The research in this volume takes account of the context of policy promoting Chinese as a second language (CSL) in several countries and regions, (Australia, East Asia and South-East Asia), and the wider social context of multilingual and multicultural societies. Furthermore, this book reports results of two research studies which investigated how…

Children's preschool years are crucial for the development of computational thinking (CT) skills. However, debate continues regarding whether CT should be developed through plugged-in or unplugged activities. This study investigated the similarities and differences between plugged-in and unplugged activities with similar learning content and…

The paper presents an experimental study aiming to explore primary school students' response to Mobile Seamless Learning activities. The educational intervention and the consequent investigation were conducted in a suburban primary school in Greece, with second grade pupils, in the context of a learning subject entitled "Studying our Living…

A substantial number of empirical studies in the field of Early Childhood Science Education have explored science concept formation in early childhood educational settings. Most of these studies focus on the process of science concept formation during a teaching intervention or a school year period. However, less is known about how children form…

This study investigated the direct relationship between home play opportunity and prospective school readiness, and the indirect relationships as mediated through object and social mastery motivation among Hong Kong Chinese kindergarten children. Participants were 106 local children (44.4% girls, mean age = 60.0 months) and their parents and…

The use of stories in science education can make science more interesting and engaging, illustrate concepts, and provide opportunities for contextual and meaningful learning. Also, integrating a scientific story in which the sustainability goals are incorporated can lead to increasing students' motivation to learn as well as improve and facilitate…

Digital learning tools have become increasingly popular worldwide as they enhance the teaching and learning process. It has the potential to improve the educational experience and awareness of children both within the host country and internationally. Additionally, it can contribute to personal growth, promote fair competition, increase…

Learning a second language (L2) is dependent upon numerous external and internal factors, among which motivation plays a relevant role. In fact, motivation has been recognized as crucial in the L2 learning process (Ushioda, 2012). Such has been its importance that interest in L2 motivation has led to the development of theories such as the L2…

This study investigated the application of an artificial intelligence (AI) coach for second language (L2) learning in a primary school involving 327 participants. In line with Community of Inquiry, learners were expected to perceive social, cognitive, and teaching presences when interacting with the AI coach, which was considered a humanized…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the knowledge and self-efficacy of kindergarten school teachers impact students' learning outcomes namely Arabic language reading skills. The study was a cross-sectional survey and collected data from 120 kindergarten teachers. The study showed that there is a significant positive relationship…

The state of health and psychological well-being of all citizens, is a determining condition for the development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The purpose of this study was to theoretically substantiate and identify the role and place of the alienation of children from school in the issue of ensuring the psychological safety of schoolchildren.…

Cognitive style differences, also known as 'empathizing' and 'systemizing' have been argued as one reason that may explain differences in children's motivation to learn science. Researchers claim that people with a 'systemizing' cognitive style are likelier to engage in science than those with an 'empathizing' cognitive style. As such, they…

The current study digitalised an assessment instrument of receptive vocabulary knowledge, GraWo-KiGa, for use in Austrian kindergartens. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study looks at 85 kindergarteners in their last year (age M = 5.79 years, 51.8% male, 71.8% L1 German), to find out (a) whether the form of digital assessment employed meets…

A sample of 1049 Norwegian teachers in grades 1-3 were surveyed about how they taught writing as well as their preparation and efficacy to do so. Although there was moderate variability in their response to survey items, most teachers provided students with a multi-faceted writing program. Teachers indicated students typically spent 20 min a day…

The teaching and learning in Indonesian elementary schools focus both on students' concept mastery and character development. Teachers are encouraged to implement a learning model that integrates character values and yet promote learning interest. This study was aimed at investigating the mathematics learning interest of grade three elementary…