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In this study, a valid and reliable scale was developed to measure parents' perceptions of their children's social development in physical education classes. In the first part of the research, the relevant literature reviewed and student-parent interviews were held. As a result of the data obtained from the interviews, a 30-item draft scale was created. The draft scale was applied to 30 parents of students, and as a result of the feedback received, 5 items were removed from the pool. The remaining draft scale items were submitted to expert opinion and the number of items was reduced to 22. The 22-item scale was applied to 240 volunteer parents for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and to 216 different volunteer parents for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). As a result of the analyses, the final scale consisting of 15 items and four sub-dimensions was obtained. The Cronbach's Alpha values of the sub-dimensions were found to be between 0.74-0.79. In the final part, the 15-item scale was applied to 540 volunteer parents. Accordingly, while it was observed that parents' PSDSPEL scores were higher in the sub-dimension of showing positive behavior, it was determined that male parents' perception levels were higher than female parents. As a result of the study, it was found that the validity, reliability and internal consistency coefficients of the scale were at acceptable levels.

This study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale for determining the self-efficacy of teachers toward context-based science education. This study employed a survey design. The sample has formed 433 science teachers working in Kayseri province in the 2020-2021 spring semester. Firstly, an item pool of 85 items was developed by reviewing the literature. Secondly, a five-point Likert-type draft scale consisting of 67 items was developed. Required arrangements have been performed according to expert opinions to provide content validity. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses have been run to provide construct validity. As a result of explanatory factor analysis, a structure with four factors as "Learning/Teaching Process", "Self-efficacy Resources", "Academic Self-efficacy" and "Planning Instruction" consisting of 47 items has been reached. Factors have been confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient has been calculated as 0.98. To provide criterion validity, the Pearson correlation coefficient has been found as 0.86 between the draft and criteria scales. Based on the findings, researchers have determined that the scale was valid and reliable, and they recommended that this scale should be used to determine self-efficacy beliefs towards context-based learning of science teachers.

Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada offers two introductory calculus courses designed for students enrolled in science and engineering programs. Students identified as needing additional support based on their admission grades take the version of the course where students meet weekly for four hours instead of three. A new approach for the fourth hour was introduced in Fall 2019 splitting the class into smaller sections of 20-40 students to work in small groups on vertical whiteboards under the supervision of the instructor, complemented by peer tutors. This format introduces an active learning element that improves student performance and attitude. The project was first implemented in Fall 2019, although interrupted due to COVID-19. After returning to the in-person classroom, the whiteboard seminar program was reinstated. In Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, survey feedback was collected from both students and peer tutors for a more holistic perspective on the program. In this study, the results of these surveys are analyzed, focussing on four areas of measurement: students' satisfaction, learning calculus concepts and problem-solving techniques, the contribution of the instructor, and the contribution of the peer tutors. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three latent variables underlying student survey responses. The survey results suggest that interactions with the instructor, peer tutors, and active learning activities all contributed to students' enjoyment of the course and their perceptions of their own learning. We compared students' final course grades from Fall 2018, where the fourth hour was devoted to lecture before the program was implemented, to Fall 2019 and 2022. The data shows a decrease in the percentage of students failing the course and an increase in those earning A's and B's since the program's implementation. Additionally, survey results show that replacing a typical lecture-style hour with a whiteboard seminar improved students' attitudes and perceptions of the course.

The aim of this research is to adapt the 24-item "Learner Autonomy Scale" developed by Sereti and Giossos (2018) in higher education samples into Turkish by examining the psychometric properties of high school and secondary school samples, and to determine whether these groups are equivalent in terms of measurement invariance. The scale was applied in high school (n = 475) and secondary school (n = 395) samples consisting of 870 students. Different from the original four-factor scale form, EFA applied to both groups revealed a two-factor (factor load range: 0.308-0.775) and 21-item. Correlation values (r = 0.209-0.392, p?0.001) indicate that the factors are not strongly related. The factors produced adequate internal consistency coefficients ([alpha] = 0.706-0.866; [omega] = 0.708-0.871) and were validated by meeting the fit indices accepted in the literature for CFA. Measurement invariance tests revealed strong invariance for the structural and metric tests and partial invariance for the scalar test in high school and secondary school samples. More research is needed to determine why the intersections of items 19, 20, and 21 are not invariant. The main contribution to "learner autonomy" in this study is the adaptation and justification of a valid and reliable measurement tool for determining autonomy in the adolescent age group. The use of the adapted scale in different educational environments and in the examination of "autonomy" by adapting it specific to the field (science, mathematics, etc.) will provide important implications for further theoretical studies.

Volunteers are noteworthy youth development professionals in the 4-H program whose training translates into practices that promote positive outcomes among young people they serve. This study explored how contextual and programmatic factors were associated with volunteers' practices of the essential elements with youth. Programmatic influences included breadth of volunteer training, tenure in 4-H whereas gender and age were contextual factors. Results supported associations between breadth of volunteer training and the essential element of mastery; this effect was not found with other essential elements. Also, volunteers' tenure in the 4-H program moderated the relationship between breadth of training and practices promoting mastery, with stronger association between training breadth and mastery for less seasoned volunteers. Moreover, among volunteers reporting greater breadth of trainings in the past year, men reported greater levels of facilitating independence than women, an effect not found across the whole sample. Our findings suggest mastery as a relevant essential element retained in training and applied in 4-H volunteers' practice. Implications are discussed regarding volunteer training content and promotion of responsibilities for both new and seasoned volunteers, as well as consideration for possible effects of differences in gender role expectations influencing the practice of promoting certain essential elements.

The main objective of this study is to revise and validate the assessment of self-presentation skills of middle school students. The assessment is based on existing self-assessment scales and adaptively modified for a more accurate assessment of middle school students' self-presentation skills. Considering the characteristics of middle school students and teachers' assessment, we have reconstructed and adjusted the dimensions of the original assessment. This paper includes background research, scale design and innovation, scale testing, and scale reliability and multiple validity verification. In order to further verify the effectiveness and reliability of the tool, this study added the application of content validity and factor analysis on the basis of previous studies. The results of this study are intended to compensate for the limitations of current teacher assessment for middle school students' self-presentation. At the same time, this study also provides a basis for the development of middle school students' self-presentation skills integrated training programs.

Engineering education aims to equip children with the skills to solve and apply complex problems. Problem-solving processes in engineering require high-level thinking and mind habits. Habit is a term used to describe various aspects of intelligence. Engineering habits of mind are the values, attitudes, and thinking skills associated with engineering. This research aimed to develop a scale to assess the engineering habits of mind of children ages 5-8. The study involved 417 children in two provinces in the southwest and northwest of Türkiye. We performed Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for the scale's construct validity. The scale consisted of 35 items and six factors and explained 59.2% of the total variance. We called the factors "system thinking," "creativity," "optimism," "collaboration," "communication," and "attention to ethical considerations." According to the CFA result, the construct we obtain is reasonable (X[superscript 2]/sd= 1.97, RMSEA= 0.068, CFI= 0.93, TLI= 0.91, SRMR= 0.062). The item total correlations range from 0.43 to 0.66. We determined the Cronbach Alpha coefficient of the scale to be 0.94 and the test re-test reliability to be 0.87. According to the results, it can be said that the scale obtained can be used validly and reliably to determine the engineering habits of mind children according to teacher reports. The study contributes to the ever-increasing engineering habits of mind literature.

This study develops and validates an English communicative competence model for Korean high school students, in response to the need to redefine the relevant concepts and components of competence that are demanded by the rapidly evolving future society. Drawing on Celce-Murcia's (2008) theoretical model on communicative competence, this research conceptualized a model that could assess high school students' English communicative competence by examining relevant domestic and international studies as well as theoretical reflections. Expert opinions from a two-stage Delphi survey were compiled and incorporated to revise, supplement, and validate the English communicative competence among high school students reflecting Korea's English education environment. Following this process, the conceptual model for English communicative competence was reorganized into five sub-competences (sociolinguistic, discourse, linguistic, interactional, and strategic competence) and 15 corresponding subfactors. The content validity ratio values for the conceptual definition and factor structure of this model were all above 0.64, thus affirming the validity of the conceptual definition and factor structure.

This study aimed to investigate the perception of STEM students (n = 147) on using mobile Augmented Reality (AR) across gender and learning styles in physics online classes. It utilized embedded mixed-method research and purposive sampling. An instrument named Students Perception in Integrating Mobile AR in Physics Class was developed and has undergone a series of validations such as item generation from literature review, content validation, cognitive interview, pilot testing, and exploratory factor analysis revealing two factors, CFA with indices that are of acceptable value, and good Cronbach alpha ([alpha] = 0.86) for reliability. Mean, standard deviation, percentages, two samples t-test, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that all students have a source of internet connection as well as a device to use and most of them have a very stable to somewhat stable internet connection. Positive feedback was shown in terms of overall learning experience and perception across gender and learning styles. However, in terms of overall usability, females have more ease of use compared to males and kinesthetic learners only have a positive response. It was also found that there is no significant difference across gender. Moreover, the integration of AR in a physics lesson has received excellent responses from both students with and without prior experience in a classroom setting. All of the difficulties the students encountered were technological in nature. There are also opportunities to improve the integration of mobile AR in the technical and learning process. These results suggest that teachers should integrate mobile AR in online physics classes but should consider factors such as Internet connection, device, gender, and learning styles in developing the application.

The impetus of this study is to investigate students' attitudes towards online language learning based on their previous academic experiences and year of study, including the decision to major or minor (i.e., motivation). A total of 975 students completed a survey questionnaire consisting of background information, Likert scale items, and open-ended questions. The quantitative data were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis and one-way ANOVAs and were complemented with qualitative data based on students' responses. Findings indicate that students generally want consistent access to online learning, and that students with prior online-learning experience or with a desire to take an online course presented a statistically significant more positive perception of online language classes. There were also differences in perception of success in the online classes between those students who intended to major or minor in the language and those who did not. The results further revealed a decline in perception of success in online classes with the higher-level classifications (i.e., year of study). This study provides baseline attitudinal data to be built upon in future research and informs stakeholders of language programs in their curricular decisions.

Over the past decades, the demand for scientific research to link theory and practice so that innovative solutions can be developed through research has steadily increased (Klees & Tillmann, 2015; Sandoval & Bell, 2004). In this context, the design-based research (DBR) approach was developed, which examines the research object and the research setting from multiple perspectives through a cyclical-iterative process (Shavelson et al., 2003; Reinmann, 2005). The connection between research and practice is not only relevant for school contexts, but also for early childhood education (Schäfers & Wegner, 2021a). Therefore, the project "Kleine BegInNa" utilizes the DBR approach. A preliminary examination revealed that early promotion has a great influence on the children's later school performance, yet that there is not any test to survey their competences. However, this is essential in order to be able to offer appropriate support. In the prototyping phase, a scientific talent test for pre-school aged children was developed. This test was validated in several cycles in the assessment phase (Schäfers & Wegner, 2022a). The last validity test for the elicitation of the internal structure by an exploratory factor analysis shows that both the loadings and the screeplot, output one factor. This one factor solution explains 43.56% of the variance. This may be the "scientific talent" factor, which needs to be verified in further studies and by confirmatory factor analysis. While Reinmann (2022) has established comprehensive standards for science and methodology in DBR, we also focus on what extent conventional quality criteria for qualitative and quantitative research can be applied to a DBR approach.

The objective of the research is to explore the consistency of specialized nursing competency models of nursing students. The participants in this research are 165 Year 4 nursing students at Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chakriraj, Thailand. The data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 45 questions, answered with the use of a 5-level scale. The questionnaire was evaluated by three experts, and the questionnaire's accuracy ratings ranged from 0.70 to 1.00. The internal reliability of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, resulting in values of 0.763 for educational excellence, 0.757 for socio-economic factors, 0.806 for lifestyle, and 0.814 for personal factors. The study's findings showed that competency. 1) Education throughout nursing student training. 2) The socio-economic context. 3) Habits pertinent to everyday existence. 4) Attitude towards the nursing profession. 5) GPAx represents the grade point average. 6) OSCE refers to the objective structured clinical examination. The confirmatory factor analysis of specialized nursing aptitude is consistent with the empirical data, Chi-Square = 14.226; df = 8; Relative Chi-Square = 1.778; p-value = 0.076; GFI = 0.974; NFI = 0.943; TLI = 0.951; CFI = 0.974; RMSEA = 0.069; RMR = 0.113. Each element has a standard element weight value of between 0.010 and 0.817, with a standardized weight value ranging from 0.010 to 0.817.

Motivated by the "emotional turn" in applied linguistics and the recent introduction of positive psychology in L2 studies, the present study aimed to validate and shorten the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ) for measuring positive emotions in foreign language learning and classroom settings. To this end, data were collected from 442 Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students from several major state universities using the adapted sub-scales of positive classroom- and learning-related emotions of the AEQ. To prepare the short version, five items with the highest factor loadings in each of the six sub-scales were retained, which resulted in a total of 30 items. A six-factor model of this short version called Foreign Language Positive Emotions Questionnaire (FL-PEQ) was corroborated, which indicated that this measure could adequately differentiate between enjoyment, hope, and pride in foreign language "learning" and "classroom." Additionally, internal validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the FL-PEQ were confirmed.

There is a clear need for highly competent health sciences experts. No instrument currently exists for assessing the generic competences of health sciences students. The aim of this study is to develop and psychometrically test the Health sciences Generic Competence (HealthGenericCom) instrument. The instrument development four step process has been conducted with a cross-sectional study design and according to the COSMIN guidelines. Face and content validity was tested by 13 experts, structural validity was tested with exploratory factor analysis, and internal consistency was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's alpha. The structural validity was tested using data from Finnish health sciences students (n=276). The content validity index of the whole HealthGenericCom instrument was 1 for relevance and for clarity. Using exploratory factor analysis a model of eight factors (with 88 items) was created: 1) competence in leadership, administration, and finance; 2) competence in people-centred guidance; 3) competence in health promotion; 4) competence in evidence-based practice; 5) digital competence; 6) competence in work well-being and self-management; 7) competence in collaboration and problem-solving; and 8) competence in societal interaction. The HealthGenericCom was shown to be valid and reliable and provides an evidence-based conceptual framework that can be used in developing curriculums and competence management.

The importance of understanding student attitudes has become paramount in the successful deployment of blended learning. This study aimed to examine the factorial structure of a scale designed to assess university students' attitudes towards blended learning. Using a descriptive quantitative research approach, the study included a sample of 889 male and female students from the University of Tabuk, located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The participants were selected randomly from different academic majors and levels of study. The instrument employed in this study was the Blended Learning Attitudes Scale, a tool designed by the researcher and subjected to rigorous validation procedures. The researcher utilised exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to understand the latent variables the scale represented comprehensively. The study's findings indicated the presence of a three-factor model, encompassing participants' perceptions of the nature of blended learning, its perceived importance, and their willingness to utilise it. The combined influence of these three factors accounted for 64% of the observed variance. The scale had noteworthy psychometric features, as evidenced by its high-reliability coefficients and robust validity indicators. This study presents a reliable instrument that educators and researchers may utilise to assess university students' attitudes towards blended learning.

Although equality of opportunity in education is a current and important issue, most of the studies on this subject are based on theoretical studies rather than empirical studies. The main reason for this can be said to be the lack of a valid and reliable measurement tool in this field. For this reason, this study aims to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool for determining pre-service teachers' perceptions of equality of opportunity in education. For this purpose, data were collected from four different samples using a simple random sampling technique. First, a literature review was conducted, and qualitative interviews were conducted with the first sample on equal opportunities in qualitative education. After the item pool was created, the first application was made in order to determine the factor structure of the measurement tool. Data were collected from a separate sample to test the resulting structure and perform confirmatory factor analysis. Then, in the context of reliability studies of the measurement tool, calculation of the internal consistency coefficient, extracted mean variance, composite reliability and test-retest processes were used. As a result, a valid and reliable scale for determining the perception of equality of opportunity in education consisting of three factors and 23 items has been brought to the education literature.

A questionnaire for measuring Context University Skills and Workplace-Recognized Skills (LCUS-WRS) requires a validated and reliable instrument. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to measure learning of context university skills and workplace-recognized skills, in order to carry out an advanced psychometric properties analysis of Work-Integrated Education (WIE) students and the skills of LCUS-WRS, including internal and external reliability. Methods: We conducted multi-stage random sampling, with a sample consisting of 728 students WIE from 20 rural colleges in Thailand. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed on a subset of the sample (n = 279), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted on another subset (n = 449), both in different subgroups. Additionally, the researcher analyzed the internal consistency and temporal reliability of the scale in the instrument. Results: Using exploratory factor analysis with 39 items 6 factors and accounted for 55.881% of variance was identified of the variance for the CFA model. The model achieved a goodness-of-fit of chi-square (X[superscript 2]) = 582.907, df = 308, p = 0.000, X[superscript 2]/df = 1.90, GFI = 0.979, AGFI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.030, SRMR = 0.030. Conclusion: LCUS-WRS scale has solid construct of validity and excellent internal consistency which to analyze psychometric properties It has optimum temporal reliability. Therefore, the indicated that the dimensions of measuring of LCUS-WRS guaranteed its use in higher education institutions. Keywords: learning of context university skills, workplace-recognized

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a relevant contributor and predictor of the individuals' mental and physical health. There are a number of studies about SOC, but only two validation articles of the sense of coherence scale (SOCS) were found on adolescents and none on children. The aim of this research was to validate the SOC scale in youth under 18. We hypothesized that younger children and children without psychiatric problems will have higher SOC than older ones, and children with psychiatric symptoms. We also wanted to examine the factor structure of both the 13 and the 29 item versions of the scale to study which is more valid in child and adolescent population. 199 children and 198 adolescents were included in the study; the mean age was 14.3 (SD 2.1) years. The sample included average youth from schools and youth under psychiatric treatment. Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Inventory of Life Quality (ILK) were used for validation of the SOCS. SOCS-13 was applied to compare SOC of children and adolescents. Children had higher SOC than adolescents in both samples. Males had higher SOC than females in children but not in adolescents. Psychiatric and behavioral symptoms were associated with a lower SOC regardless

Evaluation of child-friendly school (CFS) policies is essential to determine the achievements of school efforts in reducing violence cases. This research aims to proving the reliability and validity of CFS policy evaluation instruments in elementary schools with different locations. This investigation uses the Context Input Process Product (CIPP) evaluation model to confirm the factor structure or dimensions of several observed variables (items) to evaluate the reliability and validity of the CFS policy evaluation tool in elementary schools. The validity and reliability of previously created instruments are evaluated quantitatively, but this study utilises different subjects and study sites. There were 320 respondents, with 145 school principals and 175 teachers taken randomly. Confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) results show goodness of fit (GOF), and the model is acceptable. The CFS evaluation instrument can be accepted after eliminating several question items and modifying them. All items of the teal instrument meet the goodness of fit criteria in terms of chi-square and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). The instrument for evaluating CFS policies in primary schools using the CIPP model has met a valid and reliable psychometric property test so that it can be applied.

The objective of this study was to develop a measure that possesses both reliability and validity in order to evaluate innovative thinking within the realm of education. To achieve this, the instrument's validity and reliability were evaluated through quantitative methods in two distinct phases. A team of educational experts conducted the process of establishing content validity and ensuring that the items on the instrument accurately reflected the intended constructs of creative thinking. Following that, the assessment of concept validity was conducted using confirmatory factor analyses. The aforementioned investigations resulted in the discovery of a five-factor solution consisting of 25 elements, all of which demonstrated scores beyond the crucial threshold. This successful outcome confirmed the presence of distinct factors representing different dimensions of innovative thinking. The study enrolled 1250 students from vocational education institutions as participants. The data obtained from the participants was subjected to principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, leading to the development of a model that exhibited a good match with the empirical data. This indicated the effectiveness of the developed instrument in measuring innovative thinking capacity. In conclusion, the research effectively developed an accurate and dependable tool for evaluating innovative thinking in the realm of education. The gathering of positive data from the participants and meticulous quantitative analyses were responsible for this.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze factors that affect the behavioral intentions of undergraduate students to use blended learning methods. The research uses the three-tier use model (3-TUM) to explore the influencing behavioral factors of students at the undergraduate level to use LMSs. "The research was carried out at a university and consisted of undergraduate students majoring in business-related fields. Students responded to online questionnaires administered at the end of the semester concerning their experience with the LMS." A customized Moodle platform was used to measure the user's perceived usefulness, perceived satisfaction, and perceived ease of use with the LMS. Results show that interactivity in portal and self-efficacy have a direct impact on all second-tier constructs, while multimedia instruction influences only perceived usefulness and perceived satisfaction. In addition, perceived usefulness impacts perceived satisfaction. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly impact behavioral intention of students to use learning platforms, while the relation between perceived satisfaction and behavioral intention was unindicative. "The study confirms that the individual experience of users and the quality of the system affect the successful implementation of an LMS and its adoption by users."

Montessori education has existed for more than 100 years and counts almost 16,000 schools worldwide (Debs et al., 2022). Still, little is known about the implementation and fidelity of Montessori principles. Measuring implementations holds significant importance as it provides insight into current Montessori practices and because it is assumed that implementation might influence its effectiveness. In the Netherlands, it is especially important to measure fidelity because of the country's history of flexible implementation of Montessori principles. No instruments currently exist that are specifically designed to measure Montessori implementation in the Dutch context. This study aims to validate a translated version of the Teacher Questionnaire for Montessori Practices, developed by Murray et al. (2019), within the Dutch early childhood education context. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the extent to which Montessori principles are implemented in Dutch early childhood schools. Data were collected from 131 early childhood Montessori teachers. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the Dutch dataset did not align with the factor structure proposed by Murray et al. (2019). Subsequent exploratory factor analysis led to the identification of a 3-factor solution, encompassing dimensions related to Children's Freedom, Teacher Guidance, and Curriculum, which shows some similarities with Murray et al.'s (2019) factors. Implementation levels in the Netherlands varied, with the highest level of implementation observed in Children's Freedom and the lowest in Curriculum.

The present study falls into the efforts to improve practices for addressing errors produced by learners in various situations involving the calculation of integrals. We attempt to clarify as precisely as possible the types of errors that secondary school students produce when using integrals in algebraic and graphical frames. Based on the synthesis of several works dealing with errors specific to integral calculus, we have been able to outline a typology of possible errors that can be produced by students in secondary school. We determine some subcategories for the three known categories of errors: conceptual, procedural, and technical. After administering a test to a random sample of secondary school students and conducting a principal component analysis, we were able to deduce that in the algebraic frame, certain conceptual and procedural subcategories dominate, with a notable advance for errors due to failure to recognize the integrand function. In the graphical frame, errors related to technical subcategories represent a major source of the erroneous productions of the students tested.

The study examined the role of self-efficacy and self-regulated learning on the effect of self-directed learning on academic writing problem-solving for EFL undergraduates. The study applied a cross sectional design to evaluate 213 students from the Departments of English Education and English Literature of a private university in Malang, Indonesia. Participants aged 18 to 24 years were randomly selected to ensure representative samples. This study assessed undergraduate students' writing problem-solving using custom instruments inventory of problem-solving in academic writing. Selfdirected learning, self-efficacy, and self-regulated learning are evaluated on different scales. Methods such as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models are used to ensure the instrument's validity and reliability. The study found that selfdirected learning had a significant impact on self-efficacy and selfregulated learning and on writing problem-solving. The study also found an important relationship between self-directed learning and the ability of EFL undergraduates to solve academic writing problems through self-efficacy and self-regulated learning. This research contributes to ongoing discussions on the relevance of selfdirected learning for personal and professional development. It encourages re-evaluating educational and organizational strategies to maximize self-directed learning's benefits and minimize potential challenges.

This article aims to adapt the Flexible Thinking in Learning (FTL) scale developed by Barak and Levenberg in 2016 to Turkish culture The FTL scale, whose original language is English, consists of three sub-dimensions: "Acceptance of Learning Technologies", "OpenMindedness in Learning" and "Adaptation to New Learning Situations". During the process, language and field experts conducted mutual translations between English and Turkish to assess the language equivalence of the scale. The original scale was supplied to English teachers to measure the degree of similarity between the original language (English version) and the translated language (Turkish version). After a fifteen-day interval, the same teachers were given the adapted version of the scale. The degree of similarity between the scale's original language and its Turkish translation was calculated. Once the scale's harmony was deemed satisfactory in both languages, a pilot study was conducted to receive feedback and suggestions on the comprehensibility, applicability, and general structure of the scale. After necessary improvements were made, the scale was finalized. The Flexible Thinking in Learning (FTL) scale, which was adapted to Turkish, was applied to 516 volunteer teachers. As per the findings of the analysis, the adapted scale has three sub-dimensions, just like the original scale. The measured structure of the adapted scale was found to be consistent with the original scale's factor structure.

The models of E-learning Readiness (ELR) are basically designed to understand the process of obtaining the basic information necessary for measuring ELR among participants. They help organizations to identify the requirements for designing, developing and implementing E-learning. These models not only help the organizations to identify the degree of ELR but also to identify the factors or areas where the organization is weak. The present study reviews the models of E-learning Readiness (ELR) with the help of a small-scale literature review on Models of ELR. The purpose of the current study was to make an analysis of the existing ELR models in the literature. The researcher visited various online databases to collect studies. In addition to that, the researcher also did a manual search in the reference list of various studies in the related field for the addition of additional studies. By following an appropriate strategy, the researchers selected 07 ELR models for the current study. The current study reveals that Technology, Skills, Attitude, resources and human resources, Infrastructure, Flexibility, Support, Pedagogy, Management, Evaluation, Continual Improvement, Culture, Budgeting, Curriculum, Awareness, Law and Regulation, Content and Policy have been used on a larger scale for the development of the ELR models. Further, majority of reviewed studies have used various statistical techniques like regression analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for developing the models.

Purpose: This study explores debate seeking and conflict avoidance as dimensions of disagreement orientation, and how factors such as citizenship education and individual background may impact how young people engage in situations with conflicting political perspectives. The aim is to study whether how we facilitate citizenship education may affect young people to be more comfortable with political disagreement. Design/methodology/approach: Multilevel modelling and factor analysis is performed using a survey among a selection of Norwegian fifteen-year-olds. Findings: Citizenship education characteristics impact conflict avoidance but not debate seeking. Debate seeking is rather related to individual background factors such as political interest and attention paid to the news. Finally, the dimensions form basis of a potential typology of young people's disagreement orientation. Research limitations/implications: Further research is needed to establish causality, however the results have implications for the role of disagreement in teacher education and classrooms.

This study addressed the issue of school alienation (SA) among high school students in Taiwan; SA is believed to contribute to dropout, violence, gangs, and deviant behavior. To measure SA, we propose a four-construct model in this study, comprising powerlessness, normlessness, meaninglessness, and social isolation. Using two studies, an SA scale (SAS) was developed and validated. Study 1 developed and preliminarily validated the four constructs of SA using item and exploratory factor analyses with 227 junior high school students as participants. Study 2 validated the theoretical structure of SA using second-order confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of 708 junior high school students. The cross-validation of Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that the proposed SAS is robust, valid, and effective for measuring the degree of SA among students.

The present study examines secondary school students' geometrical figure apprehension based on Duval's theoretical framework regarding perceptual, operative, and discursive apprehension. The aim is to explore the cognitive structure of the geometrical figure apprehension dimensions (operative, discursive, and perceptual) in three grades of secondary school students. The tasks in the present study were completed by a sample of 881 students attending public secondary education in Cyprus. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the stability of the structure of the model concerning secondary school students' geometrical figure apprehension. However, differences were found in the interrelations among the three main aspects of the model in the examined grades (9, 10, and 11). Moreover, it was observed that students find it easier to solve tasks involving perceptual apprehension compared to discursive apprehension tasks, indicating a possible hierarchical structure of figure apprehension. The present study acts as a pilot study of the constructed instrument. Finally, the results are interpreted in relation to the type of geometrical paradigm in which students work at each hierarchical level.

Autism screening questionnaires are sometimes used as a measure of "autism-associated traits" in samples drawn from the general population, even though such tools are primarily developed and designed for use in samples of children diagnosed with or being assessed for autism. Here, we explore the psychometric properties of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) current version reported at age 8 in a large population-based sample. Using data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort study (MoBa), we perform exploratory (N = 21,775) and confirmatory (N = 21,674) factor analyses on items and compare our results with previously suggested factor structure models of the SCQ. Furthermore, we test for measurement invariance across sex and registry-ascertained autism diagnostic status (N[subscript diagnosed] = 636). A 5-factor model provided best fit to the data in both children with and without autism diagnoses, though with some qualitative differences in what the factors represent across these groups. This model performed largely consistently across boys and girls in the general population. Taken together, the SCQ's measurement properties must be carefully considered when it is used in population-based samples and measurement invariance testing of other autism screening tools used in similar contexts is warranted.

Before adopting a scale for a new culture, researchers should conduct systematic translation procedures and evaluations to ensure its psychometric quality. The Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) is a brief and valid scale developed by U.S. researchers to evaluate children's emotional, attentional, and behavioral problems. This study aimed to adapt the PSC-17 to a Chinese version for use in elementary school settings. In this process, 74 teachers rated 666 students using the PSC-17. These students were also assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and additional questions (e.g., teachers' referral status and demographic information). The scale was successfully translated into simplified Chinese using a standard procedure. Factor analysis supported a general factor model for the PSC-17. Furthermore, decent criterion validity and internal consistency were verified. Finally, a cut-off score of 17 was established, slightly higher than the original cut-off score of 15. We concluded that the PSC-17 is a high-quality screening tool in Chinese elementary schools. The findings are particularly relevant to researchers investigating children's emotional, attentional, and behavioral development within the Chinese cultural context.

This manuscript aimed to develop an instrument assessing vocational values among students (VVS-S). The scale was developed in French using three different samples of Togolese participants for item development (N = 140), exploratory (N = 308) and confirmatory analyses (N = 300). It consists of 17 items divided into the five subscales of Power, Family, Helping, Salary, and Creativity. The correlational, higher-order, and bifactor models showed that these values could be considered independently. Moreover, four of the values correlated positively but weakly with life satisfaction. The VVS-S's usefulness for research and practice in counseling, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is discussed.

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale in a Lebanese sample. The study includes 236 Lebanese citizens (54.2% women; M[subscript age] = 30.14). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a hierarchical model yielded a good fit, with the CAAS measuring four distinct dimensions that can be combined in a higher-order career adaptability factor in a Lebanese sample. Results showed that the overall CAAS and sub-dimensions were highly reliable. Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated that the CAAS' scores were related to those of basic values and life satisfaction. The CAAS constitutes a promising measure to be used in Lebanese career counselling.

Descriptive fit indices that do not require a formal statistical basis and do not specifically depend on a given estimation criterion are useful as auxiliary devices for judging the appropriateness of unrestricted or exploratory factor analytical (UFA) solutions, when the problem is to decide the most appropriate number of common factors. While overall indices of this type are well known in UFA applications, especially those intended for item analysis, difference indices are much more scarce. Recently, Raykov and collaborators proposed a family of effect-size-type descriptive difference indices that are promising for UFA applications. As a starting point, we considered the simplest measure of this family, which (a) can be viewed as absolute and (b) from which only tentative cutoffs and reference values have been provided so far. In this situation, this article has three aims. The first is to propose a relative version of Raykov's effect-size measure, intended to be used as a complement of the original measure, in which the increase in explained common variance is related to the overall prior estimated amount of common factor variance. The second is to establish reference values for both indices in item-analysis scenarios using simulation. And the third aim (instrumental) is to implement the proposal in both R language and a well-known non-commercial factor analysis program. The functioning and usefulness of the proposal is illustrated using an existing empirical dataset.

Fit indices are descriptive measures that can help evaluate how well a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model fits a researcher's data. In multigroup models, before between-group comparisons are made, fit indices may be used to evaluate measurement invariance by assessing the degree to which multiple groups' data are consistent with increasingly constrained nested models. One such fit index is an adaptation of the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) called RMSEA[subscript D]. This index embeds the chi-square and degree-of-freedom differences into a modified RMSEA formula. The present study comprehensively compared RMSEA[subscript D] to [delta]RMSEA, the difference between two RMSEA values associated with a comparison of nested models. The comparison consisted of both derivations as well as a population analysis using one-factor CFA models with features common to those found in practical research. The findings demonstrated that for the same model, RMSEA[subscript D] will always have increased sensitivity relative to [delta]RMSEA with an increasing number of indicator variables. The study also indicated that RMSEA[subscript D] had increased ability to detect noninvariance relative to [delta]RMSEA in one-factor models. For these reasons, when evaluating measurement invariance, RMSEA[subscript D] is recommended instead of [delta]RMSEA.

Thurstonian forced-choice modeling is considered to be a powerful new tool to estimate item and person parameters while simultaneously testing the model fit. This assessment approach is associated with the aim of reducing faking and other response tendencies that plague traditional self-report trait assessments. As a result of major recent methodological developments, the estimation of normative trait scores has become possible in addition to the computation of only ipsative scores. This opened up the important possibility of comparisons between individuals with forced-choice assessment procedures. With item response theory (IRT) methods, a multidimensional forced-choice (MFC) format has also been proposed to estimate individual scores. Customarily, items to assess different traits are presented in blocks, often triplets, in applications of the MFC, which is an efficient form of item presentation but also a simplification of the original models. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the present status of Thurstonian forced-choice models and their variants. Critical features of the current models, especially the block models, are identified and discussed. It is concluded that MFC modeling with item blocks is highly problematic and yields biased results. In particular, the often-recommended presentation of blocks with items that are keyed in different directions of a trait proves to be counterproductive considering the goal to reduce response tendencies. The consequences and implications of the highlighted issues are further discussed.

Introduction: Social self-efficacy refers to peoples' beliefs about their ability to establish effective social relationships. During adolescence, it has been related to positive social relationships, skills to cope with adverse experiences, and health. While prior research has focused on the general dimension of self-efficacy, this study aims to examine the reliability and validity of the subscale social self-efficacy in Spanish and Portuguese adolescents across gender, age, and country. Method: The sample, selected from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, was composed of 20,691 13-18-year-old adolescents from Spain and Portugal (48.2% boys and 51.8% girls). The scale's reliability and internal and external validity were examined systemically across sex, age, and country, as well as testing measurement invariance according to these variables. Results: Data showed adequate evidence of reliability ([alpha] = 0.85), as well as internal and external validity, thus demonstrating the scale's stability and applicability in similar research contexts. Conclusions: Social self-efficacy fosters individual and social well-being in youth, as well as healthy and positive development. Use of this subscale in evaluation and intervention programs could further our understanding about different dimensions of adolescent development.

Metacognition awareness is a fundamental skill for the 21st century. Accurately measuring metacognitive awareness would be highly relevant regardless of age, background, or cognitive abilities. The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 19-item Metacognitive Awareness Inventory-Arabic version (MAI-A) in the general population of Saudi Arabia. The current study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega (reliability), and average variance extracted and composite reliability (validity to evaluate the psychometric properties of MAI-A among a sample of the Arabian population. Measurement invariance across male and female samples had been conducted. Finally, the Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) was used to estimate the dimensional structure of the MAI. In the first step, quantitative face validity was presented to remove the one on the items because of poor indexes. So, the evaluated version was 18 items MAI. Also, the first-order and second-order CFA confirmed the 2-factor model. So, the 18-item MAI presented suitable internal consistency. Second-order average variance extracted validity showed suitable validity of the MAI-A. According to [delta]CFI and [delta]RMSEA, there was no gender invariance between males and females in the MAI-A structure. Finally, the EGA estimated a 3-dimensional structure of the MAI, which was different from the factor structure in the CFA. The MAI-A is a practical and cost-effective tool for evaluating metacognitive awareness in Arab populations. However, future studies should be conducted due to differences between traditional methods (CFA)I and novel methods (EGA) in extracting factors.

STEM education is present in most recent curriculum reforms around the world. One of the main novelties of this educational movement is the integration of engineering practices into science education. In the Spanish educational context, this implies an important challenge for science teachers. So, this study analyzes whether secondary science teachers are sufficiently prepared for this purpose, as well as to find out their experiences, emotions, and appraisals in this regard. To this end, a questionnaire was designed and administered to 328 secondary science teachers as a representative sample of science teachers in Spain with a confidence level of just over 93%. The reliability of the questionnaire was evidenced by the high degree of internal consistency of the data ([alpha] = 0.88). And its validity was determined by means of an exploratory factor analysis. The results reveal that secondary science teachers, in general, have low levels of pedagogical preparation and self-efficacy to integrate engineering practices into science classes, as well as a predominant emotion of insecurity about it. There is also a strong preference among teachers for this to be done in technology subjects. It is concluded that the effective integration of engineering practices into science education is currently a complex challenge that requires ad hoc teacher training plans.

This article presents a novel approach to introducing principal component analysis (PCA), using summary tables and descriptive statistics. Given its applicability across a variety of academic disciplines, this topic offers abundant opportunity for class discussion and activities. However, teaching PCA in an introductory class can be challenging due to the potential abstraction of multivariate datasets, and especially when students have a minimal background in statistics or data science. This method aims to help teachers bridge the gap between basic descriptive statistics and the more advanced concepts of PCA; this is done by disregarding mathematical optimization, while emphasizing the use of summary tables and the programming language R. The focus is on implementing this method in an introductory tertiary data science course; however, it may potentially be used in higher level courses, and across a variety of disciplines.

The present study sought to understand the nature and level of foreign language (FL) anxiety among primary school students and the relationship between FL anxiety and FL achievement. Changes in FL anxiety across groups of three primary school years were also examined. A total of 631 (324 male, 307 female) primary school students aged 9-11 years completed the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) that measured students' FL anxiety. Our participants' FL achievements as measured by low-stakes regular assessments and high-stakes formal examinations were also collected. On average, primary school students reported levels of FL anxiety comparable to those of adults observed in previous studies. Factor analysis on FLCAS generated four components of FL anxiety: communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation, test anxiety and negative attitude towards classroom. Correlation analyses showed that students' FL anxiety was inversely correlated with their FL achievements. The correlation was stronger for formal examinations with higher stakes as compared to regular assessments with lower stakes. Finally, the correlation strengthened as a function of higher instructional level. Results are discussed in relation to previous research. Implications to FL education are also considered.

Authors evaluated the Student Behavior Checklist-Brief (SBC-B) to test whether teacher-reports of student learning approach (i.e., learned helplessness [LH] and mastery orientation [MO]) were invariant across academic subjects. The current sample includes ethnically diverse seventh and eighth grade students (N = 145; 53 percent male) and six teams of five teachers for the core academic subjects. Authors conducted confirmatory factor analyses and measurement invariance tests on ratings for each of the subject-specific SBC-B measures and total SBC-B ratings that were not subject-specific. Results supported full measurement invariance across academic subjects. This evidence supporting the SBC-B's psychometric properties across subjects increases confidence in using the measure in research and clinical settings to identify youth with tendencies toward LH or MO and explore how LH/MO relate to academic functioning and experiences of internalizing symptoms.

The progress of the nation is based on the competencies of the citizens, and the overall development of the person depends on the effectiveness of the educational system implemented in the country. The teacher is a key factor in the implementation of educational programs. Without a favorable attitude toward the teaching profession, teachers cannot do well in the teaching profession. Regarding this context, this study was conducted to construct an attitude scale to measure the attitude of schoolteachers towards the teaching profession. Steps of standardization of the test were adopted to construct a reliable and valid tool. Piloting was made in the Indo-Nepalese context. A quantitative research design was used in this study. A draft of 50 statements was designed, and 40 were selected on the basis of expert judgment. A sample of 374 schoolteachers from five districts of Nepal and India was selected using a random sampling technique. Eight statements were rejected based on item analysis and respondents' suggestions. A standardized attitude scale was developed comprising 32 statements, which were again categorized into eight factors on the basis of factor analysis. Various reliability coefficients ranging from .80 to .87 were found. For interpretation of the results, z-score and percentile norms were developed. This test will be beneficial to researchers who are interested in identifying the attitudes of schoolteachers in the Indo-Nepalese context.

Linear functional relationships are intended to be symmetric and therefore cannot generally be accurately estimated using ordinary least squares regression equations. Orthogonal regression (OR) models allow for errors in both "Y" and "X" and therefore can provide symmetric estimates of these relationships. The most well-established OR model, the errors-in-variables (EIV) model, assumes that the observed scatter around the line is due entirely to errors of measurement in "Y" and "X" and that the ratio of the error variances is known. If most of the variance around the line is known to be due to the errors of measurement in "Y" and "X," the EIV model can provide an unbiased maximum likelihood estimate for a functional relationship. However, if a substantial part of the variability around the line is due to natural variability, which is not attributable to errors of measurement in "Y" or "X," the ratio of the measurement error variances is not well defined and the EIV model is not directly applicable. The main contribution of this report is the development of a hybrid model that provides plausible estimates for linear functional relationships in cases with substantial natural variability and substantial errors of measurement. An analysis of female and male differential test functioning between an essay test and an objective test used as parts of a licensure examination provides an illustration of the use of the hybrid model.

Research has shown that multiple-indicator multiple-cause (MIMIC) models can result in inflated Type I error rates in detecting differential item functioning (DIF) when the assumption of equal latent variance is violated. This study explains how the violation of the equal variance assumption adversely impacts the detection of nonuniform DIF and how it can be addressed through moderated nonlinear factor analysis (MNLFA) model via Bayesian estimation approach to overcome limitations from the restrictive assumption. The Bayesian MNLFA approach suggested in this study better control Type I errors by freely estimating latent factor variances across different groups. Our experimentation with simulated data demonstrates that the BMNFA models outperform the existing MIMIC models, in terms of Type I error control as well as parameter recovery. The results suggest that the MNLFA models have the potential to be a superior choice to the existing MIMIC models, especially in situations where the assumption of equal latent variance assumption is not likely to hold.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, anatomy education was forced to adopt online modes of delivery. Previous research on student views revealed areas of strong preference (asynchronous lectures) and strong dislike (virtual specimens) in online anatomy courses. The current study seeks to compare the views of a single cohort of students experiencing both online and in-person undergraduate introductory anatomy and physiology courses. This comparison can highlight what students consider beneficial to their education and can inform future hybrid course offerings. Q-methodology was used to assess the opinions of students. Students sorted 41 statements on anatomy education in a quasi-normally distributed grid based on their degree of agreement with the statements. The rankings underwent a by-person factor analysis which categorized students with shared perceptions into groups. Data were collected from 246 students in the primarily online fall semester and 191 students in the primarily in-person winter semester. Analysis revealed three distinct factors (groups) in the cohort. Factor one (n = 113 (fall), n = 93 (winter)), was satisfied overall with the course materials and delivery. Factor two (n = 52 (fall), n = 18 (winter)) had a deep dislike of online learning, and factor three (n = 37 (fall), n = 49 (winter)) had a strong preference for online learning. While many students were comfortable in both online and in-person learning environments, this was not the case for all learners. The strengths and weaknesses of each teaching modality suggest the opportunity to explore hybrid learning as an option for future course offerings and specifically highlight valuable aspects to incorporate from each environment.

In the existing multidimensional extensions of the log-normal response time (LNRT) model, the log response times are decomposed into a linear combination of several latent traits. These models are fully compensatory as low levels on traits can be counterbalanced by high levels on other traits. We propose an alternative multidimensional extension of the LNRT model by assuming that the response times can be decomposed into two response time components. Each response time component is generated by a one-dimensional LNRT model with a different latent trait. As the response time components--but not the traits--are related additively, the model is partially compensatory. In a simulation study, we investigate the recovery of the model's parameters. We also investigate whether the fully and the partially compensatory LNRT model can be distinguished empirically. Findings suggest that parameter recovery is good and that the two models can be distinctly identified under certain conditions. The utility of the model in practice is demonstrated with an empirical application. In the empirical application, the partially compensatory model fits better than the fully compensatory model.

The present study developed and validated a self-regulated learning (SRL) teaching scale with a total sample of 966 preschool teachers. A pool of items was generated from literature reviews, teacher interviews, and expert reviews using Zimmerman's cyclical model of SRL. An exploratory factor analysis (N = 333) in study 1, and a confirmatory factor analysis (N = 334), discriminant, and convergent validity (N = 667) in study 2 were performed to support a six-factor construct, including task analysis, self-motivation beliefs, self-control, self-observation, self-judgement, and self-reaction, with a satisfactory fit. In study 3, the T-SRL was found significantly correlated with teacher self-efficacy, validating the scale's concurrent validity with another sample of 299 teachers. Overall, the findings collectively support the further development of the T-SRL to assess teaching practice while emphasizing the need for more empirical research on promoting children's SRL.

Engineering lacks quantitative measures of racism and sexism in engineering graduate education. Racial and gendered disparities in participation, persistence, and experience combined with qualitative evidence indicate that discrimination interferes with marginalized students' well-being and degree completion. The Discrimination in Engineering Graduate Education (DEGrE) scale helps researchers identify environmental gender and race/ethnicity-based discrimination in engineering graduate education. The scale development and initial assessments reported here demonstrate the validity, internal reliability, and utility of the DEGrE subscales. The DEGrE scale will assist engineering colleges and departments evaluate their graduate students' experiences to guide decision makers in identifying changes needed in their graduate programs to improve equity and inclusion of marginalized students.