This paper focuses on what primary school teachers first think when they hear basic statistical t... more This paper focuses on what primary school teachers first think when they hear basic statistical terms (usually met in statistical investigation process) such as Statistics, Probabilities, Sample, Data, Collecting data, Analyzing data, Plotting data and Average, trying to comprehend the existing or dominant frames of reference. A sample of 102 in-service teachers responded to a written questionnaire where they were asked to mention what first comes to their minds when they meet or hear these terms. Analysis of the answers revealed quite interesting frames that include basic misconceptions, fragmentary views and also proper dominant references. Int. Statistical Inst.: Proc. 58th World Statistical Congress, 2011, Dublin (Session CPS043) p.4893
Student–teacher interpersonal relationships contribute significantly to the academic trajectory a... more Student–teacher interpersonal relationships contribute significantly to the academic trajectory and achievement of children and adolescents. The Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI) is one of the most widely applied measures for assessing students' perceptions about the teachers’ interpersonal behaviour. QTI comprises eight subscales that are assumed to follow a circumplex model. Prior studies on QTI’s psychometric properties are inconclusive and report mixed findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of QTI in the Greek cultural context, by testing its circumplex structure and levels of reliability. QTI was administered to 1669 secondary education students, from 85 different classrooms. A cross-validation approach and a variety of statistical techniques were employed. Subscales’ internal consistency and their ability to discriminate among classes were satisfactory. Exploratory statistical techniques provided initial support of the circular pattern. Application of a specifically designed package for testing the circumplex structure of an instrument, showed that a model in which the eight QTI subscales are placed on the circumference of a circle with equal distances form the centre was tenable. However, the assumption of equal distances was not confirmed. Deviation from the theoretical position of the subscales was mainly due to students’ difficulty to discriminate teachers’ proximity behaviour, a finding reported in various studies and across different cultural contexts. Suggestions for improving the psychometric properties of the QTI are discussed.
The Preschool Early Numeracy Skills Test–Brief Version (PENS‐B) is a measure of early numeracy sk... more The Preschool Early Numeracy Skills Test–Brief Version (PENS‐B) is a measure of early numeracy skills, developed and mainly used in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the factorial validity and measurement invariance across gender of PENS‐B in the Greek educational context. PENS‐B was administered to 906 preschool children (473 boys, 433 girls), randomly selected from 84 kindergarten classrooms. A 2PL unidimensional and multidimensional item response theory analysis, using cross‐validation procedures, were used to analyze the data. Results showed that responses to 20 items can be adequately explained by a two‐dimensional model (Numbering Relations and Arithmetic Operations). Application of differential item functioning procedures did not detect any gender bias. Numeracy Relation comprises 16 items, which assess low levels of this latent trait. On the other hand, four items capture average levels of Arithmetic Operations. Total information curves revealed tha...
This commentary paper offers a broader definition of the construct of the home learning environme... more This commentary paper offers a broader definition of the construct of the home learning environment and an updated conceptual framework. Recent empirical research has burgeoned on the home learning environment and is mainly examining how processes mediate the way parenting practices influence a child’s development and learning. By introducing the Home Learning Ecosystem, the paper presents a holistic view of the different home learning environment components and focuses on the interaction among those. It also expands and updates the way learning activities are perceived and acknowledges the quality of the home learning interactions – by distinguishing them from the general parenting styles – and the quality of the proximal caregiving environment as the heart of the home learning environment.
This chapter includes a brief description of the current framework and challenges related to Earl... more This chapter includes a brief description of the current framework and challenges related to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). It discusses the diversity of the existing terms regarding early childhood education and recent research findings in regard to the effects ECEC quality has on children’s development and well-being. The chapter also deals with the professional development of early childhood educators and the policies adopted around the world to promote it. Finally, it focuses on the current momentum in efforts to improve the quality of ECEC as a result of the various policies being developed and implemented.
This chapter offers a brief description of the field of educator professional development and pre... more This chapter offers a brief description of the field of educator professional development and presents research-based evidence regarding the effectiveness of current alternative approaches. It describes the method that the authors propose for the professional development of early childhood educators and focuses on the conclusions drawn from using quality observation rating scales as a basic means for professional training. It elaborates on how the training with these tools helped early childhood educators improve their daily practices and how it can be further utilized and discusses the basic strengths and weaknesses of this innovative approach. This chapter offers a detailed proposal for the extension of such an approach for the development of small local teacher networks through the use of these tools.
This chapter provides detailed descriptions of the basic purpose, the goals, the methodology, the... more This chapter provides detailed descriptions of the basic purpose, the goals, the methodology, the participants, and the philosophy of the Early Change project. It presents information about the project’s structure, consortium, and basic aims and discusses the methodology, the instruments, and the training procedures that were implemented during the course of the project. It ends with a description of the project’s results, the deliverables, and the outputs as well as its potential for innovation and the conclusions drawn from the overall experience.
concepts such as peace, war, border disputes, nationalism, heroism and others are difficult for y... more concepts such as peace, war, border disputes, nationalism, heroism and others are difficult for young children to comprehend, for educators to teach and for parents to explain. Innovative approaches like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics or STEAM, which emphasise experimentation, problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking, provide contemporary tools for facilitating children’s explorations around abstract concepts. One such tool was adopted in this study, the implementation of the IDEO (Fierst, Diefenthaler, & Diefenthaler, 2011) design thinking model. Following the IDEO stages and with the help of eShadow, a digital storytelling platform which converts paper-based drawings into digital moving puppets, children’s understanding around war and peace was enhanced and their sense of belonging with an emphasis on positive values (e.g., peace and collaboration) over negative attitudes (e.g., war, conflict and dispute) was strengthened. Four public kindergartens...
This paper focuses on what primary school teachers first think when they hear basic statistical t... more This paper focuses on what primary school teachers first think when they hear basic statistical terms (usually met in statistical investigation process) such as Statistics, Probabilities, Sample, Data, Collecting data, Analyzing data, Plotting data and Average, trying to comprehend the existing or dominant frames of reference. A sample of 102 in-service teachers responded to a written questionnaire where they were asked to mention what first comes to their minds when they meet or hear these terms. Analysis of the answers revealed quite interesting frames that include basic misconceptions, fragmentary views and also proper dominant references. Int. Statistical Inst.: Proc. 58th World Statistical Congress, 2011, Dublin (Session CPS043) p.4893
Student–teacher interpersonal relationships contribute significantly to the academic trajectory a... more Student–teacher interpersonal relationships contribute significantly to the academic trajectory and achievement of children and adolescents. The Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI) is one of the most widely applied measures for assessing students' perceptions about the teachers’ interpersonal behaviour. QTI comprises eight subscales that are assumed to follow a circumplex model. Prior studies on QTI’s psychometric properties are inconclusive and report mixed findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of QTI in the Greek cultural context, by testing its circumplex structure and levels of reliability. QTI was administered to 1669 secondary education students, from 85 different classrooms. A cross-validation approach and a variety of statistical techniques were employed. Subscales’ internal consistency and their ability to discriminate among classes were satisfactory. Exploratory statistical techniques provided initial support of the circular pattern. Application of a specifically designed package for testing the circumplex structure of an instrument, showed that a model in which the eight QTI subscales are placed on the circumference of a circle with equal distances form the centre was tenable. However, the assumption of equal distances was not confirmed. Deviation from the theoretical position of the subscales was mainly due to students’ difficulty to discriminate teachers’ proximity behaviour, a finding reported in various studies and across different cultural contexts. Suggestions for improving the psychometric properties of the QTI are discussed.
The Preschool Early Numeracy Skills Test–Brief Version (PENS‐B) is a measure of early numeracy sk... more The Preschool Early Numeracy Skills Test–Brief Version (PENS‐B) is a measure of early numeracy skills, developed and mainly used in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the factorial validity and measurement invariance across gender of PENS‐B in the Greek educational context. PENS‐B was administered to 906 preschool children (473 boys, 433 girls), randomly selected from 84 kindergarten classrooms. A 2PL unidimensional and multidimensional item response theory analysis, using cross‐validation procedures, were used to analyze the data. Results showed that responses to 20 items can be adequately explained by a two‐dimensional model (Numbering Relations and Arithmetic Operations). Application of differential item functioning procedures did not detect any gender bias. Numeracy Relation comprises 16 items, which assess low levels of this latent trait. On the other hand, four items capture average levels of Arithmetic Operations. Total information curves revealed tha...
This commentary paper offers a broader definition of the construct of the home learning environme... more This commentary paper offers a broader definition of the construct of the home learning environment and an updated conceptual framework. Recent empirical research has burgeoned on the home learning environment and is mainly examining how processes mediate the way parenting practices influence a child’s development and learning. By introducing the Home Learning Ecosystem, the paper presents a holistic view of the different home learning environment components and focuses on the interaction among those. It also expands and updates the way learning activities are perceived and acknowledges the quality of the home learning interactions – by distinguishing them from the general parenting styles – and the quality of the proximal caregiving environment as the heart of the home learning environment.
This chapter includes a brief description of the current framework and challenges related to Earl... more This chapter includes a brief description of the current framework and challenges related to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). It discusses the diversity of the existing terms regarding early childhood education and recent research findings in regard to the effects ECEC quality has on children’s development and well-being. The chapter also deals with the professional development of early childhood educators and the policies adopted around the world to promote it. Finally, it focuses on the current momentum in efforts to improve the quality of ECEC as a result of the various policies being developed and implemented.
This chapter offers a brief description of the field of educator professional development and pre... more This chapter offers a brief description of the field of educator professional development and presents research-based evidence regarding the effectiveness of current alternative approaches. It describes the method that the authors propose for the professional development of early childhood educators and focuses on the conclusions drawn from using quality observation rating scales as a basic means for professional training. It elaborates on how the training with these tools helped early childhood educators improve their daily practices and how it can be further utilized and discusses the basic strengths and weaknesses of this innovative approach. This chapter offers a detailed proposal for the extension of such an approach for the development of small local teacher networks through the use of these tools.
This chapter provides detailed descriptions of the basic purpose, the goals, the methodology, the... more This chapter provides detailed descriptions of the basic purpose, the goals, the methodology, the participants, and the philosophy of the Early Change project. It presents information about the project’s structure, consortium, and basic aims and discusses the methodology, the instruments, and the training procedures that were implemented during the course of the project. It ends with a description of the project’s results, the deliverables, and the outputs as well as its potential for innovation and the conclusions drawn from the overall experience.
concepts such as peace, war, border disputes, nationalism, heroism and others are difficult for y... more concepts such as peace, war, border disputes, nationalism, heroism and others are difficult for young children to comprehend, for educators to teach and for parents to explain. Innovative approaches like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics or STEAM, which emphasise experimentation, problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking, provide contemporary tools for facilitating children’s explorations around abstract concepts. One such tool was adopted in this study, the implementation of the IDEO (Fierst, Diefenthaler, & Diefenthaler, 2011) design thinking model. Following the IDEO stages and with the help of eShadow, a digital storytelling platform which converts paper-based drawings into digital moving puppets, children’s understanding around war and peace was enhanced and their sense of belonging with an emphasis on positive values (e.g., peace and collaboration) over negative attitudes (e.g., war, conflict and dispute) was strengthened. Four public kindergartens...
The purpose of the current chapter is to discuss the significance and the evaluation of process a... more The purpose of the current chapter is to discuss the significance and the evaluation of process and structural quality in ECE, and how they are linked with children and teacher characteristics. The term “quality” and its relationship with several aspects of early childhood education are presented. Furthermore, apart from the traditional value and purpose evaluation procedures have, this chapter attempts to present an alternative contribution that the evaluation of ECE environments can offer. The role of observational evaluation scales is discussed and their function is highlighted. Finally, the chapter discusses the vital role of observational measures in ECE environment evaluation, and how the evaluation of the quality can promote the early educators’ professional development.
The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the impact of an ‘‘Early Steps Physical Education Cur... more The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the impact of an ‘‘Early Steps Physical Education Curriculum’’ (ESPEC) in children’s attitudes and awareness toward a healthy lifestyle in early childhood. ESPEC was a part of a five-European country intervention program named ‘‘Early Steps’’ project. Early Steps project was a European Union funded initiation that targeted at improving children’s healthy lifestyle and social development. The main philosophy behind the ‘‘Early Steps’’ project was the use of physical education activities to help children acquire the basic knowledge of social interaction skills, and healthy and active lifestyle. The ESPEC was designed to improve children’s awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum comprised of 24 physical education lessons, which aimed through the acquisition of several motor skills at making children in early childhood engage more actively in a healthy lifestyle. Results showed that children developed several healthy habits through their participation in play experiences provided by the ‘‘ESPEC for healthy lifestyle.’’ Such findings could lead to the conclusion that (a) children’s attitudes toward a healthy lifestyle can be influenced positively and enhanced in a carefully organized physical education program and (b) curriculum-based initiatives that aim at improving children’s attitudes and behaviors, such as the ‘‘ESPEC for healthy lifestyle’’ program, can be implemented effectively in early childhood education.
An open access e-book that is presenting Good Practices in Early Childhood Education from 6 Europ... more An open access e-book that is presenting Good Practices in Early Childhood Education from 6 European Countries.
Uploads
present an alternative contribution that the evaluation of ECE environments can offer. The role of observational evaluation scales is discussed and their function is highlighted. Finally, the chapter discusses the vital role of observational measures in
ECE environment evaluation, and how the evaluation of the quality can promote the early educators’ professional development.
the use of physical education activities to help children acquire the basic knowledge of social interaction skills, and healthy and active lifestyle. The ESPEC was designed to improve children’s awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum comprised of 24 physical education lessons, which aimed through the acquisition of several motor skills at
making children in early childhood engage more actively in a healthy lifestyle. Results showed that children developed several healthy habits through their participation in play experiences provided by the ‘‘ESPEC for healthy lifestyle.’’ Such findings could lead to the conclusion that (a) children’s attitudes toward a healthy lifestyle can be influenced
positively and enhanced in a carefully organized physical education program and (b) curriculum-based initiatives that aim at improving children’s attitudes and behaviors, such as the ‘‘ESPEC for healthy lifestyle’’ program, can be implemented effectively in early childhood education.