Showing papers in "Universal Journal of Educational Research in 2017"

Blended Learning: An Innovative Approach

Abstract: Blended learning is an innovative concept that embraces the advantages of both traditional teaching in the classroom and ICT supported learning including both offline learning and online learning. It has scope for collaborative learning; constructive learning and computer assisted learning (CAI). Blended learning needs rigorous efforts, right attitude, handsome budget and highly motivated teachers and students for its successful implementation. As it incorporates diverse modes so it is complex and organizing it is a difficult task. The present paper discusses the concept of blended learning, its main features and prerequisite of its implementation. Scope of blended learning in Indian educational system is also discussed .The present paper also tries to explain that how blended learning is an approach that needs to be adopted.

Examining Relationship between Teachers' Self-efficacy and Job Satisfaction

Abstract: Teaching in the 21st century poses many challenges for teachers, and thus, they need to take on more roles in their schools to meet the expectations of students, parents and the school community. In this regard, this study examined the relationship between teachers' self-efficacy beliefs and their job satisfaction. Participants of the study were 489 elementary, middle and high school teachers in the district of Beyoglu, Istanbul. 295 (61%) of the participants were female and 194 (39%) were male. The average age of the participants was 34. Their teaching experience varied between 1-29 years. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between teacher self-efficacy and job satisfaction, and teacher self-efficacy was found to be a significant predictor of job satisfaction.

The Influence of Virtual Learning Environments in Students' Performance.

Abstract: This paper focuses mainly on the relation between the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) and students' performance. Therefore, virtual learning environments are characterised and a study is presented emphasising the frequency of access to a VLE and its relation with the students' performance from a public higher education institution during the academic year of 2014-15. The main aim of this research work is to obtain indicators which may help understand relations between the use of VLEs and students' performance. Finding the frequency of access to the VLE and assessing the consequences of such use represent challenges to which teachers and researchers try to respond in order to know students better and consequently, develop strategies which meet their interests and needs. This study is mainly quantitative with descriptive features, involving data obtained from literature research and from experimental research using a sample of approximately 6300 undergraduates. The data was extracted from the VLE and student registration system databases using learning analytics procedures. The results show that there are relatively positive indicators regarding students' access to a virtual learning environment and the relation between such access and their performance.

Analysis of Students' Online Learning Readiness Based on Their Emotional Intelligence Level

Abstract: The objective of the present study is to determine whether there is a significant relationship between the students' readiness in online learning and their emotional intelligence levels. Correlational research method was used in the study. Online Learning Readiness Scale which was developed by Hung et al. (2010) has been used and Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale - Short Form (TEIS-SF) developed by K. Petrides and Furnham (2000, 2001) were used as data collection tools. The questionnaires were applied to 95 students who attend Computer II course, which is provided only through distance learning in Uludag University. The conducted analyses demonstrated that there was a meaningful relationship between students' online learning readiness and the individual's emotional intelligence dimension. Individuals with a high social skills sub-dimension of emotional intelligence had high online learning readiness levels. Furthermore, it was determined that self-control emotional intelligence sub-dimension had a greater prediction power on learner control, one of the online learning readiness levels, when compared to other emotional intelligence sub-dimensions.

The Effects of Using Jigsaw Method Based on Cooperative Learning Model in the Undergraduate Science Laboratory Practices.

Abstract: The main aim of the present study is to determine the influence of a Jigsaw method based on cooperative learning and a confirmatory laboratory method on prospective science teachers' achievements of physics in science teaching laboratory practice courses. The sample of this study consisted of 33 female and 15 male third-grade prospective science teachers (6th term) who attended science teaching laboratory practices course in the 2014-2015 academic year. In the research, science teaching laboratory practices course was carried out in accordance with a Jigsaw method based on cooperative learning in an experimental group and a confirmatory laboratory method in a control group. Following the treatment, Science Laboratory Physic Achievement Test (SLPAT) was administered as the post-test. The data obtained with the instruments were evaluated using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and ANCOVA. The results indicated that the student teachers had higher levels of achievement in physics topics which were taught through the Jigsaw method based on cooperative learning than through a confirmatory laboratory method. In addition, according to the SLPAT results, students' high levels of misunderstanding revealed that there were problems in the teaching process of physics concepts. It was determined that the student teachers in the research groups had conceptual misunderstandings about sound, electricity, magnetism, light and optics issues. Based on the applications performed in this study, the original Jigsaw was adapted to science laboratory applications as an alternative to the existing Jigsaw techniques in the literature. With similar efforts, the experiences of prospective science teachers can be enhanced for implementing modern teaching methods in their respective areas in the pre-service period. Thus, the provision of professional development of the pre-service science teachers can be supported.

Association of Cognitive, Affective, Psychomotor and Intuitive Domains in Education, Sönmez Model

Abstract: Problem statement: Educational goals are classified taxonomically as cognitive, affective, psycho-motor and intuitive. Can these classifications be associated? Sonmez's model represents an attempt for this. Purpose of Study: Is the model regarding the association of four domains developed by Sonmez supported significantly by empirical data? What are the views of the participants on this issue? Methods: Both qualitative and quantitative data were used together in this study. Findings and Results: A high level of significant and positive correlation was found between cognitive, psychomotor, affective and intuitive learning outcomes. Based on these findings, it can be stated that learning outcomes are not disconnected. That means when an individual learns a cognitive behavior he/she also learns other associated psychomotor, affective, and intuitive behaviors. Leaning is codded into four domains altogether. Conclusion and recommendations: This study revealed results supporting the model regarding the association of four domains as suggested by Sonmez. These results can be a proof of the hypothesis that behaviors of all domains are coded and learnt as a whole in the brain. Further comprehensive experimental and qualitative research can be done about this issue.

What Makes a Good Teacher

Abstract: The introduction of the new Teacher Career Model, the School Inspectorate and the Complex School Assessment imply the basic question “What makes a good teacher?” The scholars have been focusing on the issue for a long period of time. The target of the recent studies is the teachers’, school principals’ and the teacher students’ beliefs. The primary and secondary school students’ beliefs have been neglected. This study presents the results of a research in which we explore the secondary school students’ expectations of a good teacher. We carried out an anonymous questionnaire survey and asked the students to write an essay on the good teacher. The results show that the students assess their teachers in a lot of aspects. The categories of the questionnaire and the essays reveal certain personality traits and the eight teaching competences of the recently introduced Teacher Career Model. The students would like to have teachers who put a lot of efforts into helping students with acquisition. Furthermore, personal attention, dealing with the students’ problems, fair treatment and showing respect to each other take the priority in their beliefs. The results of this study regarded as the starting point of a bigger-scale research can contribute to the development of the graduate and postgraduate teacher training system in Hungary.

Relationship between Lifelong Learning Levels and Information Literacy Skills in Teacher Candidates

Abstract: This study aims to examine the relationship between lifelong learning levels and information literacy skills in teacher candidates. The research group consists of 127 physical education and sports teacher candidates. Data were collected by means of “Lifelong Learning Scale (LLL)” and "Information Literacy Scale". In the data analysis, “mean, standard deviation and Product-Moment Correlation coefficients” were used. As a result of the study, it has been observed that participant student’ LLL levels are above the average. Sub-dimensions of LLL levels have been analyzed, it shows that participant student’ curiosity, perseverance, motivation and self-regulation subscale scores, were slightly above the mean score of the scale. Another result obtained from this research is that students’ information literacy trends are also quite high. It shows that students' “defining information needs” “access to information” “use of information” and “ethical and legal settings in use of information” subscale average scores is the high level. According the results of the analysis, there is a significant relationship between students’ information literacy skills and LLL levels. This relationship is positive and at moderate level. Thus, it is understood that when students' information literacy skills increase their attitudes toward LLL will also increase in parallel at moderate level.

Mind Maps as a Lifelong Learning Tool

Abstract: Mind map, which was developed by Tony Buzan as a note-taking technique, is an application which has the power of uncovering the thoughts which the brain has about a subject from different viewpoints and which activate the right and left lobes of the brain together as an alternative to linear thought. It is known that mind maps have benefits such as recalling, improving the creativity, solving problem, focusing on a subject and organizing the thoughts. It is considered that mind maps have an important place as a lifelong learning tool nowadays when constructivist approach is used as base in the learning-teaching process. From this consideration forth, the objective of this study is to determine the opinions of university students with respect to using of mind maps and developing processes in preparing mind maps. This study was conducted according to interview technique which is among qualitative research methods. A total of 31 students who attend to five different licence programmes at Ankara University Faculty of Educational Sciences in fall semester of 2016-2017 academic year constitute the work group of the study. Semi-structured interview form which was developed by the researcher was used as data collection tool in the study. Data was analysed and interpreted by content analysis technique.

An Evaluation of Oral Language: The Relationship between Listening, Speaking and Self-Efficacy.

Abstract: Listening and speaking skills are fundamental determinants of an individual's academic success. The aim of this research is to establish the relationship between listening and speaking skills, and study how listening predicts and cognitively arranges speaking. The research was carried out using the quantitative pattern in correlational type. The population of the research consists of a randomly chosen sample of 662 secondary school students from the city of Aksaray in Turkey. The data were gathered and analysed using the percentage and frequency techniques and gender variance comparisons were made. Independent group t-tests, and variance analysis were used on grade, parental education status, book reading, TV watching and internet use. To determine the relationship between the variables, Pearson correlation coefficient was used and to determine the predicting relationship, simple linear regression analysis was used. The research found that girls have higher verbal communication skills and that the higher the level of parental education and the more time spent reading books led to an increase in verbal communication skills and self-efficacy, whereas the amount of time spent watching TV and using a computer had a negative effect on self-efficacy. Statistics show that listening skill is a significant predictor of speaking skill.

Authentic Leadership and Altruism: The Mediating Role of Meaningfulness

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of meaningfulness on the relationship between authentic leadership and altruistic behavior. The participants consisted of 356 teachers randomly selected from 14 primary and secondary schools in Nigde. Three different instruments were used in this study. The scales were translated using the translation and back translation method. All scales were adapted to the educational context. The validity and reliability of the scales were examined. Pearson correlation coefficient and the structural equation modeling were used for the data analysis. It was found that authentic leadership was positively related to teachers' altruistic behavior and meaningfulness in work. A significant positive relationship was found between altruistic behavior and meaningfulness. It has been determined that meaningfulness fully mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and altruistic behavior.

A Study on the Relationship between Self Directed Learning and Achievement in Information Technology of Students at Secondary Level.

Abstract: Education at any level has normally been based on some image of the future; that was not impossible in a world that was changing slowly. Today, educators are preparing learners for a world we cannot even predict, and self-directed learning has become an essential foundation for 21st century learners. In recent years teachers are giving importance to technology based education such as student centered education, technology based education, hands-on training, lab-based education and e-learning in the classrooms. The underlying rationale seems to be that students are better able to learn when they can control the flow of their experience, or when their learning is 'self-directed.' Teachers are also has an important place in Self Directed Learning environment. Their constant support and motivation is required for accelerating the effectiveness and also increasing the rate of achievement. Information Technology (IT) is becoming the subject of 21st century, because knowledge in IT plays a crucial role for the daily living. In this paper, the Investigators tried to find out whether there exists any relationship between Self Directed Learning (SDL) and Achievement in Information Technology of Secondary School Students for the total sample and also for the subsample Gender. The Investigators also tried to find out whether there exists any significant difference in the Self Directed Learning and Achievement in Information Technology of Students at Secondary Level based on Gender. Proper statistical techniques were used for collecting, standardizing and analyzing the data.

The Effect of Jigsaw Technique on the Students' Laboratory Material Recognition and Usage Skills in General Physics Laboratory-I Course.

Abstract: This research aims to compare the effects of Jigsaw technique from the cooperative learning methods and traditional learning method on laboratory material recognition and usage skills of students in General Physics Lab-I Course. This study was conducted with 63 students who took general physics laboratory-I course in the department of science education at a state university in Turkey during 2012-2013 academic year. The randomly selected class 1-A consisting of 32 students was assigned as the experiment group (jigsaw group) and the class 1-B consisting of 31 students was assigned as the control group for the study. The Material Recognition and Usage Skills Test (MRUST), Laboratory Skills Evaluation Test (LSET) and Jigsaw Opinion Scale (JOS) were applied. The results were analyzed by SPSS and frequencies were calculated and independent sample t-test was performed. When the analyses of the study were evaluated, it was concluded from the comparison of the experiment group, to which jigsaw technique was applied, and the control group, where traditional learning method was used, that the laboratory skills of the experiment group developed more than that of the control group. Moreover, according to the results of the opinion scale only applied to jigsaw group at the end of the study, it was found that the jigsaw technique created a more effective learning environment in laboratory practices.

The Impact of Parental Level of Income on Students' Academic Performance in High School in Japan

Abstract: The socioeconomic status of a child parent impacts on the educational development and achievement of the child. This study evaluated the effect of socioeconomic status, specifically parents income and parents-child relationship on student's academic performance in Senior High School in Japan. Three hundred students of Senior High Schools in Osaka and Hyogo prefectures of Japan were randomly selected and used as the sample population. A well-structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection to ascertain the effect of parent's income status and attitude on student's academic performance at school using a four point Likert scale methodology. Academics grade point of students in an examination was also used as the determinant of students' academic achievement. Results showed that greater academic achievement for a student is attained by those students from financially buoyant families (Mean ± SD = 2.97 ± 0.88, X2 = 11.991, P = 0.007), however, 29.7% of students strongly disagree. More than half of respondents (>50%) disagree that financial constraint determines the number of children that goes to school in low income families. Average exam grade (Mean ± SD) points for students from parents with high, medium and low-income status was 77.29 ± 13.1, 77.9 ± 23.3 and 80.79 ± 10.13, respectively (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our finding show parents involvement in children school activities matter most than the parent's financial status in uplifting the children academic performance in school. Our recommendation is that parents should always encourage their children and provide moral support as well for the child to be emotionally stable and have confidence in their academic pursuit to achieve excellence.

An Investigation of Forcibly Migrated Syrian Refugee Students at Turkish Public Schools

Abstract: This study is a descriptive phenomenological research that aims to reveal Syrian refugee children' experiences within formal public schools in Turkey. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews from 28 teachers who teach these refugee Syrian students. Results show that the students are under the effect of post-traumatic stress disorders, they have problems understanding and communicating the content in class, there are issues stemming from overcrowded classes, teachers have not been involved in decision-making processes regarding these students, there does not seem to be an reliable effort to increase teachers' capacities to better deal with these students, nor are they effectively informed about refugee students. The study also presents discussion related to integration of refugee students into mainstream classes, lack of an effective system to address issues, and some suggestions for policy making in the case of refugee students.

The Effect of Mathematical Worksheets Based on Multiple Intelligences Theory on the Academic Achievement of the Students in the 4 th Grade Primary School

Abstract: The aim of this research is to examine the effect of Math worksheets based on the Multiple Intelligences Theory on the academic achievement of students in the 4th grade primary school. The sample of the research consists of 64 (32 experimental and 32 control) students who are studying in the 4th grade in a primary school affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in the province of Baglar, Diyarbakir in the academic year of 2016-2017. Experimental design with pre-test and post-test control group was used in the study. The obtained pre-test and post-test data were analyzed with SPSS 22.00 package program. Content analysis of interview data was conducted. According to the results of the research, it is shown that Math worksheets prepared on the basis of the Multiple Intelligences Theory has increased the academic achievements of the students in general. According to these results, it can be said that the preparation of Math worksheets according to students' different intelligence fields can positively influence the academic achievement of the students.

The Relationship between Good Readers' Attention, Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the relationship between fourth-graders' reading fluency, reading comprehension and attention. It was conducted using the relational screening model and included 132 fourth-graders with grade level adequate reading skills. The study results showed that good readers' attention had significant effects on reading speed, prosody, word recognition and comprehension, respectively. There is also a higher level of relationship between attention, reading speed and prosody. To improve good readers' prosodic reading skills and increase their reading speeds, attention-enhancing activities are needed.

EFL Learners' Beliefs about Speaking English and Being a Good Speaker: A Metaphor Analysis

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the beliefs of English as foreign language (EFL) learners about speaking in English and being a good speaker of English through metaphor analysis. A phenomenological approach was adopted and 60 EFL learners completed a questionnaire with demographic questions and two prompts focusing on the characteristics of a good English speaker (i.e., “Speaking English is like... because...” and “A good speaker of English is like... because...”). For the first prompt about speaking English, 46 valid metaphors were determined, which were categorized under five conceptual themes. For the second prompts about being a good speaker of English, 27 valid metaphors were given, with six conceptual categories identified. Findings showed that learners mostly perceived speaking as a skill requiring much effort and also giving pleasure. They described a good speaker of English as someone who is fluent at speaking, universal, disarming, wise, privileged and hardworking. The conceptual categories were also described with the speaking achievement and these categories were found to be connected to the degree of achievement. The findings gave insight into a better understanding of the speaking skill and what makes a good speaker of English for language educators.

A Validation Study of the Culturally Responsive Teaching Survey.

Abstract: Amidst the ethnic and linguistic diversity in adult English language classes, there is heightened importance to using culturally responsive teaching practices. However, there are limited quantitative examinations of this approach in adult learning environments. The purpose of this investigation was to describe patterns of culturally responsive teaching practices of adult ESOL teachers and to establish the psychometric properties of the Culturally Responsive Teaching Survey (CRTS), a newly-developed self-assessment survey. Based on Ginsberg and Wlodkowski's Motivational Framework for Culturally Responsive Teaching [1], this 17-item online survey establishes patterns of teaching praxis appropriate for adult English language classrooms. Findings revealed a trend of regular to frequent use of the majority of the culturally responsive teaching practices indicated in the CRTS. In addition, analyses demonstrated that the CRTS is a reliable, uni-dimensional scale which yielded positive correlations with multi-cultural knowledge and teaching skills. Thus, the CRTS provides a useful tool for examining the praxis of culturally responsive teaching in adult, second-language classrooms. These findings will lead to improved understanding of how adult educators incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices in ethnically and linguistically diverse learning environments, in addition to supporting the use of this instrument in future research studies.

The Roles of Life Satisfaction, Teaching Efficacy, and Self-Esteem in Predicting Teachers' Job Satisfaction.

Abstract: The current research aims to find out the extent to which high school teachers' life satisfaction, teaching efficacy, and self-esteem predict their job satisfaction. Research participants included a total of 358 teachers (age=38.82; Ss=6.73; range, 22-58), 222 males (62%) and 136 females (38%), employed in 21 public high schools in the city center of Adiyaman in Turkey. 50 participant teachers (14%) were single and 308 (86%) were married. Education levels of the participant teachers were as follows: 318 (88.8%) with a BA degree, 36 (10.1%) with a MA degree, 3 (0.8%) with an associate degree and 1 (0.3%) with a PhD. Years in service were as follows: ( service years=14.72; Ss=7; range, 1-35). The data was collected through the 'Personal Information Form', 'Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale', 'Satisfaction with Life Scale', 'Teacher Efficacy Scale' and 'Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale'. Descriptive analyses, Pearson product-moment correlation, and hierarchical linear multi regression analysis were used in the analyses of quantitative data in the current research. Data analysis was conducted through IBM SPSS 15.0 software. Three different regression models were obtained upon hierarchical multi regression analysis of scores on Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale. A review of R2 values showed that Satisfaction with Life Scale explained 31% of Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale (F(1,356) =162.991**); this was increased by 34% upon analyzing Teacher Efficacy Scale (F(2,355) =95.105**) and by 35% upon analyzing Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (F(3,354)= 66.123**).

The Collaborative Instructional Design System (CIDS): Visualizing the 21st Century Learning.

Abstract: Learning is the act of acquiring new, or reinforcing existing knowledge, characters, skills, and values, affecting a potential change of the learners towards nurturing creativity and innovation. The 21st-century learning framework from the 21st-Century Partnership, 2002 and the component of the Four-Dimensional Education written by Fadel, Bialik & Trilling 2015, have in common in the aspect of designing instructions for the implementation of the 21st-century learning. It is a challenge for the teachers to design the instruction in fulfilling the requirements. Thus, this concept paper introduces The Collaborative Instructional Design System (CIDS) 2017, developed as a solution towards the challenges. CIDS comprises of the Integral ASIE Instructional Design Model developed by Ismail, & Balakrishnan 2016 (the transformational ID Model), and special features on the Professional Learning Community (PLC). PLC is a 'global hub' for connecting teachers meeting with members of various communities around the world virtually that foster and build high-quality human capital for future prosperity. Information about the development and issues of job opportunities in the world and the successes and challenges faced by the industries especially relating to the Fourth Industrial Revolution - IR4.0, can create awareness which further motivates learners to commit themselves with confidence in pursuing their goals. CIDS is a constructive process in designing the instructions, which provides practitioners in education a valuable tool and perspective in enhancing the quality of instructions and training towards visualizing the 21st-century learning requirements for all learners. CIDS is accessible at https://asiemodel.net.

Determination of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of High School Students

Abstract: Healthy lifestyle behaviors can be defined as all the behaviors believed and applied by individuals to be healthy, maintain health and be protected from diseases. This study aims to determine the healthy lifestyle behaviors of high school students studying at the high schools in the Province of Elazig, Turkey. The study population of this descriptive study consists of students studying at the high schools located in the Cumhuriyet neighborhood located in the city center of the Province of Elazig. Simple random sampling method was used to select 459 students among the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders studying at that high school the study sample consists of these 459 students. As a data collection tool, a Personal Information Form, which includes items for students' socio-demographic information, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-II were used. The study findings indicated that students adopted the healthy lifestyle behaviors moderately. Variables such as gender, type of school, grade, family income, paternal education status were found to be effective on the healthy lifestyle behaviors.

The Effectiveness of a Tablet Computer-aided Intervention Program for Improving Reading Fluency

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a tablet computer-aided intervention program for improving reading fluency. It also investigates the opinions of students and parents about this intervention by using skill- and performance-based techniques, which have been investigated qualitatively. Three students with a learning disability who are in the third or fourth grades participated in the study. The multiple baselines across participants design which is one of the single-subject experimental models has been used as an experimental design and results are presented with graphics. The findings show that the tablet computer-aided intervention program improved the reading fluency of the students with a learning disability. According to the qualitative data, the students' views about the tablet computer-aided reading fluency intervention were generally positive, indicating that this study was fun and motivated them to study. Although the parents had concerns that studying with a tablet could be perceived as a means of entertainment, they also thought the intervention was effective and wanted their children to have access to a tablet computer for educational purposes.

Using Project-based Learning in Writing an Educational Article: An Experience Report

Abstract: Writing skills of students in various faculties are competencies that need to be developed in accordance with the vision and purpose for the faculty itself The Faculty of Education is a faculty which educates and writing skills to students from any department to have a sensitivity and a critical attitude toward education This research employs qualitative research It was expected to give inspirations to further research in linear field and also to inspire readers to implement writing based-project in their instruction Using project-based learning directly guides them to write an article The study involved 32 students of the 2nd of Mathematics Education Academic Year 2015/2016 We describe a reflective study on their articles that published in the local mass media The results show that the students' interest were very varied, there are education and history education, education and values, contemporary problems of education and mathematics education It is also show that using project based-learning, the number of students' articles published in mass media is 25% (8 of 32 articles), the remain articles (75%) were under review From the results, it can be concluded that by using project-based learning, students' writing ability can be enhanced Further, this learning can foster student learning and engage faculty in professional development

The Influence of Student-Centered Methods in Turkish Language Instruction on Academic Success: A Meta-Analysis Study.

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to determine the influence of student-centered methods employed in Turkish language instruction on the academic success of students through meta-analysis. To this end, a literature review was conducted on the relevant studies conducted between 2000 and 2016 in order to determine the studies were suitable for the meta-analysis. The review revealed that there are 96 studies available on student-centered methods based on multiple intelligences, creative drama, collaboration and games. 22 studies, which qualified for the meta-analysis, were selected and analyses were conducted as necessary. Effect size calculations of the determined methods were made individually. Calculations of the addressed studies were made in accordance with random effects model due to the heterogeneity of effect size calculated in accordance with the fixed effects model. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis CMA software was used for the calculations. This study was deemed necessary due to the unavailability of a study addressed at the methods employed in Turkish language instruction in the literature. As a result of the study, it was determined that student-centered learning methods have an overall positive and high level effect on the academic success of students. The results of the studies combined with meta-analysis suggest that use of student-centered methods in Turkish language instruction is effective on the academic success of students.

Using Electronic Communication Tools in Online Group Activities to Develop Collaborative Learning Skills

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using synchronous and asynchronous communication tools in online group activities to develop collaborative learning skills. An experimental study was implemented on a sample of faculty of education students in Mansoura University. The sample was divided into two groups, a group studied using synchronous communication tools, and the other group studied using asynchronous communication tools. The findings highlighted the fact that electronic communication tools have an effect to develop collaborative skills. However, the researchers found that the synchronous communication tools are more useful than asynchronous communication tools for developing collaborative learning skills in online group activities. The implications of the findings offer support for using synchronous communication tools in online group activities to develop collaborative skills.

The Relationship between Psychological Capital and Professional Commitment of Preschool Teachers: The Moderating Role of Working Years

Abstract: The purpose of this research mainly lies in exploration of influence of psychological capital of preschool teachers on professional commitment, and moderation effect of their working years on the influential relationship between psychological capital and professional commitment 400 Taiwan preschool teachers took part in this research as the subject to receive measurement of Psychological Capital Questionnaire along with Professional Commitment Scale, and the extracted data underwent analysis of structural equation modeling with use of LISREL software From the analysis results, it is found that psychological capital of preschool teachers has significantly positive influence on professional commitment, which means that as preschool teachers possess more psychological capital; their professional commitment will get higher correspondingly In addition, for preschool teachers' working years demonstrates significant moderation effect in the causal correlation of psychological capital to professional commitment, signifying that as working years of preschool teachers increases, influence of their psychological capital on the professional commitment will become better Finally, based on research findings, we proposed suggestions to preschool teachers, kindergartens, and governmental institutes in how to enhance psychological capital and professional commitment of preschool teachers

Relationship among Workplace Spirituality, Meaning in Life, and Psychological Well-Being of Teachers.

Abstract: This study set out to analyze the relationship among teachers' workplace spirituality, sense of meaning in life, and psychological well-being Taking 610 teachers as its subjects, the study employed three scales: one to measure the subjects' sense of workplace spirituality, another to measure their sense of meaning in life, and a third to measure their sense of psychological well-being These three scales were pretested and found to have good reliability and validity The questionnaire data were analyzed using hierarchical regression in order to understand the explanatory power of the predictors(workplace spirituality and meaning in life) to dependent variable of psychological well-being The results showed 6270% explanatory power According to the research findings, this study suggests that teachers should understand the importance of having workplace spirituality, of being psychologically sound and of feeling they have a meaningful life Future studies may further explore the factors that influence teachers' sense of psychological well-being

Analyzing the Reading Skills and Visual Perception Levels of First Grade Students

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze primary school first grade students' reading levels and correlate their visual perception skills. For this purpose, students' reading speed, reading comprehension and reading errors were determined using The Informal Reading Inventory. Students' visual perception levels were also analyzed using Beery-Buktenica Developmental Visual Motor Coordination Test. Results have shown that most of the students were in the anxiety (poor) level (75%) and the rest of the children were in the instructional level (25%). It has been found that instructional level first grade students had better scores in reading speed, reading comprehension, and reading errors. They also had significantly (p<0.01) better scores on the visual perception test. The Pearson correlation test also indicated that there is a positive relation between visual perception skills (visual perception and visual motor coordination) and reading levels. It has been suggested that students' visual perception skills should be supported for successful reading processes.

Investigating the Relationship among the Level of Mobbing Experience, Job Satisfaction and Burnout Levels of Primary and Secondary School Teachers

Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the level of mobbing experienced by primary and secondary school teachers and to determine how and to what extent this affects their job satisfaction and burnout levels. This research used a relational survey model. As a result of the study, it has been determined that there is a negative and medium-level relationship between the teachers' level of exposure to mobbing towards their profession or social relationships and their job satisfaction levels; a positive and medium-level relationship between the teachers' level of exposure to mobbing towards their profession or social relationships and their burnout levels; and a negative and low-level relationship between their internal and external job satisfaction levels and their burnout perceptions. According to the results of the path analysis, the teachers' job satisfaction level decrease in line with an increase in their mobbing experiences related to their profession and social relationships, and thus, their burnout levels also increase. However, it has also been determined in the study that in line with an increase in the internal and external job satisfaction levels of teachers, their burnout perceptions decrease. Accordingly, it has been concluded that mobbing towards their profession and social relationships is a stronger predictor of burnout level in comparison to job satisfaction.