Secondary Teachers Research Articles

Experiences, Attitudes, and Perceived Competence Regarding Sustainable Development Among Physical Education and Health Teachers in Sweden

Purpose: Literature suggest that physical education and health (PEH) may contribute to the sustainable development (SD) agenda, yet little is known how PEH teachers relate SD to their teaching practices. This paper explores Swedish upper secondary PEH teachers’ experiences and perceived competence regarding teaching SD as part of PEH. Method: An online questionnaire was used to examine SD competence. Data from 702 PEH teachers were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results: PEH teachers perceive higher competence regarding the social dimension of SD compared to the economic and environmental dimensions. Female teachers and those with more than 15 years teaching experiences reported the highest perceived competence. Seventy percent of the respondents perceived that they lacked competence to teach SD. Discussion/Conclusion: PEH teachers struggle to relate SD to PEH practice and call for support to increase their competence in terms of how to conceptualize and transform SD into PEH teaching practice.

Heutagogy in Action: Empowering Mathematics Teachers Through Innovative Pedagogical Approaches

As a result, mathematics teachers are prompted to focus on the heutagogical approach. However, challenges arise, like inadequate training and support among mathematics teachers. Thus, this study concentrated on formulating a series of teaching activities aligned with the heutagogical approach, specifically tailored to assist mathematics teachers in enhancing their teaching methods. This study was conducted using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) involving 15 experts with various fields of expertise such as mathematics education, educational technology, heutagogy, pedagogy and the curriculum as well as primary and secondary school mathematics teachers. The data was collected from October 2023 to November 2023 by using a questionnaire as the primary means of collecting data. Findings were analysed using triangular fuzzy number, threshold value, percentage for expert consensus and defuzzification process to determine the acceptance and ranking for each teaching activity. The results indicate that teachers assign projects that require students to explore real-world applications of mathematical concepts, were ranked first, followed by other activities, while teachers arrange virtual sessions with guest speakers from the mathematics field to provide insights to real-world applications were ranked last. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for mathematics teachers interested in enhancing student-centered learning within the framework of Education 4.0.

Policy and Practice of Listening in Secondary English Education: A Critical Reflection from Bangladesh

The current National Curriculum 2012 of English (VI- X) in Bangladesh incorporates both listening and speaking skills for its English education. Textbooks have also been designed in accordance with the policy which is set by the National Curriculum and Textbook Broad (NCTB). The English textbook, titled English for Today (EfT), was designed in alignment with the current National Curriculum for English (VI-X) for students in grades 6 through 10. The target of the EfT is to achieve students’ competency in integrated four skills of English language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. However, although the listening module is now in policy and classroom practice, it is neither assessed in school or in public exams at the secondary level (Kabir, 2020). This study explores the perceptions of policy and practice of listening in secondary English education in Bangladesh. This study may be significant as little research has been done in Bangladesh on listening skill and its significance for language competence, let alone on the teaching of listening in connection to language learning. This qualitative study is based on in-depth interview data collected in 2019. The interviews included pertinent participants of policymakers and secondary English teachers. The findings indicated that there was a disconnect in curriculum, classroom practice and assessment in secondary English education.

Examining the utilization of web-based discussion tools in teaching and learning organic chemistry in selected Rwandan secondary schools

In recent years, the teaching and learning of organic chemistry have frequently faced challenges due to limited student engagement and participation. Consequently, there is a growing demand for innovative teaching methods to tackle these issues. In this context, web-based discussions have emerged as a hopeful approach to enhance students' engagement and foster critical thinking skills. Therefore, the present study investigated the level of adoption of web-based discussion tools in teaching organic chemistry in Rwandan secondary schools for addressing the challenge of limited student engagement and participation. A quantitative research approach relying on a survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 133 secondary school chemistry teachers in Kamonyi and Gasabo districts. The findings indicate that 78 % of teachers do not use web-based discussion tools, while 22 % have integrated these tools into their teaching. The preferred platforms among users include WhatsApp groups, Google Docs, and Google Classroom. Additionally, the study highlights key organic chemistry topics such as alkanes, polymers, polymerization, and alcohol that can be effectively taught through these tools. Statistical analysis using ANCOVA did not show significant differences in the use of web-based discussion tools based on factors like school location, teachers’ age, school ownership, and teaching experience, with p-values of 0.817, 0.234, 0.380, and 0.051, respectively. However, the borderline significance related to teaching experience (p = 0.051) suggests a potential trend. A significant difference was observed in terms of gender, with male teachers more likely to use these tools (p = 0.015). The study offers valuable insights into the factors influencing the adoption of web-based discussion tools in Rwanda, offering useful guidance for educators and curriculum developers to create more engaging and inclusive chemistry lessons.

Bhutanese Primary Science Teachers’ Epistemic Beliefs of Science

AbstractEpistemic beliefs of science (EBS) are considered to have a strong influence on how science teachers view science itself and carry out science teaching. To this end, Bhutanese primary science teachers, as much as secondary science teachers, are expected to possess sophisticated EBS. While this is one of the aims of the Bhutanese science education system, there is little to no information regarding Bhutanese primary science teachers’ EBS. Hence, this cross-sectional study examined EBS held by primary science teachers from three districts in Bhutan. One hundred and ninety-five (N = 195) primary science teachers took part in the study using a total population sampling design. Data collected using the Epistemic Beliefs of Science Questionnaire (EBSQ) were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Findings revealed that Bhutanese primary science teachers from three districts in Bhutan held naive EBS in several aspects of source, certainty, development, and justification dimensions of scientific knowledge. The chi-square test of independence (χ2) revealed that there were no significant relationships between Bhutanese primary science teachers’ EBS and their teaching background (p > .05). The one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), while showed significant differences in certainty dimension, revealed that were no significant differences among Bhutanese primary science teachers’ EBS in other dimensions based on their academic qualifications (p > .05). The implications of research findings to the Ministry of Education, science curriculum documents, and teacher preparation are discussed.

Influence of Individualized Instruction on Students’ Academic Achievements in Chemistry in Public Day Lower Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Kicukiro District

This study was to find out the influence of individualized instruction on the learners' academic achievements in Chemistry in Public Day secondary schools in Kicukiro district, Rwanda. Specifically, this study determined the influence of pacing on students’ academic achievements in Chemistry in public day lower secondary schools in Kicukiro district, It also assessed the influence of student’ tutors on students’ academic achievements in Chemistry in public day lower secondary schools in Kicukiro district, Kigali city, and thirdly it examined the influence of frequent evaluations on students’ academic achievements in Chemistry in public day lower secondary schools in Kicukiro district, Kigali city. This research targeted students from lower secondary public schools, Chemistry teachers, and directors of studies. The sample size of 388 respondents was calculated using the Yamane formula and was composed of 23 DOS, 44 teachers, and 321 students. The data was collected using questionnaires administered to students and teachers, while interviews were administered to the director of studies. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentages, and frequency were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that a significant majority of teachers and students recognize the motivational benefits of hands-on laboratory experiments and group discussions in Chemistry. Notably, 61.4% of teachers and 68.2% of students agreed that independent learning and peer tutoring enhance understanding and performance in Chemistry. Furthermore, 61.4% of teachers emphasized the role of frequent evaluations in maintaining student attentiveness and improving academic performance. A strong positive correlation was identified between effective teaching practices, such as pacing and frequent assessments, and enhanced student outcomes, with a p-value of less than 0.05. In light of these findings, in order to improve Chemistry students' academic achievements, teachers should receive professional development training, parents should be involved, regular feedback mechanisms, and continuous monitoring and evaluation are suggested for individualized instruction strategies.

Exploring History Teachers’ Understanding of the Goals of History Teaching and Historical Thinking Skills in Secondary Schools

The purpose of this study was to explore history teachers’ inclination toward the goals of teaching disciplinary history, active teaching methods, and their experiences with historical thinking skills during their college education and their classroom practices. The qualitative thematic analysis explores how secondary school history teachers’ beliefs and background knowledge about their subject matter influence classroom practices. It focuses on their conceptions of history and historical thinking, teaching goals, teaching methods, and instructional materials. The results revealed that teachers’ educational training and history courses significantly influence their disciplinary knowledge and teaching practices. In the quantitative phase, the findings reveal that the status of teacher experiences and efficacy with all the historical thinking skills indicators, namely, sourcing, contextualization, corroboration and explicit instruction, varies as revealed in the result section. To address this issue, the researchers suggested the need for teachers to update their professional development and incorporate historical thinking skills into classroom activities, fostering engagement and agency, and intensive training for in-service history teachers. In this preliminary phase, we use these exploratory findings and research on teachers’ conceptions of their discipline and practices of historical thinking skills to propose an interventional framework for teaching history.

Evaluation of Reading Empowerment Asserting Connection at Home (REACH): Performance of Grade 7 Learners

In the Philippines, reading is a persistent challenge that requires continuous remediation with the results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) from both 2018 and 2022, and the country has been at the bottom of the rankings. Thus, the goal of this study is to strengthen reading remediation. This study focused on the evaluation of a reading program implemented; the Reading Empowerment: Asserting Connection at Home (REACH), and its relationship to the performance of Grade 7 learners in relation to reading. The participants of this study were 96 secondary school English teachers because they are field implementers of the reading program and were selected through a proportional stratified random sampling to ensure that each cluster was represented. The study collected MPS results from three successive school years and evaluated the implementation of the reading program. The questionnaire was validated and researcher-made. Based on the findings, the hypotheses were partially supported. It was revealed that there was a significant relationship between the REACH evaluation and the school’s reading performance, particularly between the Product evaluation and the school’s reading performance during SY 2022-2023, and between the overall REACH evaluation and the school’s reading performance during SY 2023-2024. Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between the REACH Evaluation in terms of Context and Psychological Component. It was recommended that curriculum implementers continue the implementation of Reading Empowerment: Asserting Connection at Home (REACH), but this time, we focused on strengthening the other components of the CIPP Evaluation to improve the results of the reading program.

Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Abilities of Head Teachers of Girls Secondary Schools in District Rahim Yar Khan

The present study aims to measure emotional intelligence level leadership abilities and find out the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership abilities of head teachers of girls' secondary school at district Rahim Yar Khan. This descriptive correlational nature study used a survey research design. Headteachers of girls’ secondary schools in the district of Rahim Yar Khan constituted the population of the study. The 96 head teachers contributed to data collection. An online questionnaire was used as a research tool for data collection. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS-22 and presented in tables and figures. The study found a significant positive correlation between the emotional intelligence and leadership abilities of secondary school head teachers at district Rahim Yar Khan. The researchers recommended that the head teachers be given proper training in emotional intelligence in order to provide them with sufficient know-how about emotional intelligence and teach them how to use it for handling and motivating the employees under their auspices. The researchers also recommended that the study be replicated in other districts and at different levels of education to pave the way for generalizing the results of studies already conducted in this regard.

Influence of Gender Disparity Practices on Students’ Academic Performance in Physics in Public Secondary School of Rwanda: A Case of Nyanza District

This research investigated the influence of gender disparity practices on the performance of students in physics in a public secondary school in Rwanda. The study examined the gender disparity practices that influence student academic performance in physics in public secondary schools in Rwanda, assess student academic performance in physics in public secondary schools in Rwanda, and determine the relationship between gender disparity practices and student academic performance in physics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. The target population of this research was 7,924, from which a sample size of 381 respondents were chosen as the participants of the study, including students from public secondary schools, teachers, head teachers, and sector educational officers of 6 sectors of Nyanza District. The participants were sampled using a purposive sampling technique, while teachers and students were selected using simple random sampling. The participants were sampled using a purposive sampling technique, while teachers and students were selected using simple random sampling. The study adopted a survey research design that used questionnaires as instruments of data collection and key informant interviews as guides. Data were presented and analysed into tables and graphs using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, and mean) and using SPSS version 21.0. The study found that gender disparities influence students' academic performance in Physics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. For the first objective, 95.1% of students agreed or strongly agreed that improved assessment scores in Physics reflect their academic performance. For the second objective, 86.5% of students believed that equal access to resources and support is available for all genders, showing positive perceptions of gender equity in resources. However, 48.4% felt that societal gender stereotypes affect their motivation and confidence in Physics. A correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.732) between gender equity practices and student academic performance, indicating that reducing gender disparities can improve performance outcomes in Physics. Based on findings recommendations were given to the Ministry of Education to promote gender equality in Physics by ensuring equal resources, providing teacher training, and challenging stereotypes. Policy makers and MIGEPROF should support female students through reforms, scholarships, and advocacy. Schools and teachers must foster inclusive environments with equitable resources and gender-sensitive teaching strategies.

중등 예비교사의 삼각형의 외심 과제 설계 사례 분석: 정당화 과정을 중심으로

This study aims to examine how pre-service teachers design tasks that justify the circumcenter of a triangle based on given original tasks. Tasks designed by 28 secondary pre-service teachers were analyzed according to justification types derived from prior research. The findings revealed that pre-service teachers, while distinguishing between the justification of the existence and uniqueness of the circumcenter or modifying the order of defining the circumcenter, focused on ensuring that students could recognize and understand the argument for justification. This study suggests specific focal points that need to be emphasized in pre-service teacher education for both empirical and deductive justification of the circumcenter of a triangle.

AI 디지털교과서 도입과 활용에 관한 중등수학교사의 인식 조사 연구: 학습자 맞춤 교육 실현을 위한 과제

This study explores mathematics teachers' perceptions of the adoption and utilization of AI digital mathematics textbooks and provides implications for both the development of AI digital textbooks and teacher education. A survey was conducted in November 2023 with 130 secondary school mathematics teachers to analyze their perceptions regarding (1) understanding and necessity of AI digital textbooks, (2) key features, (3) application in mathematics instruction, and (4) teacher professional development. The results reveal that while secondary mathematics teachers recognize the necessity of adopting AI digital textbooks, there is a significant gap in their understanding and experience with the core functionalities. There is a strong demand for features such as learning diagnostics and dashboard to support adaptive learning, along with expectations for student-centered adaptive learning and emotional support. However, concerns were also raised about decreased interactivity and challenges in lesson preparation due to changes in the educational environment. Based on these findings, the study suggests the need for enhanced teacher professional development to deepen teachers’ understanding and support practical implementation, as well as functional improvements to AI digital textbooks to ensure their effective and practical adoption in educational settings.

Bangladesh's national education policy for English teaching: Policy direction and gaps over the last decade

This study aims to demonstrate the perceived differences between the direction and the gaps in the execution of Bangladesh's National Education Policy (NEP) for English Teachers. It specifically examines the changing requirements of English teachers over the past decade by enhancing their proficiency and teaching methodologies. In this study, we show that communicative language teaching (CLT) approaches significantly modify the existing structure of educational policy in Bangladesh. The present study is grounded in the constructivist research paradigm and utilized a qualitative case study approach from diverse sources. The data was gathered via document analysis, classroom observations, and interviews with six secondary school English teachers from a pool of educators representing four schools in different areas of Bangladesh. The data was analyzed using theme analysis via NVivo 11 software. The findings indicate several areas where the objectives of Bangladesh's NEP could be better aligned with their practical execution. These areas include reforming elementary and secondary schools and restructuring school leadership, teacher education, teacher status, and classroom pedagogy. Furthermore, this study is a valuable contribution toward advancing a more robust and efficient education policy at the national level, which can effectively improve the standard of education for all to provide quality teaching.

MODELING OF THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE TEACHER’S PROFESSIONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL ACTIVITY

The study substantiates the theoretical and methodological aspects of modeling the educational environment in the professional and pedagogical activity of a general secondary education teacher on the methodological basis of the humanistic-competence paradigm of general secondary education and the concept of the New Ukrainian School. The article’s purpose is to clarify the role and significance of the modeling method as a means of efficient professional and pedagogical activity of teachers in the educational environment of general secondary schools. The principles of individualization of educational services, conscious perspective, flexibility of educational influences, democratization, and dynamism of the educational process are emphasized in the process of applying the modeling method by the teacher. The objects of modeling in the teacher’s activity are model programs in teaching subjects, a system of aspect and subject lessons, a set of club activities, individual qualities and properties of students’ personalities, etc. The author proposes the stages of creating a pedagogical model and the algorithm of modeling in the teacher’s activity (setting a goal, selecting an object, formulating a subject, clarifying the normative support, choosing a theory that explains the content of the subject of modeling; substantiating the basic assumptions of simplifying a real object; constructing a model using theoretical foundations; model examination; studying the model using a pedagogical experiment; finalizing, adjusting and finalizing the model). It is concluded that the awareness of the principles of building a model of the educational environment of general secondary school, as well as the use of this knowledge as a theoretical basis for the general scheme of forming the content of the educational process will contribute to the successful implementation of efficient professional and pedagogical activities of teachers in an institution aimed at building a health-developing educational space.

Modelling teachers’ reflective practice

ABSTRACT Previous research highlights challenges in modelling teachers’ reflective practice to explore and identify their beliefs and reflections. This paper explores how methodical triangulation, combining reflective dialogues and various reflective tools, enhances teachers’ awareness of their beliefs and reflections. It facilitates a deeper exploration of teachers’ beliefs and reflections related to learning and teaching. The study is based on a descriptive analysis of reflections generated in three different individual reflective dialogues with six lower secondary teachers. The findings indicate that triangulation strengthens the teachers’ reflections, particularly through using visual reflection tools and the researcher as a “reflective catalyst’. This combination increases their awareness of their own beliefs and encourages reflection.

Developing and implementing an Einsteinian science curriculum from years 3–10: B. Teacher upskilling: response to training and teacher’s classroom experience

Abstract Recent years have seen a growing interest in modernizing school science curricula to reflect the discoveries in physics since 1900, especially with the recent broad recognition of the importance of quantum physics in the modern world. Much effort has been expended in the development of appropriate teaching instruments for teaching Einsteinian physics in schools, but less effort on the crucial topic of teacher professional development. Successful curriculum innovation requires teacher professional development. This paper reports an analysis of teacher professional development for practising primary and secondary teachers who were upskilled as part of a process for implementing an 8-year Einsteinian curriculum across 38 primary and secondary schools in Australia. Most participants had little prior knowledge of Einsteinian physics. Using self-assessment through questionnaires and interviews, combined with classroom validation, we show that three different professional development programs led to high levels of content knowledge and confidence to teach Einsteinian physics in classes from Year 3 to Year 10. The analysis presented supports our conclusion that it is feasible to upskill teachers from diverse backgrounds in Einsteinian physics and break the cycle that has inhibited the modernisation of school curricula.

Ability in physical education – No, I can’t discuss it! Insights from lower secondary physical education teachers in Western Australia

Ability has been positioned as a crucial concept in the construction of a subject that is inclusive of and meaningful for all students. Almost two decades since Evans ( 2004 ) called on the field to re-engage in discourse concerning ability, how ability is conceptualised by physical education (PE) teachers remains relatively unexplored. Furthermore, relatively little is known about how understandings of ability are enacted through curriculum, pedagogy and assessment in PE. This research explored these issues with lower secondary PE teachers in Western Australia through self-recorded audio responses to two research questions. Data from 38 participants revealed the struggles that PE teachers had in articulating meanings and representations of ability in PE in their curriculum, pedagogy and assessment practices. Findings illustrated a tendency for many teachers to privilege a performative view of ability and focus on the physical domain in discussing ability in PE. While some teachers made reference to skills and dispositions beyond this domain, data affirmed the dominance of narrow conceptualisations of ability in PE and pointed to limited understandings of how broad, fluid and inclusive notions of ability may be embedded in curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment practices. Summative assessment was the most frequent aspect of practice referred to in teachers’ explanations of how understanding of ability was expressed in their practice. The study points to the importance of professional learning and initial teacher education directing attention to ability as a focus for advancing equitable practices in PE and the need for further research exploring enactments of ability.

A qualitative case study on Chinese secondary school EFL teachers’ beliefs about intercultural foreign language teaching

A qualitative case study on Chinese secondary school EFL teachers’ beliefs about intercultural foreign language teaching

Bridging the gap in early career teachers' STEM pedagogy: Exploring micro‐credentials as a possible creative solution

AbstractThis exploratory study sought to address the gap in strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teacher preparation in elementary and secondary teacher education programs. Integrated STEM education is attracting increased attention and gaining momentum from educators, politicians, STEM industries, and the media across the nation. Many state and national organizations have called for a new workforce of problem solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self‐reliant and able to think logically, also suggesting that creating such capacity is one of the critical foundations that drive innovative capacity in the nation. A key to developing these skills is STEM competencies and career goals in every K‐12 student. To do this, teachers must be educated on how to connect STEM careers and integrate STEM content into their curriculum. Providing integrated STEM micro‐credentials for preservice and in‐service teachers can be a flexible solution for providing teachers a method to learn how to improve their content knowledge and pedagogy (Digital Promise, 2019). Participants were a combination of undergraduate preservice teachers and graduate early‐career teachers who were asked about their STEM preparation. The majority of the participants received very little to no integrated STEM preparation. As a possible solution for this, participants were asked about their preferred type of professional development (PD) and if participating in a micro‐credential course would be a possibility. Nearly all of the participants agreed that a self‐paced micro‐credential that blended online and in‐person instruction would be something they would do to learn how to integrate STEM more effectively into their pedagogy. Micro‐credentials could be a successful solution for educator PD.

Preparing preservice secondary science teachers to work with multilingual learners’ ideas: A case study of a community of practice using the TeachLivE™ virtual classroom

In this case study, we investigated how interdisciplinary teacher educators collaborated as a Community of Practice (CoP; n = 3) to support secondary science PSTs (n = 7) learning how to work with multilingual learners’ science ideas using a tri-focal instructional approach in the simulated classroom, TeachLivE™. Data sources included audio/visual recordings of TeachLivE™ sessions and a PST reflection survey. Findings showed the PSTs need continued support to implement the tri-focal approach and received collaborative feedback from the CoP. The PSTs appreciated the authentic context interacting with multilingual learners and the coaching sessions in TeachLivE™. Implications for future research and TeachLivE™ practices are discussed.