ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
The Transition to Kindergarten for Children with and without Special Needs: Identification of Family Experiences and Involvement
Author: Haciibrahimoglu, Binnur Yildirim
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Kindergarten,Young Children,Special Needs Students,Parents,Student Promotion,Family Involvement,Foreign Countries,Parent Attitudes,Control Groups

The transition to kindergarten is one of the significant transition steps for children in early childhood. The family, being the closest circle of the child, supports the development of the child in the transition and affects the transition process with its resources and needs. In this regard, this study examined the experiences and participation of families of children with and without special needs in the transition to kindergarten. This study is a survey research in which family experiences and involvement in the transition to kindergarten are determined. The Family Experiences and Involvement in Transition questionnaire was used to assess family involvement in transition preparation activities and transition concerns during kindergarten entry. A total of 232 parents participated in the study. Research results show that both family groups are most concerned with are similar. The research identifies the situation that families are most concerned about as getting used to a new school. Whether they have a child with disabilities or not, the types of information that both family groups prefer were similar. In the transition process, families especially favoured meetings and visits as the types of family involvement. Upon discussing the findings in line with the relevant literature, this study makes suggestions for further research and applications.
Profiling Learning Preferences of Distance Education Students Based on Neural Network Analysis
Author: Firat, Mehmet
Date: 2022-04-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Profiles,Preferences,Distance Education,Network Analysis,College Students,Foreign Countries,Instructional Materials,Predictor Variables

The learning preferences of the learners are of prime importance in the planning of distance education systems and the design of learning environments. Learning technique and learning material preferences are considered as the two most common and referable learning preferences to understand the learning preferences profile of distance education students. This research investigates the learning preferences of distance education students. Data was collected from 3390 distance education students from Anadolu University, considered as one of the mega universities in the world. Neurol Network Analyze conducted to profile learning preferences of distance education students. For this purpose, Multilayer Perception Model was applied as an artificial neural network analysis model in the analysis of data. The age of students was found as the most important independent variable on the prediction of material preferences and learning technique preferences of distance education students. The full Multilayer Perception Model of the learning preferences profile of distance education students was provided as a conclusion. Recommendations provided for future research and applications.
Comparison of Problems Related to the Multiplication of Fractions in Mathematics Textbooks: The Case of Singapore and Turkey
Author: Mersin, Nazan
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Comparative Education,Multiplication,Fractions,Textbooks,Mathematics Education,Foreign Countries,Textbook Evaluation

In this study, it is aimed to comparatively examine practice questions and sample solved questions about the multiplication of fractions in mathematics textbooks in Turkey and Singapore. In this direction, document analysis was used as a research method. Descriptive analysis was used in the analysis and the questions in the books were examined in seven categories: the number of steps, contextual properties, representation type, model type, meaning of multiplication, fraction type, and cognitive expectation. From the results of the analysis, it was seen that there were more questions with pure mathematical context that were solved in one step in the books in both countries. However, all kinds of fraction models are used in the questions in the Singapore textbook, whereas the length model is not used in Turkey. In addition, in fraction multiplication, the repeated addition meaning of multiplication is used only in Turkey, whereas in Singapore the operator meaning is mostly used. When examined in terms of fraction types, it was concluded that there are no examples in the form of natural numbers × fractions in the Singapore books, but that there are more problems about fraction × fraction in Singapore. When the results are evaluated in general, it is observed that the books in both countries have advantages and disadvantages compared to each other, but in terms of the categories studied the distribution in the Singapore textbook is more balanced than it is in Turkey.
Second Life in Art and Design from Students&apos; Perspective: A Case Study
Author: Ceylan-Dadakoglu, Sevda
Date: 2022-04-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Computer Simulation,Student Attitudes,College Students,Art Education,Design,Electronic Learning,Cooperative Learning,Foreign Countries

This article tried to determine the students' opininons related to the use of Second Life (SL) application in higher education art and design education. In this case study conducted with 17 students selected via typical case sampling, the SL virtual platform was used as a research area. Data collection tools were included document analysis, self-peer-process assessment, focus groups. Research data were analyzed with content analysis. Participants stated that the use of SL application in art and design education provides support for analysis of 3D programs, virtual exhibition opportunities and simple 3D modeling. Internet speed, slowness of computers, technical and build problems were the common difficulties experienced by the participants. Consequently, the participants' application skills, 3D thinking skills, design skills and creativity during the practise of the SL application improved. Despite some technical difficulties in understanding SL, it is thought that SL is a suitable environment for art and design education. Also, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the education activities, are conducted on virtual environments. Therefore, it is thought that SL will contribute to distance education by online learning.
Pre-Service International Teaching Assistant&apos;s (ITA&apos;s) Investments in Their ITA Training Course: A Multiple Case Study
Author: Anderson, Roger
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Teaching Assistants,Foreign Students,Teaching Experience,Case Studies,Preservice Teachers,Student Attitudes,Student Diversity,Teaching Methods,Role Models,Departments,Experiential Learning,Undergraduate Students,Teacher Education,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Language Tests,Language Teachers,Intelligibility,Pronunciation,Graduate Students,Cultural Differences,Student Characteristics,Asians,Chinese Americans,Work Ethic,Teaching (Occupation),Student Needs,Comparative Analysis,Career Choice

Research has focused almost exclusively on International Teaching Assistants'(ITA) experiences as instructors, overlooking the ITA training class. This has led to the marginalization of Pre-Service ITAs in the literature. The locus of potentially important learning, a descriptive, multiple case study examined the investment (Darvin &amp; Norton, 2015) of three Pre-Service ITA's in their ITA training class over one semester at a large US university. Data included ITA's weekly journals, individual interviews/stimulated recalls, class assignments, and field notes from classroom observations. Findings are presented as portraits of real, multifaceted ITA's, then from cross-case analyses. Participants experienced the same course very differently, impacted most prominently by their ITA educators' teaching approach, their exposure to teaching role models, and their home department structures. Recognizing the incredible diversity ITA's represent, pedagogical implications suggest an &quot;intense exposure experience&quot; or teaching-training focused pedagogy be implemented--instead of test-centric pedagogies, situating ITA's learning within un-simulated spaces with real undergraduates. [Note: The page range (175-192) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct page range is 175-198.]
Development of Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale for Prospective Science and Biology Teachers
Author: Gülesir, Tugçe
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Test Construction,Pollution,Preservice Teachers,Science Teachers,Biology,Factor Analysis,Test Validity,Test Reliability

The objective of this study is to develop a scale to measure science and biology teacher candidates' awareness of micro-plastic pollution. The sample group consists of 586 participants from 4 universities who are currently enrolled in science and biology teaching programmes. &quot;Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS)&quot; used as data collection tool developed by the researcher. EFA was applied to the data obtained from the application, it was determined that the scale had a 3-factor structure, and that the factors made up 49.57% of the total variance in general. DFA was applied to verify the obtained factor structure. According to the DFA results; X[superscript 2]/df is perfect harmony; RMSEA, SRMR, CFI, GFI and NNFI are good/perfect harmony; AGFI and NFI are acceptable harmony. The overall reliability coefficient of the scale was determined as 81, the value of which is considered to be of high level reliability. MKFÖ, which is a likert scale, consists of a total of 14 items, including 5 negative and 9 positive items. The maximum score that can be obtained from the scale is determined as 28, and the score obtained from the scale is in direct proportion with the level of awareness of the individual about microplastic pollution.
Towards Becoming Critical Readers and Writers: ELT Students&apos; Perceptions on the Effectiveness of Critical Reading and Writing Instruction
Author: Bilki Zeynep
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Critical Reading,Critical Thinking,Writing (Composition),English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Student Attitudes,Instructional Effectiveness,Reading Instruction,Writing Instruction,Foreign Countries,Preservice Teachers

Reading and writing underpinning all university study and beyond it are two essential skills that have significant influences on students' growth in critical thinking. Students who aim to use English for academic purposes in higher education contexts need to develop their understanding of what it means to read and write critically in English with the support of critical thinking skills. While studies exist in understanding the nature and practice of critical thinking in academic writing or reading separately, studies that investigate the critical reading and writing (CRW) process from the perspectives of readers and writers are limited. The goal of this study was to explore how critical reading and writing practices Turkish ELT pre-service teachers experienced in the CRW course have contributed to their CRW skills from their own perspective. The data was obtained from the participants' reflections collected before and after the instruction enriched with criticality. Thematic analysis revealed that our participants have had a clear sense of criticality in the way of their reading and writing practices. The findings have implications for providing a pedagogical framework to foster CRW skills in higher education instructional settings.
International and Domestic Graduate Student Satisfaction with Life: Application of the Perfectionism Diathesis-Stress Model
Author: Suh, Hanna
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Graduate Students,Student Satisfaction,Life Satisfaction,Personality Traits,Stress Variables,Mental Health,Well Being,Predictor Variables,Foreign Students,Models

With increasing mental health problems witnessed among students, adequately addressing their well-being is becoming important on college campuses. This study compares international and domestic graduate students in the United States on domains that are relevant to both student groups (perfectionistic personality, academic stress) and how these factors combinedly predict satisfaction with life. With 531 international and 359 domestic graduate students, results found support for perfectionism and academic stress predicting life satisfaction in both groups with notable similarities and differences. For perfectionists in both student groups, the level of academic stress was an important factor that determined satisfaction with life. Interestingly, for international students only, the perfectionism dimension of standards, which has been traditionally considered adaptive, functioned in a maladaptive way. Findings from this study suggest that international and domestic students share similarities and differences that should be noted.
A Comparative Study of Female Chinese STEM PhD Students in China and New Zealand: Gendered Experiences at Academic Conferences
Author: Yang, Liuning
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Comparative Analysis,Females,Foreign Countries,Doctoral Students,Student Experience,Conferences (Gatherings),Gender Bias,STEM Education,Student Attitudes

Attending and presenting at academic conferences is an essential aspect of the doctoral journey. Academic conferences offer opportunities for PhD students to present their research, network with other researchers, and learn about the newest developments in their field. This small-scale, qualitative study explored conference experiences of nine female Chinese PhD students, four studying in China and five in New Zealand. Comparing their experiences -- both at conferences and in their doctoral programs generally -- provides a comparative glimpse into the ongoing gender bias faced by women in academia. Findings from semi-structured interviews indicated that domestic Chinese students faced more obstacles of a 'glass ceiling', gender-biased behaviors, and more limited support from their supervisors than their counterparts studying in New Zealand. Chinese students studying in New Zealand still faced similar gendered expectations in regard to family responsibilities, however they reported stronger support systems from supervisors and universities. Future research is needed as universities in both countries work to mitigate gender inequities in STEM fields.
The Influence of Gender and Study Duration on EFL Learners&apos; Speaking Strategies Use
Author: Dinsa, Mitiku Tasisa
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Gender Differences,Time on Task,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Speech Skills,Communication Strategies,Foreign Countries,Language Proficiency,College Students

The speaking strategy use of students is perceived to be successful in L2 learning and competent English users. The aim of this study was to pinpoint the influence of gender differences on students' speaking strategies use. It also intended to identify the influence of study duration on students' speaking strategies use to learn speaking skill at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia. The participants of the current study were 70 (34 female and 36 male) English major students in the Academic Year of 2020. A descriptive comparison design was utilized for this study. The data were collected from the targeted population using a questionnaire and interview whether gender and study duration influence students' speaking strategies use or not. The results denoted that there were significant relationships between females and males in employing speaking strategies to learn speaking skill. Gender has no an influence on students' speaking strategies use to exercise oral communication. However, the finding denoted that there was statistically a significant difference between second year and third year EFL students in using speaking strategies to promote their speaking proficiency. Study duration has an influence on students' speaking strategies use to train oral communication. Therefore, this study recommends learners should use appropriate speaking strategies based on their interest to promote their speaking proficiency; they must be trained and supported to employ different strategies develop their oral communication skills.
Dimensionality and Reliability of the Intentions to Seeking Counseling Inventory with International Students
Author: Yee, Terence
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Intention,Help Seeking,Counseling,Measures (Individuals),Foreign Students,Test Validity,Test Reliability,Factor Analysis,College Students

To date, the Intentions to Seek Counseling Inventory (ISCI) is the most widely used instrument to measure psychological help-seeking intentions. However, the ISCI is yet to be validated with international students. In this study, we examine the dimensionality and reliability of the ISCI by performing exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha reliability analysis, and split-half reliability analysis in a sample of international students (N = 183). We find a two-factor, 15-item assessment that explains 49.92% of the common variance. Our findings provide support for the use of ISCI with international students, albeit with different dimensionality. Implications of the findings for both research and practice are discussed.
A Meta-Analysis Study on the Relationship between Mathematical Literacy and Mathematics Achievement in PISA Tests
Author: Polat, Murat
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Meta Analysis,Correlation,Mathematics Achievement,Numeracy,Secondary School Students,Foreign Countries,Achievement Tests,International Assessment,Research Reports,Effect Size

This research is an extensive meta-analysis investigating the link between mathematical literacy and mathematics achievement which are tested mainly in PISA exams. With this aim in mind, first, the studies related to the research objective between the years 2003-2021 were examined. In the second stage, eight studies which met the research criteria and 13 quantitative data categories that were common in those studies were determined. In the end of the process, the data set of this meta-analysis study consisted data obtained from 34146 participants in total. Based on the findings driven from the study, a heterogeneous data structure was observed; thus, the Random Effect model was used in the analyses and it was summoned that the link between mathematical literacy and mathematics achievement had a moderately significant effect on the effect size value (Cohen's d value: 0.66). The analysis of the subgroups revealed that there was no noteworthy difference between the effect levels considering the independent variables including the publication type, sample group and publication year. Finally, the results of this meta-analysis revealed that there was a positive and moderate relationship among students' mathematical literacy and mathematics achievement measured in PISA tests.
An Action Research on Development of Students&apos; Awareness of Global Issues through Theme-Based English Language Teaching
Author: Basarir, Fatma
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Action Research,World Affairs,Global Education,Knowledge Level,Content and Language Integrated Learning,English (Second Language),Language Proficiency,Sex Fairness,Student Attitudes,Foreign Countries,College Students

The purpose of this study is to investigate how to improve higher education students' awareness of global issues with English teaching within the scope of the theme-based model of content-based language teaching (CBLT) approach and how to overcome problems that may be encountered during the implementation. Designed as an action research, the study was conducted in the spring term of the 2015-2016 academic year, with sophomores of a state university's vocational school. &quot;Gender equality&quot; theme was addressed within the scope of the study. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, student journals, researcher journal and student products. The findings of the study revealed that while the concept of gender equality was generally limited to gender equality under the law prior to application, the scope of this concept was expanded to encompass not only law but also home, work, family and social life in many ways after the implementation. As a result of the research, it was concluded that theme-based activities contributed to awareness raising about the theme and increased the students' motivation towards the course, to learn the language, take steps on the solution of global problems and research on global issues.
Cap-and-Gown Collaboration in Community Development: Implications for Counselling
Author: Ocansey, Sylvia
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Community Development,School Community Relationship,Reputation,Health,Educational Attitudes,Transportation,Proximity,Water Quality,Energy,Access to Education,Building Design,Stakeholders,Community Change,Counseling Services,State Universities,Institutional Characteristics,Foreign Countries,Indigenous Populations

This research explored the power of dominant partnerships in promoting community development. Two local communities sited in a coastal West African town, recorded notable transformation as a result of their members' long-standing interaction with a famous close by higher education institution. With a sample of three hundred and seventy-two community members, the initial survey explored the physical influence of the university, on the lives of the studied communities. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used in the initial case to reach the respondents but the ensuing qualitative inquiry engaged four additional purposively selected participants to generate more data through structured interviews on education, transportation and health, as key emerging physical indicators, from the quantitative aspect. The SPSS, descriptive statistics and percentages facilitated the quantitative data analysis, but thematic analysis was used to make meaning from the gathered qualitative data. Efficient triangulation of gathered data from both approaches generated interesting findings regarding the research topic. As a result of proximity to the university, the natives presently enjoy pipe borne water, hydro-electric power, easy access to formal education, better transportation and modern-styled cement buildings. Further collaborations were recommended among the stakeholders to sustain the identified infrastructural changes that have taken place within the studied communities. Some counselling implications of the research were also drawn.
Challenges of Virtual Learning Environment in Mathematics in the Context of Nepal
Author: Dhakal, Prem Kumari
Date: 2022-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Barriers,Electronic Learning,Educational Environment,Mathematics Education,Foreign Countries,Student Experience,COVID-19,Pandemics,Student Attitudes

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by the learners in virtual learning in mathematics. A qualitative case study was conducted in Mid-western University, Nepal. Altogether ten participants from different districts of Karnali Province were chosen purposively. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were the tools of data collection. Collected data were transcribed, coded and categorized to develop themes. The method of data analysis is thematic with quotations and block quotes. The study revealed that virtual learning is an opportunity in higher education for job holders and married women as well as others who could not join face to face classes, although it has many challenges. The finding indicates that the learners have faced pedagogical challenges, technological challenges, challenges of time management, environmental challenges and psychological challenges.