International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction (World Council for Curriculum and Instruction - WCCI)
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The Effect of Teaching Contrasting Concepts on Long-term Learning of Science Concepts : Long-term learning of Science concepts
No full textThe purpose of the current study is to make the concept of inertia comprehensible by examining it in relation to its contrasting and similar concepts and to discuss the effect of introducing contrasting concepts in concept teaching on long-term learning. The study employs a document analysis method. In the study, relevant documents containing the concept of inertia and its contrasting and similar concepts were examined using a descriptive analysis approach. In the study, the claim that supporting conventional concept teaching with a concept pool to be developed may be beneficial is discussed. Explaining concepts and providing appropriate examples through a concept pool strategy that includes main, contrasting and similar concepts may contribute to the permanent learning of the main concept. Moreover, presenting multiple concepts together may enable students to develop an intellectual perspective.
Keywords: Inertia; evolution; science; concept pool; concept learnin
Fitness and Cognition: A Significant Connection with Implications for Students and Teachers: Connection with Implications for Students and Teachers
No full textAbstract
The connection between fitness and cognition is an often overlooked but crucial factor in not only managing stress but also plays a pivotal role in optimal cognitive function. Analyzing this connection provides multiple implications for teachers and students alike. Topics in this paper will include the findings of a survey related fitness and cognition as well as insights from Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John Ratey, M.D. and Built to Move by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett. Lastly, classroom implications for teachers and learners will be discussed as well as general lifestyle enhancements. The two main research questions addressed were “Is there a connection between fitness and cognition?” and “If there is a connection between fitness and cognition, what are the implications for learners and teachers?”.
Keywords: Fitness; cognition; kinesthetic learning; wellness; classroom implication
Discussion of the Effects of Teachers’ Behaviors in Learning Environments on Students’ Motivation: Effects of Teachers’ Behaviors in Learning Environments on Students’ Motivation
No full textThe purpose of the current study is to investigate teachers’ opinions on the effects of teachers’ behaviors in learning environments on students’ motivation and to discuss them within the context of the resonance field. The study employed the case study design. The study group consists of a total of five primary school teachers, four women and one man, who graduated from the primary teaching undergraduate program, have at least 10 years of experience, are actively working as primary teachers and have completed their master’s studies in the field of primary education. In the study, data were collected through semi-structured interviews using a single open-ended question prepared by the researcher. In the analysis of the collected data, content analysis was used. The codes identified in the study indicated that all the participants agreed that teachers’ behaviors in the learning environment can have both positive and negative effects on students’ motivation and that the participants attempted to explain these positive and negative effects based on different reasons. In addition, the participants expressed their opinions on possible solutions to the problem and thus demonstrated that they are experienced and well-equipped regarding the research issue. Finally, under the last heading, five recommendations were presented based on the aim and findings of the study
Exploring Children’s School Readiness in the COVID-19 Era: Teacher and Parent Views : Teacher and Parent Views on Children’s School Readiness
No full textOne of the concerns within the pandemic crisis is the issue of school readiness. With the closure of schools, children were deprived of the opportunities necessary for their development and learning, which are important for school readiness. The current mixed-method study explored the views of teachers and parents about the effects of COVID-19 on school readiness through semi-structured interviews and the Metropolitan School Readiness Test for children. Quantitative findings suggested that most children needed to be supported in terms of school readiness. According to the qualitative results gained from parents and teachers, children’s various developmental areas, mainly socio-emotional and physical, were affected adversely. In addition, both agents have some mutual expectations and have a series of expectations from politicians. As a result, this study can be considered crucially in comprehending the long-term impact of COVID-19 on children's school readiness and informing stakeholders by highlighting the views of parents and teachers
Budgeting Practices of Secondary Schools in Allocating Operational Funds for Instructional and Support Services in Mbeya District, Tanzania.: Allocating Operational Funds for Instructional and Support Services
No full textThis study focused to investigate the budgeting practices of secondary schools in allocating operational funds for instructional and support services in Mbeya district, Tanzania. The quantitative data were collected from a sample of 255 respondents encompassing members of the School Management Team (SMT) and heads of departments from 17 surveyed schools. These were analyzed by descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Also qualitative data were collected from 10 participants involving 5 heads of schools and 5 school bursars. These were analyzed by thematic analysis. The concurrent triangulation design was employed to underscore breadth and in depth understanding of the problem. In budgeting school requirements, this study found that schools tend to prioritize some requirements over funds allocated for other categories. This practice compromises the indicative budgeting standard prescribed by the central government. It results into inequitable allocation of instructional and support services in schools. Also schools experience competency gaps in using the NeST (National e-Procurement System of Tanzania). The study underscores the necessity for ensuring consistent and timely disbursement of funds, strengthening the current school audit, enhancing transparency in utilization of funds, and employing expert bursars dedicated for managing school funds
Beyond the Social: A New Perspective on Character Analysis through Evolutionary Psychology: Character Analysis through Evolutionary Psychology
No full textThis study explores how evolutionary psychology can offer a complementary perspective on character analysis, especially for feminist literary criticism, in American literature. Feminist criticism provides a valuable framework for understanding how gender roles and patriarchal structures shape literary texts, often interpreting character behavior through social and cultural norms. However, evolutionary psychology provides the opportunity to evaluate characters' decisions and relationships from a broader perspective, through biologically based instincts such as mate selection, status seeking, sexual competition, and parental investment. This article analyzes F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's “The Yellow Wallpaper” through the lens of evolutionary psychology, primarily drawing on David M. Buss's Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind. The Great Gatsby is examined through Gatsby's and Daisy's mate selection and competition between men; the psychological disintegration of the female protagonist in “The Yellow Wallpaper” is addressed not only within the framework of patriarchy but also evolutionarily derived vulnerabilities. This article challenges biases against evolutionary psychology, bridges it with feminist theory, and offers a multi-layered approach to character analysis, proposing evolutionary psychology as an alternative tool for literary studies.
Keywords: Evolutionary Psychology; American Literature; Feminist Criticism; Character Analysis; Literary Analysi
The Impact of Gamification on Students’ Attitudes and Achievement in Mathematics Instruction: An Action Research: Students’ Attitudes and Achievement in Mathematics Instruction
No full textAbstract
Within the scope of this paper, which was designed as an action research study, the researcher—who is also a mathematics teacher—investigated the role of gamification in mastery-based mathematics instruction. The study was conducted with 25 seventh-grade students attending a public middle school in the Akdeniz district of Mersin. It examined how the implementation affected students’ academic achievement, and attitudes. While designing a six-cycle action plan, an instructional program incorporating gamification activities based on mastery learning was prepared. Climate change themes were placed at the center of the instructional program. By utilizing the similarities between the elements of gamification and those of the mastery learning model, these components were integrated with one another. In addition, the study explored how gamification contributed to mastery learning throughout the research. Quantitative data were collected through an academic achievement test, an attitude scale, a retention test, and parallel tests. Quantitative data were analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test, and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. According to the results, there was a significant difference between the students’ pre-test and post-test scores in the implementation where mastery-based mathematics instruction was carried out through gamification. Furthermore, the retention test and parallel test results indicated that gamification contributed to mastery learning
The Effects of Podcast-Based Listening Instruction on High School EFL Students’ Attitudes Toward English and Listening Skills: High School EFL Students’ Attitudes Toward English and Listening Skills
No full textThe study examined the impact of podcast-based listening instructions on students’ attitudes toward learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and their listening skills. It collected both qualitative and quantitative data using a quasi-experimental mixed-methods research design based on constructivist learning theory, utilizing a pre-/post-test non-equivalent control group model. There were 96 ninth-grade students from two high schools in Türkiye who participated; the control group received traditional curriculum-based listening instruction, while the experimental group received podcast-supported listening activities over a six-week period. Quantitative data were collected using an Attitude Questionnaire toward English (pre-and post-Test), and qualitative data were collected using teacher and student self-reflection sheets. Using non-parametric and parametric statistical analyses, the researchers found no statistically different attitudes between the two groups at pre-Test; however, the post-Test scores showed that the experimental group had a statistically significant improvement in their attitudes toward learning English. When analysing the data based on gender, female students in the experimental group had significantly more gain in their overall attitude than males, but internet access did not significantly affect their attitudes about the study. The qualitative data also confirmed the quantitative findings, showing an increase in learner autonomy and engagement and less listening anxiety by students exposed to podcasts. These findings may be beneficial for secondary EFL listening instruction and indicate that using podcasts may positively affect students’ affective engagement and motivation. The authors discussed how language teachers can utilise technology in ways that will enhance their teaching practice and suggested that further research should be conducted on this topic.
Keywords: Podcast-based learning; EFL listening; learner attitudes; constructivist learning; technology-enhanced instructio
Lucky Force: Developing and Evaluating A Card and Board Game for Enhancing Physics Concept: A Card and Board Game for Enhancing Physics Concept
No full textThis study developed and evaluated Lucky Force, a card and board game designed to improve Grade 8 students’ understanding of net force. Using a Research and Development (R&D) design with a descriptive–evaluative approach, the game was assessed by 50 pre-service science teachers and 10 high school science teachers in Ifugao Province. Evaluation focused on rules and mechanics, design, conceptual accuracy, playability, goals, components, and usefulness, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Results showed all indicators achieved Excellent ratings, with an overall mean of 4.67 from students and 4.84 from teachers. Findings indicate that Lucky Force is a scientifically accurate, engaging, and effective instructional tool, supporting game-based learning integration in physics education
Awareness on Republic Act No. 7610 Among High School Students at Wesleyan University Philippines: Focus on Articles VIII (Working Children) & IV (Child Trafficking): Awareness on Regulations Among High School Students
No full textThis research described the level of awareness of 215 Wesleyan University-Philippines high school students regarding Article VII and Article IV of Republic Act No. 7610 otherwise known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. The researchers found that the high school students at WUP are fully aware of how important it is for employers to protect the health, safety, and well-being of child workers. On the other hand, the students only slightly agreed that children should be allowed to work at all times. This suggests that they are concerned about how it might affect the children's education and development. Some respondents agreed that it is important to get clear permission from the child, their guardian, and the right authorities before signing an employment contract in the public entertainment or information industries. However, most of them agreed that the protection and well-being of child workers should come before giving them unlimited work opportunities. Also, the students strongly support stricter measures to prevent child trafficking, which show that they are fully aware of the problem and agree that something needs to be done. There is, however, a clear lack of information and agreement among the students about the specific punishments for individuals involved in child trafficking. This gap shows the importance of educating schools about the legal consequences of trafficking children and how important it is to have harsh penalties for people who try to do it