Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research (EPASR - E-Journal)
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Mathematics Homework Feedback from the Perspective of Mathematics Teachers and Students
Full text linkThis study aimed to investigate how mathematics teachers%20 feedback on homework is perceived from both teacher and student perspectives. A phenomenological research design was employed, involving six elementary school mathematics teachers and six middle school students from a provincial center in Eastern Anatolia. Data were collected through online focus group discussions and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Teachers primarily perceived feedback as "homework control" and emphasized its role in identifying deficiencies, reinforcing learning, and fostering questioning skills. However, time constraints were a major challenge in providing feedback. In distance education, technological problems and reduced teacher-student interaction negatively affected feedback processes, while face-to-face education enabled more accurate evaluation and effective feedback. Students generally perceived feedback as superficial and symbolic but acknowledged its motivational impact. They also highlighted the advantages of face-to-face feedback over distance education. The findings suggest that feedback should be more constructive and process-oriented to enhance both teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes
21st Century Türkiye Maarif Model%253A Teachers’ Opinions on the Renewed Preschool Education Program
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the status of the preschool education program developed based on the 21st Century Türkiye Maarif Model and to analyze the effectiveness of the model through Eisner’s Educational Criticism Model. In the research, the qualitative research method was adopted as the model, and the case study design was preferred as the pattern. The study group of the research consists of a total of 15 preschool teachers who provided education to 5-year-old children in public kindergartens in the Kırıkhan district of Hatay province during the 2024–2025 academic year. In the selection of participants, the criterion sampling method was used. A semi-structured interview form was employed as the data collection tool, and the data obtained were analyzed through descriptive analysis and content analysis methods. The data obtained from the research were examined and analyzed within the framework of the four basic dimensions of Eisner’s Educational Criticism Model, namely description, interpretation, evaluation, and thematization. The results of the study revealed that teachers evaluated the preschool education programs developed in accordance with the 21st Century Türkiye Maarif Model as innovative programs that respond to the needs of the era, are suitable for the developmental level of children, and support holistic development. The research also yielded findings that certain negative situations were experienced during the implementation of the education program, such as a lack of materials, an insufficient number of activities, and inadequacy of in-service training for teachers. In the study, teachers suggested that for the education program to be implemented more effectively, guidance activities and in-service training should be increased
Relation between Resilience and Enneagram Personality Types
Full text linkThe purpose of this research is to examine the psychological resilience levels of adult individuals in terms of demographic characteristics and enneagram personality types. The findings may help experts working in the field and contribute to the literature. The study is an original study that has not been researched before. Participants consisted of parents of students attending a pre-school education center. Data was collected from 252 people, 182 women and 70 men. In order to collect data a quot%253BQuestionnairequot%253B, Brief Resilience Scale and Enneagram Personality Scale were used to collect data. T-test and analysis of variance techniques were used to evaluate the changes in the level of the resilience with demographic variables. Correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between resilience and enneagram personality types. Results of the statistical analysis has been determined that resilience levels are higher in men, older individuals, married people, and those with high education and income levels. Additionally, levels of resilience were found to be positively related to enneagram personality types. This relationship was found statistically significant in a total of six personality types%253A achiever, original, observer, adventurer, leader, and accommodator. This work contributes to the study of resilience and related factors. Similar studies were proposed for the future to bolster the results
Investigation of Four Operation Problem Solving Skills of Primary School Fourth-Grade Students According to Unknown Situation
Full text linkProblem solving skill is a basic skill that students should acquire both in mathematics education and their daily lives. This research aims to examine fourth-grade elementary school student skills in solving four-operation problems prepared in different structures according to the situation of the unknown. In this research, on the one hand, students%252339%253B success in solving four-operation problems prepared according to the unknown (initial, change, and final unknown) was examined, and on the other hand, problem solutions were analyzed according to Polyo%252339%253Bs problem solving steps. This research is a survey model from quantitative research methods. The sample of this research consists of 150 students studying in the fourth grade of two public primary schools in Amasya city center in the 2021-2022 academic year. The quot%253BProblem-Solving Achievement Testquot%253B developed by Bayar (2022) was used as a measurement tool in this research. Based on the findings obtained because of the analysis of the data%253B it was determined that students were significantly more successful in problems with unknown outcomes than in problems with unknown both initial and change. Besides, although the students were successful in the step of understanding the problem in the problem-solving steps, they were less successful in the steps of planning, executing the plan, and controlling the plan, respectively, compared to the step of understanding the problem. A positive relationship was found between all the variables in this research, albeit at a moderate and low level. It would be beneficial to revise the problems in the textbooks and classroom practices within the framework of the results
Correlations Between School Principals Toxic Leadership Characteristics and Teachers Perceptions of Mobbing
Full text linkThis study mainly aims to identify the correlations between school principals toxic leadership characteristics and teachers perceptions of mobbing. Beside its fundamental purpose, this study also aims to identify the levels of school principals toxic leadership characteristics and of teachers mobbing perception and whether or not those levels differ according to demographic and occupational properties. The study uses the relational survey model and quantitative design. The sample was composed of 455 teachers teaching in schools in Çanakkale city centre and in the county of Çan in 2023-2024 academic year. The research data were collected with the Demographic Information Form, Mobbing Scale and Toxic Leadership Scale. Percentage analysis, frequency analysis, regression analysis, correlation analysis, Mann Whitney-U test, Shapiro-Wilk test, Kolmogrov-Smirnow test and Kruskal Wallis-H test were used in analysing the data. As a result, teachers perceptions of school principals toxic leadership characteristics and their perceptions of mobbing were generally found to be at medium level. In addition to that, teachers perceptions of toxic leadership differed significantly according to gender, level of education and school where they taught. On the other hand, positive and significant correlations were found between principals toxic leadership characteristics and teachers perceptions of mobbing. As a result, school principals behaviours and performance can be monitored and evaluated, and administrators can be offered training by giving feedback in relation to their toxic leadership and mobbing behaviours
Investigation of the Effect of Block-Based Applications on Computational Thinking Skills
Full text linkThe research aims to explore the acquisition of Computational Thinking (CT) sub-skills among 5th and 6th grade secondary school students in Turkey through a block-based programming application,code.org. It seeks to understand if mastering these skills is essential for students globally. This study involved seven volunteer students selected through a mixed-methods suitability sample for the academic year 2021-2022. It utilized multiple tools%253A the Computational Thinking Skill Level Scale (CTSLS), observations, and interviews. Each student completed six tailored lessons via distance learning, which were recorded for observation and followed by interviews. Analysis of CT skills was conducted descriptively, considering the CTSLS scores before and after the lessons, observation of CT sub-skills during each session, and individual progress. Despite individual variations in CT skill display, there was no significant difference in the CTSLS scores pre- and post-intervention or between students of middle and high skill levels. The findings suggest that while individual progress in CT skills can be noted, the overall impact of the intervention on enhancing CT skills as measured by CTSLS is limited. This highlights the need for further investigation into the methods and effectiveness of teaching CT skills through block-based programming platforms
Investigation of the Relationship Between Learning Styles and Creativity of Middle School Science and Art Centres Students
Full text linkThe current study, which uses a survey approach, aims to identify middle school students who visit BILSEMs (Science and Art Centers) in terms of their creativity and learning preferences and to look into the impact of various factors on these traits. In the 2021ndash%253B2022 academic year, 214 fifth, sixth, and seventh graders were chosen using the purposive sampling technique. The quot%253BHow Creative Are You%253Fquot%253B scale, quot%253BKolb Learning Style Inventory,quot%253B and a personal information form were used as data gathering tools. The study%252339%253Bs findings indicate that the creativity of the participating students is above medium, and the majority have quot%253Bconvergingquot%253B learning styles. At the same time, the minority has quot%253Bdivergingquot%253B learning styles, that gender, grade level, type of school, BILSEM program, and family income level have no bearing on the children%252339%253Bs creativity, and learning styles vary significantly depending on these factors. Additionally, there was no discernible link between the students%252339%253B learning preferences and creativity
Picturebooks to Challenge Learners Viewpoints in Japanese Language Instruction%253A A Critical Multiculturalism Perspective
Full text linkThis article provides practical strategies for language educators to utilize picturebooks in nurturing learners%252339%253B critical perspectives. It emphasizes the importance of encouraging students to challenge their established viewpoints within the framework of critical multicultural education. By adopting a critical lens when engaging with picturebooks, learners are empowered to explore and critically examine the power dynamics embedded within various cultures, facilitating the recognition of their own privilege and its impact on society. Picturebooks that depict characters from diverse backgrounds can prompt discussions about privilege, empathy, and social justice. The article includes a comprehensive analysis of a carefully selected picturebook, along with recommended pedagogical techniques for cultivating critical reading skills. These insights assist educators in designing instructional content that expands and challenges learners perspectives. This approach fosters open-mindedness, counters biases, and stimulates proactive engagement among learners, ultimately leading to a more equitable and inclusive society. By leveraging the unique qualities of picturebooks, educators can create a dynamic and transformative learning environment that supports critical thinking and social awareness
The Relationship Between Teachers Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Their Self-Efficacy in Developing Digital Materials
Full text linkThis study was conducted to explore the relationship between teachers self-efficacy belief levels and their self-efficacy in developing digital materials. A 26-item self-efficacy scale for creating digital materials and a 27-item teacher self-efficacy beliefs scale were administered to 266 secondary school teachers during the 2022-2023 academic year. The findings revealed that teachers demonstrated high levels of self-efficacy in both developing digital materials and their overall self-efficacy beliefs. Moreover, a statistically significant, positive, and low correlation was found between teachers self-efficacy in developing digital materials and their self-efficacy belief levels. Specifically, a one-unit increase in teacher self-efficacy belief levels resulted in a 0.45-unit increase in self-efficacy for developing digital materials, indicating that teachers self-efficacy for digital material development was predicted by their self-efficacy belief levels. These results demonstrate a positive relationship between teachers self-efficacy beliefs and their self-efficacy in developing digital materials, suggesting that teachers general self-efficacy beliefs can serve as a predictor of their confidence and competence in creating digital materials
Development of a Scoring Key to Evaluate the Creative Story Writing Levels of Secondary School Seventh Grade Students
Full text linkIn this study, it was aimed to develop a rubric to evaluate the creative story writing skill levels of seventh grade secondary school students. The research was designed in quantitative research method and survey model. In the research, convenience sampling technique was used and 270 students studying at the seventh grade level of secondary school were studied. In the process of creating the item pool of the research, 11 academicians, 8 teachers and 7 graduate students were consulted. In order to create an item pool, firstly, a literature review was conducted. The prepared item pool was presented to the field experts and the draft scale was applied to the sample group. As a result of the findings obtained, it was concluded that there was a high level of consistency between the evaluations made by different raters. The validity studies of the scale were conducted and it was determined that the content and criterion validity were appropriate. In order to determine the reliability of the scale items, Cronbach%252339%253Bs Alpha value was determined. It was determined that the Cronbach%252339%253Bs Alpha value of the scale with all sub-dimensions was above 0.7. Cohen%252339%253Bs Kappa statistic (kappa%253B) was used to ensure internal consistency between raters (plt%253B.05). As a result of the analyses, it was determined that there was almost perfect agreement in the items in the scale. Finally, Cohen%252339%253Bs Kappa coefficient was determined to determine whether there was agreement between the raters, and a significant level of agreement was found between the raters of the scale. In addition, as a result of the results obtained from the expert opinions, it was decided that the rubric should consist of 6 dimensions and 24 items in total, namely quot%253Bimaginationquot%253B, quot%253Boriginalityquot%253B, quot%253Bdifferent perspectivequot%253B, quot%253Bcontentquot%253B, quot%253Blanguage and expressionquot%253B, quot%253Bformquot%253B, and five levels, namely quot%253Bstrongly agreequot%253B, quot%253Bagreequot%253B, quot%253Bpartially agreequot%253B, quot%253Bdisagreequot%253B and quot%253Bstrongly disagreequot%253B