and a structured evaluation form to assess students’ plans for a science visit. The research findings suggest that students find this type of work engaging and that it encourages their self-engagement, taking responsibility and working together in a group through sharing ideas and opinions. On the other hand, the student competences important for outdoor education have come to the fore to some extent, but there are still areas that can be improved, especially in the area of science content knowledge.

Teacher perspectives and barriers in implementing inclusive education for Indian children with special needs: A pilot study

AbstractInclusive education is crucial for integrating children with special needs into mainstream educational settings. This pilot study explores the attitudes of teachers in India toward providing inclusive education to children with disabilities, and the challenges they face. As the Indian education system continues to evolve, there are significant gaps in teacher preparedness and the availability of resources, especially given the socio‐cultural and economic diversity of the country. The study aims to assess the perspectives of 30 primary and secondary school teachers regarding their experiences with inclusive education, focusing on their attitudes, challenges, and the resources available for supporting students with special needs. A mixed‐methods approach was employed, utilising surveys and interviews to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The results indicate that while many teachers hold a positive attitude toward inclusive education, they face numerous challenges in its implementation, including a lack of specialised training, insufficient support services and inadequate teaching materials. Teachers expressed particular difficulty in supporting students with severe disabilities due to the lack of behavioural and psychological services in schools. This study emphasises the importance of continued teacher training and infrastructure improvements to foster effective inclusive education. It also highlights the need for policy changes, such as the integration of the Samagra Shiksha scheme and recognition of the 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, to support teachers in overcoming the barriers they face. The findings from this pilot study will inform a larger, more comprehensive study, and provide the foundation for future reforms of inclusive education in India.

METHODOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS' STRATEGIC COMPETENCE: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

The article provides methodological recommendations for improving the educational process for the formation of strategic competence for future teachers in the aspect of intercultural communication. The purpose of the training, its content, the approaches on which the appropriate methodology should be based, its stages, the specified means of training and their sources of selection were described. The purpose of training is the formation of a secondary language personality; the content includes substantive and procedural aspects: areas, topics, subtopics, types and styles of communication, situations, problems, linguistic and sociocultural material, non-verbal means of communication, educational and communicative strategies, texts; among the approaches, we distinguish competence, reflexive, linguistic, sociocultural, cognitive, communicative-activity, level approaches; formation of basic intercultural professionally oriented foreign language communicative competence of future primary school teachers (normative foreign language course); formation of advanced intercultural professionally oriented foreign language communicative competence of future primary school teachers (variable foreign language courses); formation of highly specialized intercultural professionally oriented foreign language communicative competence of future primary school teachers (selective specialization courses taught in a foreign language); we recommend video phonograms, phonograms, and texts as teaching aids. We emphasize that it is advisable for future primary school teachers to teach pedagogical discourse, taking into account the personal, public, professional, and educational spheres of communication.

The ‘Universe in a Box’: a hands-on activity to introduce primary school students to cosmology

Abstract Physics Education Research shows that active learning and interdisciplinary strategies can enhance students’ engagement in physics. In primary school, the implementation of active learning pedagogies such as Inquiry-Based Science Education aims to encourage students’ autonomy and participation in their learning process. Indeed, active learning promotes pupils’ creativity, helping them develop the skills that increasingly determine their future employability and personal development, introducing them to STEM. In this regard, stories and storytelling can help improve teaching and students’ physics learning. Telling the Universe and its history can afford this job. The Big Bang, the Cosmic Microwave Background, and the formation of stars and planets are valuable tools for introducing primary school students to physics and the scientific method while fostering their curiosity about science. Moreover, it helps the instructors monitor the development of peculiar misconceptions on these topics, preventing them from fully understanding physics phenomena. In this paper, we present an innovative short-term program (one session of three hours) called ‘The Universe in a Box’ to introduce primary school students (grades 4–5, ages 9–10) to cosmology. We illustrate our design and the educational purposes of the program and present the outcomes from its implementation in five different laboratories in Sardinia, Italy, from 2022 to 2024 (60 students involved). This work can furnish a theoretical and methodological guide for primary school teachers and instructors on integrating formal curricula with contemporary physics topics using interdisciplinary approaches, engaging their students in STEAM (STEM plus Arts).

Emotion Regulation Strategies of Thai Teachers Facing Communication Challenges with Migrant Students: A Q Methodology Study

AbstractThe study employed Q methodology to investigate Thai primary school teachers’ emotion regulation (ER) in classrooms with migrant students, categorizing them into different cohorts based on their shared ER strategies and exploring how these strategies influence teachers and their multicultural classrooms. Three distinct teacher groups were identified. The first group, re-rationalizers, address obstacles by reinterpreting them in a positive light, emphasizing their roles as moral guides and facilitators of student development. The second group, change makers, tackle communication issues directly with a strong commitment to student support and an inclusive mindset. The third group, self-distractors, manage emotional difficulties by shifting their attention to the positive aspects of the situation. Although they may not directly address the issue, this strategy helps maintain a positive atmosphere in the multicultural classroom. These strategies highlight the importance of understanding teachers’ emotion regulation among the participants to enhance their effectiveness in working with diverse students, with implications for policymakers and education at large. The findings underscore the significance of understanding teachers’ emotion regulation strategies to improve their effectiveness in diverse educational settings. These insights have implications for policymakers and educational practices.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies in Education According to Primary School Teachers: Opportunities and Challenges

Artificial intelligence (AI), which refers to technologies that mimic human cognition, affects many industries. Education is one of these sectors. Artificial intelligence affects many educational environments, from lectures to homework. In this process, both academic and ethical concerns call into question the future of artificial intelligence. These inquiries are essential as they show that the human factor will continue as an integral part of education. Because AI tools, even when best designed, can only partially replace human interaction or quality teaching. However, they can make the teacher's job easier and contribute to more effective learning. Therefore, teachers' awareness of this technology has become essential. This research aims to determine primary school teachers' opinions about using AI tools in education. The research was conducted using a case study. The participants are 16 primary school teachers determined by the criterion sampling method. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form and analyzed with content analysis. According to the findings, teachers stated that AI tools may have advantages and disadvantages in educational environments. While teachers are concerned about the adverse effects of artificial intelligence tools on students, they also recognize their cognitive and socio-emotional contributions. Teachers also stated that artificial intelligence can make teachers' jobs easier but can only partially replace them. The results help understand primary school teachers' opinions regarding using artificial intelligence tools in the learning process.

Language and Literature Education Field: Some Aspects of Teaching in Primary Schools of National Minorities

The article explores teaching tools and certain aspects of teaching the Ukrainian language in primary grades, focusing on the instruction in the language of indigenous peoples/national minorities in general secondary education institutions in Ukraine and abroad. It presents the experiences of teachers, methodologists, authors of educational and methodological materials, and contemporary domestic and foreign scholars, based on a comparative analysis. Current trends in publishing textbooks and teaching aids are examined. The article highlights the experiences of Ukrainian and foreign educators regarding the relevance of educational support and the potential for engaging each child in meaningful individual and socially significant educational, research, and inquiry activities. It is determined that in textbooks and aids for the Ukrainian language and reading for grades 1-4, a concept has been pre-planned that considers the specifics of all sections and topics of the language and reading curriculum. The article proves that independent work effectively integrates the content of the studied material from language and literature, allowing for quick comprehension of the textbook, section, or topic, as well as enabling students to read and provide correct answers, with appropriate recommendations formulated. It is noted that modern realities require working with digital textbooks, necessitating additional teacher training to utilize them effectively. The article identifies the problems and prospects for further research, which include the development of digital skills for students and teachers, the need for educational institutions to be equipped with digital devices, and the formation of motivation among students, teachers, and parents for learning the Ukrainian language both in Ukraine and abroad.

Associations between nutrition literacy and possible sarcopenia among older adults in Bengbu, China.

To explore the associations between nutrition literacy (NL) and possible sarcopenia in older Chinese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted. NL was assessed using a 12-item short-form NL scale. Possible sarcopenia was identified using SARC-CALF. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for NL and the incidence of possible sarcopenia. A total of 1,338 older individuals, aged 71.41 ± 6.84 years, were enrolled in this study. After confounders were adjusted for, older adults in the upper quartile of NL were found to be 52% less likely to have possible sarcopenia than those in the lower quartile of NL (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.29-0.77). The associations between NL and possible sarcopenia were present only in those who lived in rural areas (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19-0.77), had a primary school education or less (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.09-0.48), had a monthly income <3,000 RMB (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22-0.70), and had chronic diseases (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.22-0.63). Moreover, an interaction effect was observed between having a chronic disease and junior high school education and being in the upper quartile of NL. The prevalence of possible sarcopenia in older Chinese adults is substantial, with prevalence decreasing with increasing NL. Moreover, the association between NL and possible sarcopenia varies by residence type, education level, monthly income, and chronic disease experience. Targeted NL interventions are required to prevent and manage sarcopenia in older adults, particularly those with low socioeconomic status and chronic diseases.

Faglig forankra, fagovergripende – og med fotfeste i profesjonen

In this overview study, we analyse student teachers’ master’s theses in Norwegian L1 from the first cohort of the five-year integrated master’s program for primary and lower secondary school teachers. We investigate what characterises the theses in terms of subject topics, interdisciplinary perspectives, and data sources. The data, consisting of summaries of 199 master’s theses, was collected from all teacher education institutions in Norway. The data is analysed by means of both quantitative and qualitative categories. Our qualitive content analysis reveals that literature, reading, writing, and multilingualism are the main academic foci. Additionally, many students incorporate interdisciplinary themes such as public health and life skills or linguistic and cultural diversity. Very few theses address topics requiring knowledge of language as a system, or historical topics. Furthermore, most students collect data from schools, often through interviews. The analytical findings are discussed in light of academic and educational policy issues, such as the content and framework of the L1 subject and the tension between professional and academic orientations in teacher education. Thus, the study contributes to discussions about master’s theses in teacher education in general, and, more specifically, about the operationalisation of the Norwegian L1 subject in schools and teacher education.