Using STEM-Focused Teacher Preparation Programs to Reimagine Elementary Education


Book Description

There has been an increasing issue in STEM education as many students lack interest and knowledge in STEM disciplines and fields. Given the high demand for STEM workers, and the projected growth of STEM fields, it is important to expose students to STEM education beginning as early as elementary school. Some K-6 programs are not preparing teacher candidates adequately for STEM content or skills, especially in engineering. Integrating these disciplines and practices throughout elementary education programs could result in more exposure for K-6 students. Using STEM-Focused Teacher Preparation Programs to Reimagine Elementary Education presents anecdotal stories of how elementary education programs have altered their content offerings, field experiences, and curricula to expand their teacher candidates’ knowledge and exposure to STEM disciplines and fields. Covering key topics such as diversity, teacher education, and technology integration, this premier reference source is ideal for industry professionals, policymakers, administrators of K-12 education, pre-service teachers, teacher educators, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.




Global Perspectives on Value Education in Primary School


Book Description

Global Perspectives on Value Education in Primary School is a comprehensive book edited by a renowned philosophy scholar from Kastamonu University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. In this book, readers will find a comprehensive account of how value education can be effectively delivered in primary schools worldwide. It presents an extensive collection of case studies and examples of values education from different countries and cultures and examines the criteria for selecting and differentiating values that are suitable for primary school level, and the methods and approaches for effectively teaching those values. By comparing different approaches and experiences, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for value education in primary schools. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in values education, including academic scholars, researchers, teachers, university students, and parents. With its rich and diverse range of perspectives and examples, it provides a compelling argument for the importance of values education in our time. Its persuasive problem and solution approach makes Global Perspectives on Value Education in Primary School an essential addition to the literature on education and philosophy.




Modern Early Childhood Teacher Education: Theories and Practice


Book Description

Early childhood education is the decisive period of a student’s life experience where the foundations for lifelong learning are laid. A dynamic interplay of individual and collective experiences unfolds within its organized environment, fostering holistic growth, development, and the safeguarding of young minds. The significance of these formative years cannot be overstated; they are a cornerstone of education, shaping more than half of an individual’s future learning trajectory. In a world driven by international imperatives and national priorities, the establishment of robust early education policies has emerged as a pressing need within the broader Early Childhood Development program. Modern Early Childhood Teacher Education: Theories and Practice delves into the multifaceted tapestry of early school education, dissecting its historical underpinnings while navigating the complexities of contemporary educational paradigms. The book unfurls a comprehensive exploration of diverse global early schooling systems, dissecting their historical trajectories and contemporary challenges. It assumes the role of a scholarly guide, not only for practicing early education teachers but also for aspiring educators preparing to embark on their journey into the realm of pre-school and primary education. Additionally, it stands as a forum for the global exchange of pedagogical insights, fostering a community of academics, researchers, and practitioners committed to advancing the field of early education. The pages of this book resonate with the echoes of critical topics such as contemporary challenges in early schooling systems, innovative teaching resources tailored for young learners, the intricate nuances of digital education in the formative years, and the pivotal role of early education as a catalyst for broader educational and cultural policies.




Cultivating Literate Citizenry Through Interdisciplinary Instruction


Book Description

The role of literacy instruction extends far beyond traditional English language arts classrooms. Cultivating Literate Citizenry Through Interdisciplinary Instruction delves into the necessary concepts within the realm of literacy across and within various academic disciplines. From the foundational core courses of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to enriching extracurricular pursuits like agriculture, theater arts, visual arts, and kinesiology, this book encapsulates the essence of fostering literacy competencies in all domains. This comprehensive resource caters to a diverse audience, spanning preservice and in-service teachers, teacher educators, district and school leaders, and educational researchers. It is a versatile tool, ideal for integrating literacy methods courses focusing on content-area and disciplinary literacy instruction across all age groups. Practicing teachers will find it an invaluable resource for their ongoing professional development, while educational leaders will gain profound insights to inform their instructional support strategies.




Global Challenges for the Environment and Climate Change


Book Description

Rampant deforestation, rising carbon emissions, and more unprecedented threats are creating chaos and turmoil for the environment. The delicate balance between nature and humanity seems to waver on the brink of collapse. Climate change exacerbates standard occurrences of natural disasters, and endangers countless species. Amid these daunting challenges, the need for comprehensive research and actionable solutions has never been greater. Global Challenges for the Environment and Climate Change draws upon the latest research and empirical findings, and offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world. Exploring topics such as climate change, sustainable consumption, and global governance equips readers with the knowledge and insights needed to effect meaningful change.




Meaningful and Active Family Engagement: IEP, Transition and Technology Integration in Special Education


Book Description

In the domain of education, the crucial connection between families and professionals faces obstacles that create a gap undermining student success. The conventional family engagement model falls short as the concept of "family" broadens to encompass various individuals influencing a child's learning path. Despite recognized significance backed by research and federal mandates, systemic barriers persist, disproportionately impacting culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse families. Furthermore, the absence of a unified resource that integrates disability, diversity, and technology exacerbates these issues, leaving educators unprepared to establish fair educational settings. Offering a groundbreaking solution, Millicent Musyoka's research book, titled Meaningful and Active Family Engagement: IEP, Transition, and Technology Integration in Special Education, disrupts the existing norm and redefines family engagement. Through this pioneering work, both scholars and educators gain a comprehensive manual for navigating the intricate terrain of inclusive education. Musyoka's expertise, spanning multilingualism, multicultural education, and special education, equips readers with strategies to bridge the divide between professionals and families. By highlighting legislative foundations and validated theories, the book offers a roadmap to transform engagement into purposeful collaboration. Meaningful and Active Family Engagement: IEP, Transition, and Technology Integration in Special Education covers diverse topics, including involving diverse families and those with disabilities, and integrating technology for effective communication. Through case studies, conflict resolution insights, and appreciation of diversity's benefits, Musyoka empowers readers to foster inclusive educational environments. The book's innovation lies in its comprehensive approach, addressing disability, diversity, and technology as interlinked components. Academics, educators, and service providers will discover this resource as transformative—a pivotal stride toward achieving equity, social justice, and enhanced student outcomes.




Nurturing Student Well-Being in the Modern World


Book Description

Students face many challenges beyond the traditional academic realm in modern education. The relentless pursuit of academic excellence, coupled with societal expectations, has inadvertently created an environment that often overlooks the holistic well-being of students. The book, Nurturing Student Well-Being in the Modern World, begins the reader’s journey by providing an understanding of the foundations of student well-being, offering a panoramic view of the complex factors at play. It then takes them into the transformative role of positive psychology in promoting well-being, before tackling specific dimensions such as physical health, mental health, emotional intelligence, and positive relationships. This book systematically addresses critical issues affecting students, from the impact of stress on student well-being to the crucial connection between sleep and academic performance. It courageously confronts bullying, digital well-being challenges, and the delicate balance between academic pressure and personal development. The book also spotlights the critical need for fostering resilience in the face of adversity, drawing lessons from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It also underscores the importance of self-compassion and student voices in shaping well-being initiatives. The final chapters extend the conversation to higher education, emphasizing the pivotal role of institutions in promoting student well-being beyond the K-12 years. This book is ideal for educators, parents, students, and policymakers to collaborate in creating nurturing environments that cultivate resilient, thriving, and successful individuals.




Parental Influence on Educational Success and Wellbeing


Book Description

Within parenting, a complex dynamic emerges as empirical research intersects with practical applications. Parental Influence on Educational Success and Wellbeing navigates uncharted territories in parenting research, tackling pivotal issues like culture, minority experiences, lifespan perspectives, disabilities, and the convergence of medical and legal dimensions. Its uniqueness lies in theoretical exploration and in providing tangible solutions—offering parents concrete best practices and strategies. This book is an indispensable resource for parents seeking to navigate the multifaceted challenges of nurturing their children in diverse contexts. By integrating insights from various dimensions of parenting research, the book equips parents with a nuanced understanding of how their actions reverberate through their child's life, influencing academic achievement and emotional well-being.




Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education


Book Description

Amidst the positive impact of high-quality early childhood education on a child's education, health, and family outcomes, a pressing issue persists – major systemic societal inequities. These disparities disproportionately affect certain children's access and inclusion in early learning environments, creating a landscape where potential remains untapped. At this pivotal juncture, where the spotlight is on universal access to early childhood learning, this book emerges as a beacon of change. Titled Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, this project dives deep into the heart of the matter, dissecting the challenges that hinder the realization of equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all young children and their families. This book caters to professionals and students across various disciplines involved in supporting young children and their families. Designed for early childhood teacher preparation programs, higher education institutions, alternative certification programs, policymakers, administrators, directors, and educators, Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education offers practical insights. It guides the creation of equitable and inclusive early childhood programs, shapes professional development, and encourages ongoing research and evaluation to ensure that innovations contribute to advancing equity and inclusion for all young children.




New Approaches in Mobile Learning for Early Childhood Education


Book Description

As personal computing devices transition from traditional computers to contemporary mobile platforms, a global revolution in technology-based learning is underway. In the context of contemporary education, a critical challenge involves aligning traditional pedagogical methods with the developmental needs of today's learners. The intersection of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and education is pivotal, with mobile devices emerging as transformative catalysts. New Approaches in Mobile Learning for Early Childhood Education explores the advantages inherent in mobile learning, highlighting various forms of ICT as technically appropriate tools that cater to the developmental needs of children. The book underscores the distinctive benefits of mobile learning, such as heightened user motivation, intuitive usability, and high accessibility and reliability. It positions ICT as an indispensable asset, overshadowing conventional teaching approaches, and emphasizes the principal benefit of these advancements: the facilitation of accelerated and more effective learning in education. Within the pages of this book, empirical studies unravel the transformative potential of mobile learning applications and their corresponding pedagogical strategies. Tailored for educators, researchers, and policymakers, the book delves into diverse subject domains and age groups, navigating through topics such as mobile learning intricacies, educational applications for children, and innovative science and mathematics education strategies.