School Year Research Articles

Perceptions of Gender Equality Among Saudi Children Attending Early Years Education

ABSTRACT Children tend to acquire the concept of equality by age 3. This study examined the differences between age and gender concerning the perception of equality among preschool children, including those in their first and second years of schooling. The sample included 2,783 Saudi Arabian children from five regions, whose families belonged to the middle socioeconomic group. A self-designed questionnaire captured perceptions of gender differences, including issues of appearance, career choices, and receiving rewards, in children age 5 to 7. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, analysis of variance, t-test, and chi-square test. The results indicated significant differences between the age groups; 6-year-old children showed a greater understanding of equality. Additionally, girls showed a greater understanding of equality than boys regarding perceptions of gender differences concerning appearance, career choice, and receiving rewards. The implications of these findings are explored in this study.

Does cognitive inhibition contribute to working memory and reasoning during childhood?

Theoretical frameworks suggest that cognitive inhibition suppresses irrelevant information in working memory, preventing overload and promoting the processing of task-relevant information. Consequently, it may also contribute to more complex skills, such as abstract reasoning, by facilitating the retention and processing of patterns and relationships. However, empirical evidence does not consistently show these relationships in early elementary school years. This study aims to examine the validity of the following theoretical proposition: cognitive inhibition is a fundamental process that influences working memory, and both contribute to abstract reasoning in children aged 6-8years. The final sample included 293 schoolchildren from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, who completed tasks measuring cognitive inhibition, working memory, and reasoning. Age was also considered in the analyses. The main results indicate that age is associated with improvements in working memory and reasoning (explaining 19% of the variance), but not with cognitive inhibition performance. Additionally, cognitive inhibition directly contributes to working memory (explaining 19% of the variance), and working memory, but not cognitive inhibition, contributes to abstract reasoning (the model explains 23% of the variance). No indirect effects were found. We discuss the importance of incorporating specific relationships between cognitive skills at different developmental stages into theoretical and practical proposals.

Prevalence of refractive errors in school-aged and preadolescent children in Colombia.

To describe the distribution of refractive errors by age and sex among schoolchildren in Soacha, Colombia. This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in five urban public schools in the municipality of Soacha. A total of 1161 school-aged and pre-adolescent children, aged 5-12y were examined during the school year 2021-2022. Examinations included visual acuity and static refraction. Spherical equivalent (SE) was analysed as follows: myopia SE≤-0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or worse; high myopia SE≤-6.00 D; hyperopia SE≥+1.00 D (≥7y) or SE≥+2.00 D (5-6y); significant hyperopia SE≥+3.00 D. Astigmatism was defined as a cylinder in at least one eye ≥1.00 D (≥7y) or ≥1.75 D (5-6y). If at least one eye was ametropic, children were classified according to the refractive error found. Of the 1139 schoolchildren included, 50.6% were male, 58.8% were aged between 5 and 9y, and 12.1% were already using optical correction. The most common refractive error was astigmatism (31.1%), followed by myopia (20.8%) and hyperopia (13.1%). There was no significant relationship between refractive error and sex. There was a significant increase in astigmatism (P<0.001) and myopia (P<0.0001) with age. Astigmatism is the most common refractive error in children in an urban area of Colombia. Emmetropia decreased and myopia increased with age.

Art Education Program for Pre-School Children in China

Involving Art Education teachers in the Pre-School, and, School Administrators as respondents, this study was conducted to assess the level of the implementation of Art Education in the Pre-School Instruction for school year 2022-2023 in China. The researcher employed the descriptive method of research by utilizing a questionnaire as the main tool for gathering the needed data. The Intervention Measures were designed to address the problems encountered by the Art Education Teachers in the Pre-School. It was found that all of the respondents are educationally qualified to teach Art Education in the Pre-School. The majority of them have earned units leading to a Master’s degree and a good number of the respondents have earned units leading to the doctoral program. The majority of the teachers teaching Art Education in the Pre-School have 1 to 6 years of teaching experience in this field. In-service training at the international level appears to be inadequate while training at the school, division regional, and national levels appears to be adequate. Based on the findings the most commonly implemented teaching strategies are guided observations, question and answer strategy, listening, problem-solving, constructivism in teaching, simulation, brainstorming inquiry-discover lesson strategy and. demonstration The following teaching strategies namely: lecture-discussion, reading, activities such as songs, and dance, games, using real-life situations, role-playing were fully implemented however, hands-on activities on art and drawing were poorly implemented. It was concluded that all of the teachers in this study are qualified to teach preschool., The teachers teaching Art Education in the preschool are using/implementing a variety of teaching strategies and instructional materials to bring about effective instruction in the school., Some serious problems, i.e., competence in the use of Art Education in the preschool, instructional materials, facilities and equipment curriculum content and standards, supervisory and technical assistance, and training and seminars affect quality instruction and hence can account for the poor performance of preschool learners. Keywords: Art Education, preschool, school administrator, curriculum contents, teaching strategies

FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE PROFESSORAS DE EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL EM CURITIBA: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE AS SEMANAS DE ESTUDOS PEDAGÓGICOS DA REDE MUNICIPAL NO PERÍODO DE 2012 A 2022

The continuous training of teachers working in Municipal Centers for Early Childhood Education (CMEI) in Curitiba/PR takes place throughout the school year through courses, seminars, and events. In this article, we are interested in reflecting on the continuous training carried out during the Pedagogical Study Weeks (SEP). The SEP takes place annually in early childhood education units, and training demands can be requested by the institutions based on the reality experienced by the unit or follow the theme proposed by the Municipal Department of Education, defined in annual Pedagogical Notebooks. In this study, we analyze the SEP training from 2012 to 2022, aiming to investigate the themes of continuous training and their interaction with pedagogical practices and the quality of this stage. The qualitative approach methodology was chosen for the study, based on the survey and analysis of the themes in the period. The results show that the SEP training demands predominantly focus on disciplinary areas and developmental psychology in the first four-year period. Play/playfulness remains a demand in both four-year periods, but we could not identify the specifics of these themes as the training titles are generic. Even so, we consider the presence of play/playfulness as a formative interest important. We are concerned about the absence of training demands on the DCNEI (2009), childhood sociology, social markers of difference, and children’s cultures, mainly because there is an alignment of SME proposals with the BNCC (Brazil, 2017).

SPECIAL EDUCATION IN THE NEW NORMAL: EMBRACING DISTANCE LEARNING

This study explores the adaptation and challenges in special education during distance learning to develop a comprehensive continuity plan. Participants included three administrators and 15 teachers from special education schools in Cabanatuan City, along with 150 parents during the 2021-2022 school year at Cabanatuan East Central School, Lazaro Francisco Integrated School, and Camp Tinio Elementary School. Using a descriptive research method, the researchers created a questionnaire as the main data collection tool, which was validated for reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing frequency counts and percentages to profile respondents. Weighted mean values were applied to assess adjustments, challenges, and support in special education distance learning. The findings reveal the effective implementation of modified practices in special education, covering instructional, curricular, and administrative areas. Administrators and teachers rated the challenges of executing the special education learning continuity plan as moderately difficult, while parents found them slightly challenging, emphasizing the significant efforts of teachers and administrators in helping parents and students comply with the plan. The researchers recommends a continuity plan designed to benefit administrators, special education teachers and parents with the goal of improving the educational experience for this group. KEYWORDS: Special Education, Distance Learning, Adaptation, Challenges

INCREASING CREATIVITY THROUGH EDUCATIVE GAMES IN CHILDREN

The creativity of group Anak usia dini children has not developed optimally. Of the 27 children in the class, there are 19 children whose creativity has not developed very well. This study aims to increase children's creativity through collage activities. This research is a collaborative classroom action research using the Kemmis and Mc Taggart models. The subjects of this study were group B children, which consisted of 27 children consisting of 17 girls and 10 boys. The object under study is children's creativity. Data collection is done through observation and interviews. Data analysis techniques using quantitative descriptive. The results showed that children's creativity increased after being given action through collage activities using paper, natural materials and artificial materials which gave children the freedom to explore, choose suitable materials and colors, free to cut, tear, cut and roll the material according to their wishes and use the tools provided according to the needs of the child. This increase can be seen from the initial condition of the creativity of group B children of 29.63%, then in cycle I it increased to 55.55% using paper and natural materials, and increased in cycle II to 81.48% with the addition of materials using natural materials. paper, natural materials and artificial materials. The results of the study showed that collage activities could increase the creativity of group ANAK USIA DINI children in the tahun 2023 school year.

ACTUALIZATION OF INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM BASED ON PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PjBL) IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS' SOFT SKILLS AT SDI AL HADAD KEDUNGJAMBE SINGGAHAN TUBAN

The independent curriculum is a curriculum that continues the direction of the previous curriculum development. This independent curriculum is a Project Based Learning (PjBL) based curriculum. In this learning students need their soft skills to optimally fulfill and complete the level of class activities. With it can develop students' soft skills. The focus of the problem in this research is the actualization of the independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL) in developing students' soft skills at SDI Al Hadad Kedungjambe Singgahan Tuban. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study type of research. This study uses observation methods, structured interviews, and documentation. The results of the research show that the actualization of the independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL) in developing the soft skills of students at SDI Al Hadad, namely the independent curriculum was only implemented in the 2022-2023 school year and was only implemented in classes I and IV. This independent curriculum contains the main pillars of educational policy guidelines, namely the Pancasila student profile which consists of six dimensions, including: a) faith, piety to God Almighty, b) global diversity, c) mutual cooperation d) independence, e) critical thinking, f ) creative. The independent curriculum implements Project Based Learning (PjBL) based learning. This is to find out how independent and creative students are in developing soft skills that are owned from within and outside of themselves. Supporting factors include: the readiness of the institution in implementing an independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL), the active role of students, the creativity of students, and the creativity of teachers in learning that implements an independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL). while the inhibiting factors are: the limited number of educators in teaching independent curricula, limited references owned by institutions, and time management arrangements.

Improving Pronunciation Skills through English Songs for Junior High School Students

This study entitled “Improving Students’ Speaking Skills Through English Songs For The Eight Grade Students Of Smp Negeri Oenenu In The School Year 2023/2024.” The purpose of this study are: 1) To know how english songs improve speaking skills of SMP Negeri Oenenu. 2) To know the problems faced by the students in using english songs to improve their speaking skills by conducting Classroom Action Research (CAR). The subjects of this research is eighth grade students at SMP Negeri Oenenu which consisted of 25 students and was conducted in two cycles. The instrument of collecting data was oral test, observation, and interview. Based on data analysis, the score of students’ oral Test improved in every test. In the result of students’ tests were showed that the mean score of pre-tests was 64,2. The mean score of the test in cycle I was 72. The mean score of the tests in Cycle II was 79. Based on observation sheet, it was found that teaching learning process ran well. After giving the treatment by listening to English songs, the students’ English Pronunciation in pronouncing English words improved. It was concluded that listening to English songs can improve the students’ English Pronunciation.

Prediction of Technical Efficiency of Aman Rice Farms in Satkhira District of Bangladesh: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

This paper aimed to assess the technical efficiency (TE) of aman rice farms and analyzed the major factors affecting inefficiency of aman rice farms. In doing so, a multistage random sampling method was used to collect primary data from a survey of 455 rice farmers between May and June in 2023 in Kaligonj sub-district of Satkhira district. Stochastic frontier approach (SFA) was employed to predict the efficiency of aman rice farms while the Tobit model was used to identify the factors that influence technical inefficiency. The findings of TE ranged from 0.98 to 0.51 with an average score of 0.8469. Technical inefficiency is largely affected by years of schooling, household size, salinity of land, agriculture policy and access to credit variables. The policy implications of this finding is that the government might provide the agricultural extension network so that the extension agent can better engage with targeted farmers rather than just recommendations. International Journal of Statistical Sciences, Vol. 24(2), November, 2024, pp 97-108

Adoption of Disciplinary Strategies in Classroom by the Secondary Level Teachers in Kathmandu

Favorable behavior modification is the goal of school discipline to foster a supportive learning environment. Students’ academic performance improves when discipline is established in secondary schools. Discipline-related problems can have a long-lasting impact on a student’s academic achievement and personal growth during the crucial secondary school years. Secondary-level teachers sometimes encounter circumstances where they must deal with disrespect, hostility, and numerous verbal and physical abuses in the classroom. Additionally, they are under pressure from unattainable expectations and are blamed for systemic failures that affect many children, which makes it even harder for them to survive in challenging classrooms. Therefore, this small-scale exploratory and descriptive qualitative research examines secondary-level teachers’ opinions and experiences about challenging classroom settings. The researcher conducted a semi-structured interview with the secondary-level teachers. The study findings can be divided into three themes : Discipline-based Strategy Definition, Classroom Behavior Issues among the students, and Efficacy of teachers’ disciplinary techniques. This study reveals that teachers apply different disciplinary strategies to handle classroom behavioral problems. Because teachers are not entirely to blame for the problematic circumstances, the study’s findings suggested that when teachers struggle to keep the classroom in order, they should expand their roles as change agents by inspiring students, changing the way instruction is delivered, creating effective plans and classroom strategies, and increasing awareness among stakeholders. There is no pre-made answer or definitive outcome for this issue, as the overall concept of classrooms and their layout has been continually revised worldwide.

Implementation of Environmental Education for Waste Management in Japan

Exploring Japan&amp;rsquo;s approach to environmental education, particularly in the context of waste management, offers valuable insights into the intersection of education and sustainability. Environmental education, implemented over an extended period, has played a pivotal role in shaping societal values toward sustainability. In Japan, such activities have been ongoing since the 1930s, yet the long-term impacts on societal behavior and policy development remain underexplored. This study presents an overview of Japan&amp;rsquo;s educational framework, focusing on quantitative trends based on a nationwide survey of waste incineration facilities conducted in 2010, reflecting data from fiscal year 2009. The survey achieved a 94% response rate (731/775 facilities) and revealed that in fiscal year 2009, approximately 1.28 million people visited waste incineration facilities, with 69% being fourth-grade students participating in curriculum-based field trips. Extrapolating from these data, it is estimated that 44% (55 million) of Japan&amp;rsquo;s current population has experienced environmental education through such visits during their elementary school years. This widespread participation underscores the extensive reach and societal impact of these initiatives in fostering awareness of waste management. By integrating the Sustainable Approach, which ensures intergenerational equity, with the Capability Approach, which empowers individuals for sustainable well-being, this study illustrates the potential of Japan&amp;rsquo;s long-standing environmental education practices, particularly in fostering sustainable behaviors and policy innovations, to serve as a global model for sustainability efforts.

“Do I need to reinvent myself?” Stigmatization of sport-related identities of Chinese students

ObjectivesWhile many studies have shown that student-athletes are a stigmatized group and topics related to them have received increasing attention, few studies have focused on the current situation of Chinese sports students (tiyu sheng) with the same dual identity as student-athletes. Thus, this study aims to understand and recognize the negative perceptions that students with sports identities experience in the Chinese educational and cultural context and the impact of these perceptions on them.MethodsThis qualitative study used an interpretive description methodology to collect data through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted by the researcher with 11 sports students, 4 regular students, 3 teachers, and 2 parents. Then, the interview data was analyzed using reflective thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were eventually extracted: (1) The onset and development of stigma, (2) Stigma factors in the spotlight, and (3) the Response to stigmatization by sports students.ConclusionFindings indicated that sports students are subjected to various stigmas under the negative filters of society. The stigmas suffered by sports students vary across school years and levels, and their perceptions of stigmas may also change over time and in different environments. In addition, being subjected to stereotype threat and self-stigma may have hurt some participants. The study’s results also provide evidence that the Internet plays a vital role in exacerbating the development of stigmatization among sports students, which needs to be determined by further research. These findings will contribute to subsequent research on the de-stigmatization of sports students.

Choice of Strand among Senior High School Students: Perspectives, Problems and Opportunities

Philippine Educational System has taken a great innovative stride in adopting the Senior High School (SHS) of K to 12 Program which was implemented School Year 2016 – 2017. One of the leaps that the program has introduced along with it was that a senior high school student is expected to be enrolled to the Senior High School Track that is in line with their interest, ability, skills and higher education course they wish to pursue. However, it has been a perplexing question among senior high school students what track and strand to take that is in line with their choice. The researcher as a teacher wanted to find out what are the choices of strand among students in senior high school focusing on the perspectives, problems and opportunities with the hope that it can give insight to senior high school students, parents and mentors to understand the choice of strand among senior high school students. And possibly the result of the study may lead to the understanding why the importance and the need on having a Career Guidance Program for Grade 10 students before taking Grade 11. For social entrepreneur Filipino French Henry Motte-Muñoz, the key is to help students determine the best senior high school track for them and the university courses they can eventually take should they wish to get a college degree. In the last quarter of 2015, Motte-Muñoz launched Edukasyon.ph, an online platform that aims to solve the labor mismatch by giving students a comprehensive look at where the choices will lead them: "Out of the one million and a half kids who will finish high school, only 300,000 at most will go on to higher education, graduate, and find a job," he said. That means there are more than one million Filipinos who are left behind because they cannot afford college, or because they go in and drop out or end up taking the wrong subjects (Schnabel, 2016). Thus, the senior high school students’ choice of track and strand must be in line with their capability and interest to avoid labor mismatch, unemployment and drop out. It is in this premise that the researcher was desirous to find out the choice of strand among senior high school students and their perspectives, problems and opportunities. The purpose of this research is for the senior high school students to have an overview on the status or challenges on a certain strand as well as the opportunities that could be available to them with their choice of strand. This research study also aims to provide an insight to stakeholders of education like the community constituencies, school administrators/ operators, parents, curriculum designers and educators in general and may provide direction also to senior high school students on their choice of strand and track.

Level of Essential Best Practices and the Implementation of Inclusive Education among Regular Elementary Teachers

The study aimed to investigate the level of essential best practices and the implementation of inclusive education among regular elementary teachers in identified schools in the five districts of the Division of Capiz for the school year 2020-2021. The quantitative technique was employed, and convenient random sampling was used to determine 50 respondents. An adapted research survey questionnaire was used to gather data. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, chi-square, and correlation coefficient were used. The findings revealed that the participants perceived themselves as having a "moderate" level of essential best practices of inclusive education and having a "moderate" implementation of inclusive education. Furthermore, results revealed no significant relationship between the level of essential best practices in inclusive education and its profile as to age and gender, teaching position, number of years in service, number of LSENs in class, and number of special/inclusive education trainings attended. There was no significant relationship between implementation of inclusive education as to age and gender, number of years in service, number of LSENs in class, number of special/inclusive education training attended, and number of hours in special/inclusive education training attended. It is concluded that essential best practices of inclusive education have influenced inclusive school practice. To address the issue, an action plan was formulated for implementation.

Bagaimanakah Dampak Analisis Kebutuhan Dasar Siswa Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa di SMA Islam NU Pujon pada Mata Pelajaran Kimia?

A safe and comfortable school is a school that is able to foster students' intrinsic motivation through a positive culture, namely by meeting the basic needs of students as the basis for determining an appropriate learning model to get learning outcomes that meet the KKM. This study aims to determine the impact of the analysis of students' basic needs on the achievement of learning outcomes, especially in chemistry subjects at SMA Islam NU Pujon. The sample of the basic needs analysis research is 398 students of NU Pujon Islamic High School for the 2024/2025 school year and the research sample for student learning outcomes for chemistry subjects is classes XI-4 and XII-2 with a mixed method explanatory design research method. The results of the study were obtained that the results of the analysis of the basic needs of NU Pujon Islamic High School students for the 2024/2025 school year with the need for pleasure 25.7%, the need for affection and acceptance 25.4%, the need for freedom 23.5%, and the need for power 25.4%. The average student learning outcomes for chemistry subjects were obtained in class Xl-4 of 77.9 and XII-2 of 79.22. The findings showed that the learning outcomes of students for Chemistry in the two classes were above the school KKM

Challenges and Performance of Novice Teachers: Basis for School Management Plan

Novice teachers face significant challenges, particularly in classroom and time management and adapting to diverse student needs, which can impact their effectiveness and job satisfaction. This study examined the factors influencing the performance of 400 novice teachers in Cagayan de Oro City’s Southwest I and II Districts during the 2023-2024 school year. Using a questionnaire and analyzing data through descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation, and one-way ANOVA, the study found that many teachers entered the profession later, with a majority aged 41 or older, predominantly female, holding Teacher II positions, and having prior experience in private schools. Results highlight that strong classroom management and the ability to adapt to student diversity are key to a novice teacher’s success. Effective classroom management contributes to a positive learning environment, enhancing student engagement and achievement, while adapting to diverse needs fosters inclusivity and reduces disparities, helping teachers manage stress and avoid burnout. Recommendations urge school leaders to create supportive environments emphasizing time management, professional development, and community engagement, employing the School Management Plan to foster teacher growth. This holistic approach aims to empower novice teachers, ultimately improving their effectiveness and contributing to better student outcomes.

What Factors Influenced Young Adults to Vote in the 2020 Presidential Election?

Using data drawn from a racially/ethnically diverse sample of participants ( N = 1,489; 52% female; Mage_T1: 18.10; 34% Latino, 21% White, 20% Asian, 11% Black, 11% multiracial/multiethnic, and 3% other), we conducted a binary logistic regression to identify which factors during adolescence and early adulthood were associated with voting behavior in the 2020 presidential election. There were three main findings. First, young adults who had more cross-racial/ethnic friendships and those who participated in volunteer activities during their senior year of high school were more likely to vote. Second, having cross-racial/ethnic friendships and endorsing self-transcendence values (benevolence, universalism) in early adulthood were positively associated with voting behavior, even when controlling for high school factors. Third, those who endorsed self-enhancement values were more likely to vote when they had more cross-racial/ethnic friendships during high school. Implications for voting patterns among young adults in future presidential elections are discussed.

The Reciprocal Effects of Prosociality, Peer Support and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescence: A Four-Wave Longitudinal Study

The aim of this study was to analyze the reciprocal effects between prosociality, peer support and psychological well-being using a four-wave longitudinal study and a within-person analytical approach (random intercept cross-lagged panel model, RI-CLPM). A sample of 587 adolescents (males = 308; Mage = 14.23, SD = 0.58) enrolled in the first year of high school (9th grade) were recruited and followed over four years from 2016 (Time 1 [T1]) to 2019 (Time 4 [T4]). Once a year, they filled in a questionnaire measuring prosociality, peer support, and psychological well-being. The results from the RI-CLPM revealed that, at the between-person level, prosociality, peer support and psychological well-being were all positively associated. Conversely, at the within-person level and at all survey points, only psychological well-being positively predicted prosociality one year later. Specifically, we found that adolescents with higher levels of psychological well-being were more likely to show a tendency for prosocial behaviors over time. Promoting interventions aimed at enhancing psychological well-being may make adolescents more likely to engage in positive behaviors, such as prosocial ones, in a variety of contexts, thereby creating favorable social environments.

The Longitudinal Effects of Intergroup Contact on Youth Attitudes Towards Ethnic Minorities and Constructive Societal Engagement

ABSTRACTGrowing empirical evidence demonstrates that intergroup contact has the potential to reap effects that go beyond prejudice reduction. Much of this evidence, however, is based on findings from cross‐sectional surveys. Building on the relatively smaller body of longitudinal intergroup contact research, we conduct a three‐time point survey amongst youth in Northern Ireland to determine whether frequent and good‐quality interactions with ethnic minority groups are associated with later reports on: (1) attitudes towards ethnic minorities, (2) prosocial behaviour towards ethnic minorities, and (3) civic engagement. Data were collected over the period of a school year amongst youth living in Belfast (n = 420, Mage; T1 = 14.9 years) and analysed using longitudinal path analyses and structural equation models in Mplus. Results demonstrate a lagged effect of higher‐quality contact on more positive attitudes towards ethnic minorities over the school year. There was also a lagged effect of more frequent contact on self‐reported prosocial behaviour in support of ethnic minorities. No lagged effects were observed of intergroup contact on civic engagement. Findings highlight the potential longitudinal effects of intergroup contact on attitudes and behaviours towards ethnic minorities.