There is not a great body of research that exists exploring literacy self-efficacy perceptions of teachers through a qualitative lens, and it was noted that the voices of teachers were missing in literacy self-efficacy research. This qualitative study investigates teachers' perceptions about their literacy self-efficacy, as well as what factors…

This dissertation investigates the issue of gender stratification within engineering and other STEM-related fields. The dissertation is divided into three articles that address different aspects of the problem and propose potential solutions. Article 1 explores the persistent gender imbalance within STEM fields, particularly in engineering and…

This study analyzed early childhood preservice teachers' specific components of self-efficacy to provide a more exhaustive comprehension of the relationships among STEM self-efficacy, pedagogical belief, and the self-reported need for professional development (PD). The participants were undergraduate or graduate preservice teachers recruited from…

Purpose: This study explores pre-service preschool teachers' acceptance and self-efficacy towards Educational Robotics (ER) during a university course, and also examines their perceptions of the course. Methodology: This is a one-group intervention study with an associational research design that includes both quantitative and qualitative research…

Elementary teachers in California were tasked to use cognitively guided instruction (CGI) strategies in mathematics classrooms, but it was uncertain if they had the self-efficacy, confidence, resources, and support to do so consistently. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate K-5 teachers' perceptions about their…

Children's unexpected cardiac arrest warrants cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by kindergarten teachers. Yet, recent research revealed trained personnel reporting poor transfer of acquired skills during real-world emergencies with conventional CPR training. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) training induces a greater sense of presence and agency…

Researchers have known for several years that when a child is reading below proficiency by the end of third grade, it is likely the child will continue to struggle learning to read through the child's academic career (Dickinson & Porche, 2011; Wasik & Hindman, 2011). Yet, the problem of children falling below third grade reading…

This paper is based on a review of studies focusing on student autonomy in early childhood, primary, and secondary education in Spain published in the last 10 years. Autonomy is defined as the capacity of individuals to act in a self-determined way. Educational institutions play a key role in the development of autonomy through experience, and…

When early childhood educators include autistic children, they require information about these children's needs and strategies to promote their participation in daycare activities. As there are many ways to build educators' capacity, these key individuals for inclusion should be considered to offer interventions relevant to their context. This…

Early childhood care and education providers provide instruction to diverse learners, including children with developmental delays, but often lack training in the use of evidence-based instructional strategies to support children's meaningful learning engagement. This preliminary study examined effects of the Early Achievements for Child Care…

Kindergarten and first-grade students who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have additional learning needs impeding the learning of self and others. The purpose of the qualitative study was to investigate: (a) the successes, challenges, barriers, and needs of teachers working with students who have ADHD;…

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) require digitally competent teachers in all subject areas, including English language teaching. English language teachers must be digitally competent for learner guidance and engagement. This study examined 220 Turkish EFL teachers' level of 21st-century digital competence and how they perceived…

According to national standardized test results, American students are failing at an alarming rate. Research suggests that teachers are not prepared to teach in inclusive classrooms. Research also suggests that a teacher's efficacy rating can impact student achievement. This study explores how teachers of inclusive classrooms are attempting to…

Early childhood education is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with the introduction of new curriculums, initiatives and programs. The classroom teacher is the constant, providing essential early literacy instruction amidst all of these changes. Universal Pre-Kindergarten is a vital program that provides access to quality early childhood…

The importance of information and communication technology (ICT) in education has been increasingly acknowledged due to advancements in technology. Prior research has explored several perspectives on the "use of ICT in early childhood education (ECE) and has highlighted many obstacles to its implementation in the classroom setting". The…