Component processes of early reading, spelling, and narrative writing skills in Turkish: a longitudinal study

The study examined: (a) the role of phonological, grammatical, and rapid automatized naming (RAN) skills in reading and spelling development; and (b) the component processes of early narrative writing skills. Fifty-seven Turkish-speaking children were followed from Grade 1 to Grade 2. RAN was the most powerful longitudinal predictor of reading speed and its effect was evident even when previous reading skills were taken into account. Broadly, the phonological and grammatical skills made reliable contributions to spelling performance but their effects were completely mediated by previous spelling skills. Different aspects of the narrative writing skills were related to different processing skills. While handwriting speed predicted writing fluency, spelling accuracy predicted spelling error rate. Vocabulary and working memory were the only reliable longitudinal predictors of the quality of composition content. The overall model, however, failed to explain any reliable variance in the structural quality of the composition

Multimedia Technologies\u27 Influence on Language Acquisition in English Language Learners

English as a Second Language (ESL) learners at the upper elementary level have struggled to demonstrate the vocabulary required to read in English at grade-level. Although multimedia technologies have demonstrated positive effects as language acquisition educational tools at the university level, it remains unclear how useful they are for language acquisition at the elementary level. This quasi-experimental study used dual coding theory as a framework to examine the relationship between the level of reading comprehension upper elementary students developed and their construction of word meanings through use of multimedia technologies. The study utilized convenience sampling of 85 students divided into treatment and control groups in a Puerto Rican Montessori school. The treatment consisted of use of multimedia technologies that included video, audio, images, and words in a digital environment for vocabulary acquisition instruction. Data sources included pretest and posttest results for the Maze Close test that measures reading comprehension. These results were analyzed using a paired t test. Results indicated that students in treatment groups developed greater reading comprehension than did those in control groups. However, the difference in scores between the groups was not significant, so the null hypothesis was not rejected. Further research is required in order to determine whether a positive relationship can exist between multimedia technology usage and development of upper elementary student vocabulary and reading comprehension. This study indicates the importance of examining whether multimedia technology use in elementary student English reading comprehension can create reading gains for upper elementary ESL students

Preliminary Studies on the fluctuation of the biomass of sizefractionated zooplankton in sea grass bed of Pulau Tinggi, Malaysia

Zooplanktons biomass was extensively studied in the sea grass bed of Pulau Tinggi, Malaysia for six months. In 2015, sampling months were April, June, October, whereas in 2016, April, June, August were the sampling months. A cone shaped plankton net was used with 0.30 m mouth, 1.00 m length and 100 μm mesh size. The fractionation of zooplankton size was carried out in to >2000 μm (large), 501-2000 μm (medium) and <500 μm (small). Zooplankton was classified as copepods, larvaceans, chaetognaths, cnidarians, ctenophores, decapods and polychaetes. Copepods were categorized as Calanoida, Poecilostomatoida, Cyclopoida and Harpacticoida but identified as a total of 54 species, 26 genera and 19 families. We conclude that among the biomass of 3 size fractions; medium (36%) was dominant followed by large and small (32% each) throughout the study period

Computer Programming Effects in Elementary: Perceptions and Career Aspirations in STEM

The development of elementary-aged students’ STEM and computer science (CS) literacy is critical in this evolving technological landscape, thus, promoting success for college, career, and STEM/CS professional paths. Research has suggested that elementary- aged students need developmentally appropriate STEM integrated opportunities in the classroom; however, little is known about the potential impact of CS programming and how these opportunities engender positive perceptions, foster confidence, and promote perseverance to nurture students’ early career aspirations related to STEM/CS. The main purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine elementary-aged students’ (N = 132) perceptions of STEM, career choices, and effects from pre- to post-test intervention of CS lessons (N = 183) over a three-month period. Findings included positive and significant changes from students’ pre- to post-tests as well as augmented themes from 52 student interviews to represent increased enjoyment of CS lessons, early exposure, and its benefits for learning to future careers

The Science of Learning

This report summarizes the existing research on the cognitive science of how children learn, and then connects it to the practical implications for teaching and learning. It explores questions such as, "how do students understand new ideas?" and "what motivates them to learn?"Deans for Impact believes that every aspiring teacher should grapple with -- and be able to answer -- these questions as part of their teacher-training program, and that all educators should be able to connect these principles to classroom practice. The document notes that the entire endeavor should be guided by the growing body of research on basic cognitive principles

Extending an Effective Classroom-Based Math Board Game Intervention to Preschoolers’ Homes

The preschool years are a critical time for math development. Unfortunately, children from low-income backgrounds often enter kindergarten with lower math skills than middle-income peers, perhaps due to less math exposure at home. Few home-based math interventions are available for preschool age children; those that do exist are costly and difficult to implement. Interventions conducted in children’s schools using linear numeric board games developed by researchers have been particularly successful with low-income preschool children. Researchers have suggested they may be adapted for home-use by using commercially available board games, such as Chutes and Ladders, and teaching parents how to play. The two studies described in this paper explored the effectiveness of using Chutes and Ladders with a specialized counting procedure with Head Start families. Implementation proved to be challenging and children did not improve as much as in previous classroom-based interventions

Social and Emotional Skills Training with Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum

Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum is a school-based program developed to prevent and reduce aggressive behavior. Three separate age-appropriate curricula are available: preschool/kindergarten level, elementary level, and middle school level. Designed to be teacher-friendly and convenient for classroom use, the curricula aim to prevent and decrease aggression by helping children develop habits of prosocial behavior and thought. Instructional strategies are evidence-based and are built on a broad foundation of research. In addition, these curricula employ strategies that have been found to be effective for prevention of delinquency and substance abuse, and to support children\u27s academic success. Each of the three curricula has been evaluated and found to reduce aggression and increase social skills

Self-regulated learning as a mediator of the relation between executive functions and preschool academic competence

Executive functions (EF) and self-regulated learning (SRL) are processes for the goal-directed control of cognition and (learning) behavior that positively affect academic outcomes. Based on the finding that EF form the developmental basis for SRL, this study tested a model that assumes SRL as a mediator of the relationship between preschool EF and academic competence. Previous studies that found evidence for this mediation considered as predictors cool EF, which are important in emotionally neutral situations. However, since (pre) school-based learning is also associated with motivational incentives (e.g., praise from teachers and educators), this study aimed to test the validity of the above-mentioned mediation model using as predictors hot EF, which are important in emotional–motivational contexts. To this end, the constructs included in the model were crosssectionally examined using performance measures and parent ratings in a sample of n = 77 German preschoolers (Mage = 71.61 months, SD = 4.13; 51.9 % girls). Results show that SRL mediates the relationship between hot EF and academic competence. Methodological limitations of the present study and implications for research and practice are discussed

Getting in Sync: Revamping Licensure and Preparation for Teachers in Pre-K, Kindergarten and the Early Grades

Outlines the challenges in teacher preparation and licensure, with a focus on pre-K through third grade; promising practices such as increased classroom experience and selectivity; and suggestions for improving teacher preparation programs and policies

English language learners in focus : predictors of English proficiency and academic achievement.

Academic achievement of English language learners (ELLs), the fastest growing population in the U.S. schools, deserves greater attention. This non-experimental study investigated the unique contributions-above and beyond other individual difference and school characteristics-of language learning strategies (LLS) to student academic outcomes in a second language (L2). The sample comprised 1,057 ELLs (651 elementary, 275 middle, and 131 high school) attending 38 schools in one urban school district. Descriptive analysis results indicated that ELLs used a large array ofLLS; yet, except for metacognitive strategies, most LLS were reportedly used only at a medium level of frequency. The results also indicated a strong awareness of strategy effectiveness among teachers: A lack of significant correlations between teacher and student LLS ratings, however, suggested that teacher beliefs may not necessarily translate into practice. The results of Structural Equation Modeling analyses identified three positive, instructionally manipulable contributors to ELLs\u27 L2 outcomes: metacognitive strategies, motivation, and native language (L 1) literacy. Whereas metacognitive strategy use appeared to be stable, cognitive strategy use declined as a function of age; memory, social, affective, and compensation strategy use declined as a function of length of residence (LOR). These results confirmed Gardner et al.\u27s (1997) hypothesis holding that with increased L2 proficiency students may feel less need in using LLS and suggested that age and LOR may moderate the relationships between LLS and L2 outcomes. Hierarchical Linear Modeling results indicated that metacognitive strategies, L 1 literacy, and English proficiency significantly contributed to reading achievement. Controlling for other predictors, lack of prior formal schooling had no negative effect on ELLs\u27 achievement; lack of mother formal education was a negative predictor of mathematics and science-but not reading and social studies-scores. Higher school quality indicators predicted higher academic achievement among ELLs. The overall results suggest that ELLs would benefit from: (a) integrated content, language, and metacognitive strategy instruction; (b) classrooms that stimulate motivation; (c) Ll literacy maintenance; (d) additional L2 support; and (e) placement in higher-performing schools. Additional research is needed to explore the potential moderator effects of age and LOR on the relationships between LLS and L2 outcomes