In this paper, we present the results of an investigation into the effects of engaging with robotic telescopes during an Astronomy 101 (Astro101) course in the United States and Canada on the self-efficacy of students. Using an astronomy self-efficacy survey that measures both astronomy personal self-efficacy and instrumental self-efficacy, the…

This study investigated group and individual differences in beginning secondary school teachers' self-efficacy for the inclusive classroom in Canada and Germany. This research complements previous Canadian and German research that compared the self-efficacy of pre-service teachers in each country, as well as those experiences that contributed to…

Cooking at home is associated with health benefits, and 10- and 11-year-old children are capable of participating in meal preparation. However, opportunities for children to cook at home have declined. This study aimed to identify determinants of the frequency and the intention to cook at home in fifth graders using the Theory of Planned Behavior…

This study analyzes how students' reported teaching practices of their teachers and their attitudes towards science are related to the science achievements of four high-performing countries/economies in PISA 2015: Hong Kong, China, Canada, and Finland. A study of these regions can shed light on the commonalities of and differences between the…

Purpose: We aimed to explore and compare generalist and physical education (PE) specialist (males and females) elementary teachers' self-efficacy to teach and the barriers perceived when teaching PE. Methods: Canadian elementary school teachers completed the validated online survey, Teacher Efficacy Scale in PE, with 11 additional questions…

While in most countries today women attain higher levels of education than men, on average, they are less likely than men to be employed and they earn less. There are many reasons why these gender gaps open; some are apparent in secondary school. For example, even when they outperform boys academically, girls are less likely than their male peers…

This paper investigates the phenomena of overclaiming -- the propensity for individuals to claim more knowledge about an issue or topic than they really (or could possibly) do. Using Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data from nine Anglophone countries and over 40,000 young people, we examine teenagers' propensity to claim…

The transition to university is a stressful period for young adults; however, there has been limited research examining the predictive role of dispositional mindfulness in supporting first-year students' adjustment to university. The current study sought to examine the relative contribution of gender, self-efficacy, perceived social support from…

Pre-service teachers (n = 1572) from five faculties of education in Ontario, Canada were surveyed at the beginning of their programme about their attitudes and self-efficacy beliefs regarding inclusive practices. These responses were compared to responses from Ontario in-service teachers (n = 739) prior to their district-wide shift from a model of…

This research examines the impact of a 2-day scientific conference on high school students' confidence in attending university and interest in postsecondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Specifically, this study investigates (1) whether exposure to STEM in grades 10 and 11 significantly increases self-reported…

The HEXACO dimensions of personality traits (honesty--humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience) have been linked to many adaptive outcomes in physical education-related (PE) settings; yet, little is known about the relationship between personality traits and motivation in students of school…

The coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) changed the context of schooling for both parents and their children. Learning at home presents new challenges for parents of young children and particularly for parents of children with behavior difficulties, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The current study examined changes to parent…

This hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry explores the lived experiences of Chinese international students at a Canadian university in COVID times with gender comparison. Ten participants between 20 and 30 years of age are interviewed via Zoom meetings and WeChat videos to reveal specific insights they have gained from their experiences. Based on…

Teachers who show high teacher efficacy affect student achievement positively. Teaching is sometimes seen as an overwhelming profession because of classroom diversity and expectations placed on teachers. It is important to bring beginning teachers to the point at which they feel they are capable and will be more emotionally equipped to take on the…

Research on the pedagogical value of providing students with PowerPoint (PPT) slide handouts has produced mixed results. One reason for the inconsistent findings may be that most studies in this stream of research have neglected to examine individual differences. In the current study, we aimed to advance research on the pedagogical value of…