scholarly journals Incorporating IStation into Early Childhood Classrooms to Improve Reading Comprehension

10.28945/3788 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 247-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Luo ◽  
Guang-Lea Lee ◽  
Cynthia Molina
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Reading Scores ◽  
Reading Levels ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Star Reading

Aim/Purpose: IStation is an adaptive computer-based reading program that adapts to the learner’s academic needs. This study investigates if the Istation computer-based reading program promotes reading improvement scores as shown on the STAR Reading test and the IStation test scaled scores for elementary school third-grade learners on different reading levels. Background: Prior literature provided a limited evidence base for incorporating computer-adaptive learning technologies to improve reading comprehension in the con-text of early childhood education. Methodology: Using a mixed-method case study research approach, this study purports to investigate the effects of IStation and examine the perspectives of teachers and students. Supported by survey and interview data, this case study employed a sample of 98 public school third-grade students in an urban elementary school in the southeastern United States as well as the three classroom teachers. Contribution: This study has provided a) additional data to show evidence for the effectiveness of a computer-based reading program, IStation, by using the students’ and teachers’ viewpoints as well as reading comprehension test scores data; and b) recommendations for practitioners and researchers regarding professional development for IStation implementation. Findings: The results of this study show a strong correlation between the usage of IStation and the rise of STAR reading scores during the time IStation was integrated. There were differing opinions regarding the effectiveness of IStation between students and teachers, as well as between low and high achieving students. Teachers recognized that intervening variables of teachers’ whole and small group lessons individualized for each class, as well as students’ practice sessions both at home and at school, could have also resulted in improved STAR reading scores. Recommendations for Practitioners: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when implementing such technology to a diverse array of learners on different reading levels, such as Tier 1 (high reader), Tier 2 (medium average benchmark reader), and Tier 3 (low reader). It is essential to provide professional development and training opportunities for teachers. Teachers can also train and elevate the higher achieving students with using IStation to monitor their own progress as well as set their own individual learning goals. Recommendation for Researchers: We recommend studies with a larger sample size that would likely yield more definitive and generalizable results, studies using a randomized control group that would have teased out extraneous factors and truly measuring the effects of IStation alone on STAR, as well as longitudinal studies examining the long-term effects of IStation.

Transformational Shifts of Pedagogy Through Professional Development, Essential Questions, and Self-Directed Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 160-178
Author(s):  
Ronda Cypret-Mahach
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Essential Questions ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Transformational Experiences ◽  
Star Reading

This chapter describes transformational experiences of a faculty of teachers during a yearlong action-research case-study of professional development, infused with digital technologies intended to capitalize on self-directed learning strategies, in the use of essential questions specifically designed to target critical thinking in students. Teachers who began to adopt the essence of essential questioning into their teaching practice also began to seek ways to engage in personalized self-directed learning as they looked for avenues to continue development of successful practice. The ability to self-investigate and self-delineate pedagogy was critical for most of participant teachers. The faculty of teachers involved in the action-research case-study demonstrated statistically significant growth on the Measure of Questioning Skills, indicating the experience encouraged teacher growth in questioning abilities. Research data also reflected statistically significant student growth in STAR Reading and STAR Math scores, and an increase in student's Measure of Questioning Skills.

scholarly journals Response of Prefrontal Cortex to Executive Function Tasks in Early Childhood: An Exploratory Case Study for Childcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Nobuki Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Exploratory Case Study

Executive function (EF) development is remarkable in early childhood. EF is an ability that provides a foundation for future success; accordingly, supporting children during their early childhood is crucial. So far, there have been many findings on EF in early childhood based on behavioral observation. This exploratory case study examines the measurement of prefrontal cortex activity during the performance of EF tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This study aims to explore the following hypothesis. (1) The prefrontal cortex during early childhood becomes more active as a task becomes more difficult. (2) However, brain activity decreases and stabilizes as time progresses. (3) The evaluation can be easily measured with two-channel fNIRS. Experimental results showed that the preschooler and the child in lower elementary school displayed high levels of brain activity in the order of increasing difficulty in terms of behavioral indicators. Moreover, the preschooler showed higher levels of reaction than the child in lower elementary school. This result is useful and will broaden the perspectives of scholars in the fields of psychology, pedagogy, and neuroscience, those involved in child support.

Parenting with eyes wide open: Young gifted children, early entry and social isolation

2020 ◽  
pp. 026142941989994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mimi Wellisch
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Gifted Children ◽  
Early Entry ◽  
Intellectually Gifted ◽  
The Ideal

This case study outlines the challenges of eight Australian mothers with intellectually gifted preschoolers. The ideal ways of nurturing children’s giftedness, the parents’ role in early identification and the effect of maternal depression and possible association with twice exceptionality (gifted with a disorder) are discussed. The narratives of case study parents then describe how and whether the needs of their preschoolers were understood or met in early childhood services, and the advice they received about early entry. It was found that early entry met the needs of children whose parents chose this acceleration option and that the preschoolers who missed out because of intervention by their educators did not fare so well. Findings also indicated an urgent need for the inclusion of compulsory early childhood giftedness courses for Australian pre-service educators and an equally urgent need for professional development courses about giftedness for educators already working in early childhood services.

scholarly journals NEEDS ANALYSIS IN DEVELOPING ENGLISH CURRICULUM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Isnaniah Isnaniah ◽  
Nor Millah Hayati
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
School Students ◽  
English Curriculum ◽  
Young Learners

The awareness of English language mastery leads to the effort of learning the language as early as possible. Since English is used as a foreign language in Indonesia, therefore English have to be introduced to the early childhood and elementary children institutions. When a foreign language is introduced to young learners, it requires special knowledge about how children acquire and learn language, so a proper learning method can be formulated as well. This research aims to conduct the needs analysis in developing English curriculum for early childhood and elementary school children. This research employed a case study research. It was carried out through surveys with relevant subject and related stakeholder at LKP SQUARE Education Center English Program Balai Pengembangan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini dan pendidikan Masyarakat (BP-PAUD dan Dikmas) Kalimantan Selatan. The object of the research is the subject's response including the tendency of the teachers for applying the curriculum in their teaching activities, the students’ performance, and the students’ character. The data were collected through interview, questionnaire, and observation. The data were analysed descriptively. The finding showed that the young learners need to master English skill actively and confidently.Keywords- Needs Analysis, Curriculum Development, English for Young Learners

The Impact of Lexia Reading Program on Early Childhood Literacy: A Case Study of Kindergarten Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (02) ◽  
pp. 20296-20309
Author(s):  
Dr. Felicia Sawyer ◽  
Dr. Sharon Hunter ◽  
Dr. Bobbie Little ◽  
Dr. Gloria Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Kindergarten Students ◽  
Independent Practice ◽  
Phonics Instruction ◽  
Basic Reading Skills ◽  
Early Childhood Literacy ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study is to analyze student progress after the frequent usage of a computerized reading program that provides phonics instruction and gives students independent practice in basic reading skills.

The work of early childhood coaches in one US state

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-152
Author(s):  
Amy Hnasko
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Master Teachers ◽  
Early Childhood Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Instructional Coaches

PurposeThis paper discusses the findings of a mixed-methods study of early childhood instructional coaches employed in state-funded preschool (aged three and four years) programs in the state of New Jersey (NJ) in the United States (US), highlighting a case study of one coach that provides an example of individual and organizational factors influencing the work.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was distributed to all coaches (master teachers) in 35 districts' early childhood programs. Two master teachers were then studied for a period of five months. During that time, three structured interviews were conducted, focused observations occurred each month, and coach logs were collected.FindingsThe findings of the data analyses illuminated both individual (i.e., a coach's own professional development) and organizational (i.e., varying interpretations of role) factors that influenced the work of the early childhood coaches.Research limitations/implicationsThe data in this paper is limited to one US state's approach to early childhood coaching. The case study data examined is limited to the contexts of the specific participating districts and master teachers involved. It is suggested that future research be conducted on a nationwide pool of instructional coaches.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study highlight the role of the state in providing more guidance surrounding the primary responsibilities of the master teacher. It is suggested that further attention be placed on creating and sustaining a professional development network for the master teachers serving NJ's early childhood programs.Originality/valueAs one of the few statewide studies of instructional coaching in early childhood, this study provides insights into how policy is translated into practice.

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