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Creativity in teaching is important in order to ensure children are engaged in learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). However, previous research has claimed creativity in learning STEM for children is not adequately supported by teacher in classroom due to the lack of preparation, content knowledge and skills. This study aims to assess the needs and challenges of promoting creativity in STEM education. In this study, preschool teachers (n= 22) were interviewed as they are the key informants who are involved in STEM education. The semi-structured interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis and were qualitatively coded. Results illustrate that there are several distinctive themes identified as described by the participants when discussing the needs and challenges of implementing integrated creativity skill in STEM education as well as the support that would be most helpful in overcoming them. The results highlighted a huge gap between creativity knowledge and the implementation of creativity in STEM education. Participants also provided specific support needed to integrate creativity in STEM education. Preliminary findings suggest that many teachers are interested in integrating creativity skills in STEM education. This research sheds light on the needs and challenges for professional pre-school teachers by providing them pedagogical module as well as professional training to promote creativity in teaching STEM.

Acquiring abstract Mathematics concepts is often challenging for young children. This study explored young children's use of digital cameras to exhibit their understanding of the addition concept. It investigated how the processes involved in producing the photographs and creating the visual representation that helped to develop the children's comprehension of the concept of addition. This study employed a qualitative research design and data collection included observation, dialogues with children and children's artefact (i.e. photographs). Six children in a preschool centre were participants for the focus group. The findings showed that young children were capable photographers and that their visual representation images supported their understanding of the addition concept. The study implicated that the creation of mathematical visual representation is critical to facilitate the development of abstract mathematics concepts.

Textbooks are one of the important teaching materials in language teaching and a common resource for any teacher in helping students to learn English. Apart from being a learning tool, textbooks are considered as an important medium to realize curriculum goals and objectives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the amount of compatibility of the pre-university English textbook, which is prescribed by the ministry of education, with Iranian National Curriculum (INC) in terms of objectives and content of teaching. To this end, two instruments were used: A textbook evaluation checklist proposed by Ghorbani (2011), and the Iranian National Curriculum. The findings of the study revealed that the textbook was not in line with the curriculum in terms of objectives and content of teaching.

This paper reports a small part of the findings of a larger study which cross-culturally explored and comparatively examined the dynamics of collaboration between Iranian and Malaysian homogeneous dyads during performing collaborative writing tasks. The findings related to the amount of code-switching as well as the amount of falling back on the researcher for language-related assistance in each of the dyads are reported. It was found that while resorting to L1 and willingness to communicate with the researcher was next to nothing in Malaysian dyads, the Iranians had a considerably higher tendency towards using their own language and referring to the researcher for language-related help. The findings are discussed in relation with the previous findings in the related literature.

Leadership is an important factor in the effective implementation of technology in schools. This study examines the transformational leadership role of principals to determine whether transformational leadership role of principals in ICT implementation in schools is influenced by the computer competence, level of computer use, and professional development activities of principals. This paper, based on responses from 320 principals in Iran, reports that computer use and professional development activities (on the dimension of ICT and leadership) influence the transformational leadership role of principals in implementing ICT in schools. In addition, the study results show that computer competence has a positive relationship with the level of computer use by secondary school principals and it indirectly influences the transformational leadership role of principals in implementing ICT in schools. It is suggested that ongoing professional development opportunities on dimension of leadership and technology should be provided for principals to increase their levels of proficiency in computer use which will help future research understand the importance of the use of technology in education and to learn to model the transformational leadership components of charisma (idealized influence), inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration in their schools. (Contains 7 tables and 1 figure.)

The purpose of this paper is to present the theoretical framework underlying a research on factors that influence utilization of the Jusur Learning Management System (Jusur LMS) in Saudi Arabian public universities. Development of the theoretical framework was done based on library research approach. Initially, the existing literature relevant to the subject was reviewed to determine the important variables related to factors influencing the use of LMS in higher education. The paper provides insights of the external and internal variables or factors that influence the use of Jusur LMS for teaching and learning purposes. The internal variables consist of the attitude of Saudi Arabian faculty members towards using LMS, their beliefs towards e-learning, and their competence level in using LMS. The external variables consist of barriers faced by the faculty members and demographic factors. This study was limited to the use of Jusur LMS, one of the e-learning management tools used in Saudi Arabian universities, and surveyed faculty members of Saudi Arabian public universities. This theoretical framework can be adapted to suit the requirements of other similar studies related to planning and implementation of various technology programs in higher education.

This research aims to evaluate the psychology properties of the construct validity for the Critical Thinking Disposition (CTD) instrument. The CTD instrument consists of 39 Likert-type items measuring seven dispositions, namely analyticity, open-mind, truth-seeking, systematicity, self-confidence inquisitiveness and maturity. The study involves 433 undergraduate students in University Putra Malaysia. The findings showed that the CTD has satisfactory construct validity with seven factors extracted and confirmed by confirmatory factor analyses. Construct validity results are supported with the Cronbach's alpha values which indicates high validity and reliability for the instrument to measure critical thinking dispositions.

The purpose of this study was firstly to identify the extent to which Iranian secondary school principals used computers and secondly to explore the relationship between a number of variables related to the use of information and communications technology (ICT). Findings indicated that four factors played a role in explaining the level of computer use by principals. These factors included high level of computer access, strong perceptions of the attributes of ICT, high level of computer competence, as well as the high level of transformational leadership behaviors, all contributed significantly to the level of computer use by principals. All four constructs are equally important but have varying impacts on computer use. Therefore, all four constructs should be viewed in an integrated manner in accordance to the conceptual model proposed in this study. (Contains 11 tables.)

Research studies in the past decade have shown that computer technology is an effective means for widening educational opportunities, but most teachers neither use technology as an instructional delivery system nor integrate technology into their curriculum. Studies reveal a number of factors influencing teachers' decisions to use ICT in the classroom: non-manipulative and manipulative school and teacher factors. These factors are interrelated. The success of the implementation of ICT is not dependent on the availability or absence of one individual factor, but is determined through a dynamic process involving a set of interrelated factors. It is suggested that ongoing professional development must be provided for teachers to model the new pedagogies and tools for learning with the aim of enhancing the teaching-learning process. However, it is important for teacher trainers and policy makers to understand the factors affecting effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different approaches to ICT use in teacher training so training strategies can be appropriately explored to make such changes viable to all.

Leadership is an important component in guiding the teaching-learning process. Principal as school leaders have a major responsibility for initiating and implementing school change through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and can facilitate complex decision to integrate it into learning, teaching and school administration. Hence, educational leaders must understand, promote and implement the notion that technology integration is not about the technology; it is about focusing on the future generations and leading teachers to a change in pedagogy. However, few studies have empirically examined computer use by principals, their perceived computer competence and their leadership style. This paper will report on these issues from an initial analysis of a baseline data gathered from 30 secondary school principals in Tehran, a large province in Iran. Findings indicate that school principals are using computers for instructional and administrative purposes and they have moderate competency in computer applications. This paper also suggests that the idea of transformational leaders can enhance the computer use in schools. Hence, policy makers must design professional development programs, such as leadership studies, in order to teach the components of transformational leadership; idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration to future administrators.

Leadership is an important component in guiding the teaching-learning process. Principal as school leaders have a major responsibility for initiating and implementing school change through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and can facilitate complex decision to integrate it into learning, teaching and school administration. Hence, educational leaders must understand, promote and implement the notion that technology integration is not about the technology; it is about focusing on the future generations and leading teachers to a change in pedagogy. However, few studies have empirically examined computer use by principals, their perceived computer competence and their leadership style. This paper will report on these issues from an initial analysis of a baseline data gathered from 30 secondary school principals in Tehran, a large province in Iran. Findings indicate that school principals are using computers for instructional and administrative purposes and they have moderate competency in computer applications. This paper also suggests that the idea of transformational leaders can enhance the computer use in schools. Hence, policy makers must design professional development programs, such as leadership studies, in order to teach the components of transformational leadership; idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration to future administrators. (Contains 3 tables.)

This study sought to uncover the predictors of self-regulated learning in Malaysian smart schools. The sample consisted of 409 students, from six randomly chosen smart schools. A quantitative correlational research design was employed and the data were collected through survey method. Six factors were examined in relation to the predictors of self-regulated learning. These factors were levels of IT-integration, student-teacher interactions, motivational beliefs, self-regulative knowledge, information literacy, and attitudes towards IT. Multiple regression analysis showed that levels of IT-integration, student-teacher interactions, motivational beliefs, and self-regulative knowledge significantly predict self-regulated learning in Malaysian smart schools. (Contains 2 tables.)

The purpose of the study was to determine if teaching a discrete course in a constructivist learning environment could reduce the level of anxiety towards Information Technology (IT) among pre-service teachers who perceived themselves as IT competent (Group 1) and IT incompetent (Group 2). The study also sought to investigate if the anxiety level gap between Group 1 and Group 2 could be reduced through this method of teaching. Participants who were from Group 2 showed significantly positive changes in terms of their anxiety level after completing the course. Pretest results showed that participants who were IT competent had significantly lower level of anxiety towards IT. While the posttest results showed no differences between Groups 1 and 2 by the end of the course. The results indicated that participants who perceived as IT incompetent benefited more from the course compared to those who perceived themselves as IT competent. The results also suggested that infusing constructivism into a discrete IT course can reduce the anxiety level among participants who perceived themselves as IT incompetent.

The introduction of English language teaching (ELT) at the preschool level has been widely discussed by researchers. While most agree with ELT at preschool level, considerable issues are faced in learning a second, third, or foreign language. Therefore, this systematic review discusses the issues preschool teachers face in implementing ELT and their beliefs on how ELT should be applied to young children. Using three renowned databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC), 34 articles were extracted out of 85 articles, from 2012 to 2022, with exclusion and inclusion criteria taken into consideration. The findings of this study showcased eight main issues faced by preschool teachers in implementing ELT: English language proficiency, pedagogical skills, teacher perception, curriculum, teaching resources, training, socio-cultural, and classroom environment. In terms of preschool teachers' beliefs about ELT, there are four main issues: Bilingual education, children's characteristics, curriculum alteration, and teachers' experience. Generally, these findings will guide teachers, responsible authorities, and researchers to acquire an overview of the actual issues that occur in the implementation of ELT in preschools as well as the appropriate measures to overcome them, starting from the preschool teachers' beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Analysis of lessons held in East Asia regions that perform well in Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies such as; South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan, demonstrated teachers in mathematics classroom enacted features of the content systematically with consideration of variation within students' capabilities. Recent studies found that integration of variation theory in classroom instruction improve students' performance significantly. Considering the prior successes in integration of variation theory in classroom in other countries, it is imperative to examine the effect of variation theory based strategy in the teaching and learning of the algebra in schools in Malaysia. Method: The study used quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group research design and involved 58 Form Two (Grade 8th) students in two classes (30 in experimental group, 28 in control group) in Malaysia The first class of students went through algebra class taught with Variation Theory Based Strategy (VTBS) while the class of students experienced Conventional Teaching Strategy (CTS). The instruments used for the study were a 24-item Algebra Test and 46-item Instructional Materials Motivation Interest Survey. Results: Result from Analysis of Covariance indicated that experimental group students achieved significantly better test scores than control group. However, result of Multivariate Analysis of Variance did not show evidence of significant effect of VTBS on experimental group students' overall motivation in all the five subscales; attention, relevance, confidence, satisfaction, and interest. Discussion and Conclusion: These results suggested the adoption of VTBS in the algebra classroom is effective on students' algebraic performance but not on students' motivation to learn. Further investigations of the impact of VTBS on students' affective outcomes are recommended.

Educational institutions are increasingly turning to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to promote the development of a technologically literate nation. In line with this stance, teachers are expected to use ICT tools to facilitate instruction in the classroom. This paper sought to determine the antecedents of attitude towards laptop use among the Science and Mathematics teachers in Malaysian secondary schools. Hereto, the Technology Acceptance Model served as theoretical framework and six hypotheses were put forward. An investigation was carried out among 292 Science teachers and 278 Mathematics teachers in selected schools. Perceived usefulness was shown to be a good predictor of attitude towards laptop use, whereas perceived ease of use did not directly impact teachers' attitude towards laptop use. The findings were found to be similar for both Science and Mathematics teachers.

Enhancing quality of instruction can be defined as the main purpose of instructional evaluation procedures in universities. Many universities collect and analyze feedback information from student ratings for the purpose of instructional improvement. Nevertheless, concrete research evidence is still needed to explore whether this purpose has been actually achieved. This study investigated the perceived role that student ratings actually played in making improvements in instructional practices within the context of a public research university. The population comprised 1,139 professors, associate professors, senior lecturers, and lecturers. The responses were subjected to descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, one-way ANOVA, and independent "t" test. The findings uncovered faculty responsiveness to student ratings and identified specific practices that they modified in response to results from student ratings. The findings also took cognizance of the respondents' recommendations in order to boost the quality of instruction such as augmenting feedback from student ratings by instructional consultation and providing written explanations to assist higher education faculty in interpreting the results.

As the demand for schools to become more effective and efficient learning communities increases, the need for principals to cultivate broad-based, skilful participation in the work of leadership is essential. It is important for educational leaders to recognise the significance of their role in technology implementation and utilisation. They should be proficient in the use of technology and then provide leadership in the use of technology for administrative, instructional, and learning functions. Relatively few studies have empirically examined the level of computer use by principals, their perceived computer competence and their leadership style. This paper will report on these issues from an initial analysis of baseline data gathered from 30 secondary school principals in Tehran, a large province in Iran. Findings indicate that school principals spent a few times a week working on their computers and they had moderate levels of information technology competency. This paper also suggests that transformational leadership can help school leaders increase successful use of technology in schools. Hence, policy makers must design professional development programmes, such as leadership studies, in order to teach the components of transformational leadership: idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration to future administrators. (Contains 4 tables.)

The purpose of this study was to measure pre-service teachers' attitudes toward information technology (IT) after completing a discrete IT course taught in a student centred-learning (SCL) environment during laboratory sessions. Evidence from this study suggests that there was a positive shift in the participants' attitudes toward IT. Pre-test results showed that IT-competent participants who regarded IT as useful had more confidence and less aversion toward IT. Post-test results showed increased mean scores on all three dependent variables with no differences between IT-competent and low IT-competent participants. The results were supported by interviews which indicate that after completing the IT course, participants were more independent, more creative and possessed collaborative learning skills. The results suggest that infusing SCL into a discrete IT course can help promote and enhance positive attitudes toward IT and enable students to be active participants in their own learning process. (Contains 5 tables.)

Measures preservice teachers' attitudes toward information technology (IT) following their participation in a discrete IT course taught in a constructivist learning environment where the students collaborated to achieve their learning goals and problem solve on tasks. Results revealed that with the constructivist learning approach infused in the IT course, there was a positive shift in participants' attitudes toward IT. (Author/AEF)

Children are highly inquisitive. This will naturally lead them to explore and discover the world around them which is fundamental to the development of science learning. Early Science Learning is seen to have the potential to inculcate the development of children's social-emotional competence because as the children explore science together with their friends, they will also build social-emotional skills such as understanding the importance of rules, learning to wait for their turn, listening to instructions, cooperating with others, helping other people, identifying and understanding differences in one's feelings. This paper was written with the aim to explore how Early Science Learning can affect children's social-emotional competency in a positive manner. In particular, this paper examines the potential of activities and science process skills in promoting social and emotional competencies. Based on the systematic literature review that was done, the author lists and explains five elements of Early Science-Learning that influences preschool childrens' social and emotional competence. They are: i) active participation opportunities; ii) social interaction opportunities; iii) the role of teachers; iv) learning environment and v) meaningful experiences. These elements are found to have positive potential impact in enhancing the social and emotional competencies of preschool children and can be considered to be implemented in the public and private preschools in Malaysia. It is hoped that this systematic literature review paper will expand the perspective and understanding of the implementation of Social and Emotional Education across the early childhood education curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of utilizing variation theory approach (VTA) on students' algebraic achievement and their motivation in learning algebra. The study used quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group research design. It involved 114 Form Two students in four intact classes (two classeswere froman urban school, another two classes from a rural school). The first group of students from each school learnt algebra in class which used the VTA, while the second group of students in each school learnt algebra through conventional teaching approach. Two-way analysis of covariance and two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyse the data collected. The result of this study indicated that the use of VTA has significant effect on both urban and rural students' algebraic achievement. There were evidences that VTA has significant effect on rural VTA students' overall motivation in its five subscales: attention, relevance, confidence, satisfaction and interest but it was not so for urban VTA students'motivation. This study provides further empirical evidence that utilization of variation theory as pedagogical guide can promote the teaching and learning of Form Two Algebra topics in urban and rural secondary school classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]