University of Macau / Faculty of Education

University of Macau / Faculty of Education

published_or_final_version / Education / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Research indicates that preschool experience significantly influences child development and this study examined the influence of preschool learning experiences on children’s school readiness, self-regulation and academic achievement. Participants were 190 children from an impoverished county in Southwest China and their teachers. Classroom observations were conducted and children were assessed in individual and group sessions. There were three different types of preschool programs (kindergartens, pre-primary classes; Grade 1) available in the county. A total of 18 teaching episodes provided in either the kindergarten or primary schools to 164 children were videotaped and analyzed. Results indicated marked variations in preschool quality and pedagogical practices to support children’s self-regulation across programs. Kindergartens had the best physical environments, the most resources and highly qualified teachers. The teachers provided children with meaningful learning opportunities, adequate instructions, clear structure and predictability, and diversified instructional formats. Pre-primary classes had limited resources and unqualified teachers who emphasized academic learning. Compared to kindergarten teachers, pre-primary class teachers prepared fewer activities and frequently required children to simply sit still and listen. Preschool age children who merely “sat in” Grade 1 classrooms were typically neglected by teachers and only received attention from the teacher when they were disruptive. Grade 1 children (89 girls) who had attended kindergarten (n = 60), separate pre-primary classes (n = 55), merely “sat in” Grade 1 classes before being formally enrolled in school (n = 54) or had no preschool experience (n = 21) were assessed at the beginning of Grade 1 (Wave 1), at the end of Grade 1 (Wave 2), and at the end of Grade 2 (Wave 3). Their school readiness was assessed in Wave 1. Their self-regulation skills were assessed using the modified Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task in Waves 1 and 2, and seven cognitive regulation tests in Wave 3. Their literacy and mathematics achievement was evaluated using curriculum-based tests across the three waves. Results indicated that children with some form of preschool experience outperformed those with none in almost all the three outcomes across the three waves. Children from the kindergarten had better school readiness than the other three groups and better self-regulation than those attending separate pre-primary classes at the start of school. Children attending separate pre-primary classes had significantly better literacy and mathematics than those from the kindergarten at the start of school and literacy at the end of Grade 2. Children “sitting in” Grade 1 classes achieved lower scores than those from the kindergarten and pre-primary classes on almost all child outcome measures. The growth of self-regulation within the first primary school year was significant and Wave 1 behavioral regulation predicted Wave 3 cognitive regulation. School readiness and self-regulation significantly predicted academic achievement in all three waves and school readiness mediated the close relationship between self-regulation and academic achievement. Findings highlight the importance of (i) preschool experience for children from economically disadvantaged families in rural China; and (ii) self-regulation in school preparedness and early academic attainment. They also have implications for scaling up and enhancing the quality of preschool programs. / published_or_final_version / Education / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / Education / Master / Master of Education

published_or_final_version / abstract / Education / Master / Master of Education

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

Pre-schools, as the entry point to formal education are increasingly expected to play an invaluable role in the promotion of peace. As such, this study sets out to investigate the nature and extent to which one pre-school, namely Khulqnathi Educare Gentre in Pietermaritzburg (KEG), adheres to the 'peaceful schools' model with respect to its organization, curriculum, learning methods and the handling of conflict. The research approach taken in this study was qualitative and exploratory, relying on self-administered questionnaires, reviewing literature and documentary analysis. The researcher also spent some time at the school to observe day-to-day activities. Parents and teachers constituted the study's respondents. The study reveals an innovative approach to teaching at KEG in which peace education is treated as an integral part of the entire learning and teaching processes. This innovation gets impetus from the school's constitution, which endorses peace education. Peace values are promoted through the curriculum in general, and in particular, the teaching and learning methods and in the school's approaches to handling conflict. Peace education does not stand out as an explicit goal. Rather, it is an integral compc;ment of the four cornerstones of the KEG's learning and teaching processes. Approaches to resolving conflict through dialogue at the school further demonstrate the school's adherence to the peaceful school model. A close working relationship between the school staff and parents ensures that children are exposed to peace values both at home and at school. In summary, the questionnaires, observations and the school documents lead to the conclusion that KEG is closely conforms to the peaceful school model. The study also offers some general insights on peace education in pre-schools and some recommendations specifically meant for Khulanthi Educare's situation. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Research literature indicates that ongoing professional development makes a difference in enhancing the knowledge, abilities, and necessary skills for early intervention providers of preschoolers with moderate and severe disabilities (MSD). The purpose of this study was to assess the professional development needs of early intervention providers of preschoolers with MSD in Saudi Arabia. This research implemented a descriptive survey design to provide quantitative research findings. The study included a sample size of 92 early intervention providers (EIPs). The researcher used descriptive statistics to analyze the demographic characteristics of the participants and to determine participants’ responses towards the basic characteristics, objectives, and standards of professional development programs at the Disabled Children’s Association (DCA) in Saudi Arabia as well as their perceived teaching abilities. The Somers' D tests were conducted to compare several proportions among the items. ANOVA also was used to determine whether a significant difference existed among all independent and dependent variables. The research results discovered that the basic characteristics, objectives, and standards of professional development programs at the DCA in Saudi Arabia that provide early intervention providers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities were in the high level of quality. The findings also indicated that perceived teaching abilities of EIPs were in the high level, while “teaching Self-Help skills” was in the moderate level. There was a significant difference between perceived teaching abilities and the number of hours spent in a professional development course, at p<.05. Providers who spent five or more hours of professional development during the past year had higher means and influences in teaching the five achievement skills researched in this study. Overall, there was agreement between the criteria of the programs offered in the centers of the DCA and the perceptions of the early intervention providers about their professional development needs, which were both at the high level. The researcher recommends that stakeholders in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries should develop appropriate and effective early intervention programs like the ones offered at the DCA centers, which will contribute to enhancing the quality of education for providers and their students with disabilities, including preschoolers with MSD. / Department of Special Education

Mémoire (M.Ed.)-- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1992. / Bibliogr.: f. [127]-130. Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU