Academic literature on the topic 'National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (NITL)'

It is commonly agreed that experiments play a central role in teaching and learning physics. Recently, Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) has been introduced into science teaching in many countries, thus giving another boostfor experiments. From a didactical point of view, experiments can serve a number of different goals in teaching and learning physics. First of all, experiments can support learners in understanding some of the centralconcepts of physics. Besides this function of “learning physics”, empirical evidence shows that experimental work in general has a high potential for promoting “learning about science” and finally “doing science”. Promoting aspects of how science works has become important, as the ideas of scientific literacy and competence orientation have been established as central educational goals in many national education systems. However, empirical studies show that the reality in schools does not match these expectations. Conventional physics classes still aim only at the mastery of content, and experiments that cognitively activate students and address issues related to the Nature of Science (NOS) have not been implemented extensively. The reasons for this can be found in teachers’ attitudes and beliefs, as well as in their PCK concerning experiments and scientific knowledge production. In past decades in Austria, teacher education did not focus a great deal on the didactical aspects of experiments or their integration into physics classes in order to promote aspects of scientific literacy and competence orientation. Furthermore, there is a lack of high quality continuing professional development courses that promote the concepts of Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) in combination with relevant ideas of NOS. The present study examines inservice teachers’ beliefs about the function of experiments in science teaching and their meaningful integration into science classes. In the form of case studies, we follow the professional development of teachers in this field during continuing teacher training.

The National Science Education Standards recommend that science be taught using inquiry-based approaches. Inspired by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, we examined whether undergraduate students could learn how to conduct field research by teaching elementary school children basic neuroscience concepts in interactive workshops. In an inquiry-based learning experience of their own, undergraduate psychology students working under the close supervision of their instructor designed and provided free, interactive, hour-long workshops focusing on brain structure and function, brain damage and disorders, perception and illusions, and drugs and hormones to fifth-graders from diverse backgrounds, and we assessed the effectiveness of the workshops using a pretest–post-test design. The results suggest that the workshops enhanced the children's knowledge of neuroscience concepts as measured using pre- and post-open-ended assessments. The undergraduates also found their learning experience engaging and productive. The article includes detailed descriptions of the workshop activities, procedures, the course in which the undergraduates implemented the workshops, and guidance for future university–school collaborations aimed at enhancing science literacy.

As we move farther into a condition of “post literacy” in our society (a condition where reading and writing have been displaced by television and video as the primary sources of mass entertainment and communication), the problem of students entering universities and even graduate programs with substandard communication skills is becoming more pronounced.In addressing the problem, despite frequent references to the “art and science of public administration,” there seems to be far too little emphasis on communication skills. Most public administration schools concentrate on the behavioral and management sciences—while largely ignoring the equally important communication techniques upon which our students' competence and effectiveness will be assessed in their careers.We aid and abet the problem by failing to recognize those skills, or lack of them, in our program guidelines. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration calls for specialized areas of study—management, program analysis, and policy analysis—that seem to assume a firm grounding in communication skills; but that assumption is so often incorrect.The science of public administration can only take us as far as systematizing our search for information. Effective evaluation and interpretation of that information rests in the ability to use it persuasively. It is the normative evaluation of information, mostly absent from scientific inquiry, that is so important to effective public administration. And the normative interpretation of policy conclusions is largely contingent on persuasive ability, alacrity in the use of the art, not the science, of public administration.

This study aims to describe the understanding of geography literacy and student experience with landscape recognition observations using an ethnometodology perspective. The subject of this study was the chairman of each landscape recognition practice group student geography education program from University of Jember. The results of this study that geography literacy has a dimension of relevance to geographic skills in representing contextual phenomena and places from landscape recognition observation activities. The results of both observational studies provide research experience, motivation, critical and scientific thinking skills for students represented in the mapping of the area. Keywords: Geography Literacy, Student Experience, Ethnometodology References Bogdan, R. And Biklen, S.K.(1998). Qualitative Research for Education: An introduction to theories and methods. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, Inc. Boogart II, Thomas A. (2001). The Powwer of Place: From Semiotics to Ethnogeography, Middle States Geograher, 2001, 34: 38-47. Boyle, A., Maguire, S., Martin, A., Milsom, C., Nash, R., Rawlinson, S., Turner, A., Wurthmann, S. & Conchie, S.(2007). Fieldwork is Good: The Student Perception and the Affective Domain, Journaal of Geography in Higher Education, 31(2), 299-317. Chappell, Adrian.(2007). Using Teaching Observations and Reflective Practice to Challenge Conventions and Conceptions of Teaching in Geography, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 32(2), 257-268. Comber, Barbara.(2017). Literacy Geography and Pedagogy: Imagining Translocal Research Alliances for Educational Justice, Journal Literacy Research: Theory, Method, and Practice, Sagepub, University of South Australia, 66, 53-72. Cotton, Debby R.E., Stokes, Alison, & Cotton, Peter A.(2010).Using Observational Methods to Research the Student Experience, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 34(3), 463-473. Denzin, Norman K. And Lincoln Yvonna S. (2008). Strategies of Qualitative Inquiry. California: Sage Publications, Inc. Fatchan, Achmad. (2015). Methodology Research Qualitative of Ethnography and Ethnometodology Approaches for Social Sciences. Yogyakarta: Ombak. Guertin, L., Stubbs, C., Millet, C., Lee, T., & Bodek, M.(2012). Enchancing Geographic and Digital Literacy with a Student Generated Course Portfolio in Google Earth, Journal of College Science Teaching, 42(2), 32-37. Hunter, Nancee.(2016). Assesing Sense of Place and Geo-literacy Indicatorc as Learning Outcomes of an International Teacher Professional Development Program, Dissertation, Porland State University. Johnston, B. And Webber, S. (2003). Information Literacy in Higher Education: a review and case study, Studies in Higher Education, 28 (3), 335-352. Levinson, S.C.(2003). Space in Language and Cognition: Explorations in Cognitive Disversity. New York: Cambridge University Press. Lloyd, Annemaree.(2006). Information Literacy Landscapes: an emerging picture, Journal of Documentation, 62 (5), 570-583. Miles, Matthew B, Huberman, A. Michael, and Saldana, Johnny.(2015). Qualitative Data Analysis A Methods Sourcebook. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Minca, Claudio.(2013). The Cultural Geographies of Landscape, Hungarian Geographical Bulletin 62(1), 47-62. National Research Council.(2005). Learning to Think Spatially. GIS as a Support System in the K12 Curriculum. Washington DC: National Research Council and National Academies Press. Ottati, Daniela F.(2015). Geographical Literacy, Attitudes, adn Experiences of Freshman Students: A Qualitative Study at Florida International University, Dissertation. Miami: Florida International University. Patton, M.Q.(2002). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oasks CA: Sage Publications. Stokes, A. & Boyle, A.P.(2009). The Undergraduate Geoscience Fieldwork Experience: Influencing Factors and Implications for Learning, in: S.J. Whitmeyer, D.W. Mogk & E.J. Pyle (Eds) Field Geology Education-Historical Perspectives and Modern Approach, 461, Geological Society of America, 313-321. Turner, S., & Leydon, J.(2012). Improving Geography Literacy among First Year Undergraduate Students: Testing the Effectivess of Online Quizzes, Journal of Geography, 111(2), 54-66.

Purpose In an editorial introduction essay for the special issue on Religion, Literacies, and English Education in Global Dialogue, the editors frame papers in the special issue in dialogue with previous scholarly literature around three central lines of inquiry: How do children, youth and families navigate relationships among religion, spirituality, language and literacy? What challenges are faced by language and literacy teachers and teacher educators around the globe who seek to respond to diverse religious and spiritual perspectives in their work? And what opportunities do teachers seize or create toward this end? How are developments of language and literacy theory, policy, curriculum and ritual entangled with race and religion? Design/methodology/approach Taking an essayist, humanistic approach, this paper summarizes, interprets and comments on previous scholarly works to frame the articles published in the special issue “Religion, Literacies, and English Education in Global Dialogue” in relation to the field and in relation to one another. Findings Denise Dávila, Matthew Deroo and Ilhan Mohamud reveal the relationships young people and families forge and navigate among spiritual literacies and literatures, digital technologies and ethnic identities. Heidi Hadley, Jennifer Wargo and Erin McNeill illuminate how teachers’ vocations, as well as their pedagogical goals and curricular artifacts, can become deeply entangled with religious and spiritual sense-making. Kasun Gajasinghe and Priyanka Jayakodi expand perspectives on both the ritualization and racialization of religion through nationalist policies surrounding national anthem performances in Sri Lanka. Anne Whitney and Suresh Canagarajah discuss how spiritual commitments, communities and experiences interact with their scholarly trajectories. Research limitations/implications The essay concludes with a discussion of scholarly capacity building that may be needed for conducting research on religion and spirituality in relation to languages, literacies and English education on a global scale. Practical implications The second section of the essay discusses challenges faced by language and literacy teachers and teacher educators around the globe who seek to integrate diverse religious and spiritual perspectives into their work. It foregrounds how many teachers and teacher educators work within contexts where ethnoreligious nationalism is on the rise. It highlights the need for language and literacy educators to develop curiosity and basic knowledge about diverse religions. Further it calls for teacher educators to engage with teacher candidates’ religious identities and sense-making. Social implications Because it considers religious and spiritual sense-making in relation to language and literacy education, the social implications of this work are significant and wide-reaching. For examples, the paper questions the conceit of secularism within education, pushing readers to consider their own spiritual and religious identifications and influences when they work across religious differences. Originality/value This paper identifies, interprets and assesses current threads of work on religious and spiritual sense-making within scholarship on languages, literacies and English education.

Models are simplified representations of more complex systems that help scientists structure the knowledge they acquire. As such, they are ubiquitous and invaluable in scientific research and communication. Because science education strives to make classroom activities more closely reflect science in practice, models have become integral teaching and learning tools woven throughout the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Although model-based learning and curriculum are not novel in educational theory, only recently has modeling taken center stage in K–12 national standards for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes. We present a variety of examples to outline the importance of various types of models and the practice of modeling in biological research, as well as the emphasis of NGSS on their use in both classroom learning and assessment. We then suggest best practices for creating and modifying models in the context of student-driven inquiry and demonstrate that even subtle incorporation of modeling into existing science curricula can help achieve student learning outcomes, particularly for English-language learners. In closing, we express the value of models and modeling in life beyond the classroom and research laboratory, and highlight the critical importance of “model literacy” for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

In September 2015, I successfully completed the Masters in Educational Practice (MEP). This article focuses on the professional gains of this qualification including the opportunities for classroom-based inquiry, structured reflection and professional dialogue with colleagues. I discuss the benefits of mentoring support from experienced teachers, as well as ongoing professional development in key aspects of national educational policy and practice. I describe how the qualification encourages newly qualified teachers to continually reflect on their practice and how this has had a direct and long-lasting impact on my own practice and the practice of my MEP colleagues, enhancing the experience for pupils and raising standards in Welsh classrooms. Core to my own experience of the MEP was the encouragement of professional dialogue and networking with mentors, experienced teachers, academics and other newly qualified teachers. This community has formed a strong platform for generating, critically considering and sharing a wealth of ideas about excellent pedagogical practice. Within this article, I give practical examples of how my experiences of the MEP have directly benefitted the learners. I explain the relevance of the MEP modules and how these underpin the Welsh Government's three national priorities for improving educational outcomes for learners in Wales: improving literacy, improving numeracy and reducing the impact of deprivation on attainment. Therefore, I maintain that the qualification crucially demonstrates the interaction between classroom, local and national contexts. I hold that, without the MEP, I do not think that I would have developed as a practitioner as quickly or as effectively. The skill of critically reflecting on my practice is one which will benefit my learners for the rest of my teaching career.

This study aims to develop an activity-based science learning model with an inquiry learning approach for early childhood that can be used to increase the sense of curiosity and scientific thinking in children aged 5-6 years. This research was conducted with research and development / R & D research methods. Data was collected through interviews, observations, questionnaires, pre-test and post-test for children. Data analysis using paired t-test. The results showed that children were interested and enthusiastic in the learning process by using a science-based learning model with the inquiry approach, Sig. (2-tailed) showing results of 0.000, so the value of 0.000 <0.05 was different from before and after the use of learning models. The results showed that: children can understand the material given by the teacher, the child is more confident and has the initiative to find answers to the teacher's questions about science material, the child's curiosity increases to examine the information provided by the teacher, the child's understanding of work processes and procedures from science learning with the inquiry approach getting better. It was concluded that an activity-based science learning model with an inquiry approach for children aged 5-6 years used an activity model with an inquiry learning approach based on children's interests and children's needs so that children's curiosity would emerge and continue to be optimally stimulated. Keywords: Inquiry approach, Learning model, Science Learning References Abdi, A. (2014). The Effect of Inquiry-based Learning Method on Students’ Academic Achievement in Science Course. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2(1), 37–41. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2014.020104 Anderson, R. D. (2002). Reforming science teaching: What research says about inquiry. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 13(1), 11–12. Bell, R. L., Smetana, L., & Binns, I. (2005). Simplifying inquiry instruction: Assessing the inquiry level of classroom activities. The Science Teacher, 72(7), 30–33. Borowske, K. (2005). Curiosity and Motivation-to-Learn (hal. 346–350). Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Buday, S. K., Stake, J. E., & Peterson, Z. D. (2012). Gender and The Choice of a Science Career: The Impact of Social Support and Possible Selves. Sex Roles. Diambil dari https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-011-0015-4 Bustamance, S. A., White, J. L., & Grienfield, B. daryl. (2018). Approaches to learning and science education in Head Start: Examining bidirectionality. Early Childhood Science Quarterly. Caballero Garcia, P. A., & Diaz Rana, P. (2018). Inquiry-Based Learning: an Innovative Proposal for Early Childhood Education. Journal of Learning Styles, 11(22), 50–81. Cridge, B. J., & Cridhe, A. G. (2011). Evaluating How Universities Engage School Student with The Science: a Model Based on Analysis of The Literature. Australian University Review. Darmadi. (2017). Pengembangan Model dan Metode Pembelajaran dalam Dinamika Belajar Siswa. Yogyakarta: Deepublish. Doǧru, M., & Şeker, F. (2012). The effect of science activities on concept acquisition of age 5-6 children groups. Kuram ve Uygulamada Egitim Bilimleri, 12(SUPPL. 4), 3011–3024. Duran, M., & Dökme, I. (2016). The effect of the inquiry-based learning approach on student’s critical-thinking skills. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 12(12), 2887–2908. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2016.02311a Falloon, G. (2019). Using simulations to teach young students science concepts: An Experiential Learning theoretical analysis. Computers & Education, 135(March), 138–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.03.001 Gerli Silm, Tiitsaar, K., Pedaste, M., Zacharia, Z. C., & Papaevripidou, M. (2015). Teachers’ Readiness to Use Inquiry-based Learning: An Investigation of Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy and Attitudes toward Inquiry-based Learning. International Council of Association for Science Eduacation, 28(4), 315–325. Ginsburg, H. P., & Golbeck, S. (2004). Thoughts on the future of research on mathematics and science learning and education. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 19(1), 190–200. Gross, C. M. (2012). Science concepts young children learn through water play. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 40(2), 3–11. Diambil dari http://www.proxy.its.virginia.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=78303868&site=ehost-live&scope=site Guo, Y., Piasta, S. B., & Bowles, R. P. (2015). Exploring Preschool Children’s Science Content Knowledge. Early Education and Development, 26(1), 125–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2015.968240 Halim, L., Abd Rahman, N., Zamri, R., & Mohtar, L. (2018). The roles of parents in cultivating children’s interest towards science learning and careers. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 39(2), 190–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2017.05.001 Jirout, J. J. (2011). Curiosity and the Development of Question Generation Skills, (1994), 27–30. Justice, L. M., & Kaderavek, J. (2004). Embedded-explicit emergent literacy I: Background and description of approach. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 35, 201–211. Lind, K. K. (1998). Science in Early Childhood: Developing and Acquring Fundamental Concepts and Skills. Retrieved from ERIC (ED418777), 85. Diambil dari http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED418777.pdf Lind, K. K. (2005). Exploring science in early childhood. (4 ed.). New York: Thomson Delmar Learning. Lindholm, M. (2018). Promoting Curiosity ? Possibilities and Pitfalls in Science Education, (1), 987–1002. Lu, S., & Liu, Y. (2017). Integrating augmented reality technology to enhance children ’ s learning in marine education, 4622(November), 525–541. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.911247 Lukas, M. (2015). Parental Involvement of Occupational Education for Their Children. International Multidicilinary Scientific Cocerence on Social Science and Arts. Maltese, A. V, & Tai, R. H. (2011). Pipeline Persistence; Examining The Association of Educational with Earn Degrees i STEM Among US Students. Science Education. Nugent, G., Barker, B., Welsch, G., Grandgenett, N., Wu, C., & Nelson, C. (2015). A Model of Factors Contributing to STEM Learning and Career Orientation. International Journal of Science Education. Pluck, G., & Johnson, H. L. (2011). Stimulating curiosity to enhance learning. Reiser, B. J. (2004). Scaffolding complex learning: The mechanisms of structuring and problematizing student work. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13(3), 273–304. Sackes, M., Trundle, K. C., & Flevares, L. M. (2009). Using children’s literature to teach standard-based science concepts in early years. Early Childhood Education Journal, 36(5), 415–422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-009-0304-5 Walin, H., & Grady, S. O. (2016). Curiosity and Its Influence on Children ’ s Memory, 872–876. Wang, F., Kinzie, M. B., McGuire, P., & Pan, E. (2010). Applying technology to inquiry-based learning in early childhood education. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(5), 381–389. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-009-0364-6 Wu, S. C., & Lin, F. L. (2016). Inquiry-based mathematics curriculum design for young children-teaching experiment and reflection. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 12(4), 843–860. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2016.1233a Yahya, A., & Ismail, N. (2011). Factor in Choosing Courses and Learning Problems in Influencing The Academic Achievment of Student`s Technical Courses in Three Secondary School in The State of Negei Sembilan. Journal of Technical, Vocational & Eginereing Education. Youngquist, J., & Pataray-Ching, J. (2004). Revisiting ‘“play”’: Analyzing and articulating acts of inquiry. Early Childhood Education Journal, 31(3), 171–178.

When compared to western countries such as the USA, Australia has made relatively little use of reading-accuracy tests at the school level. This is despite there being readily available rapid-use reading-accuracy tests such as the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS, Good & Kaminski, 2002a), and the Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE, Torgesen, Wagner, & Rashotte, 1999).

Current developments such as the publication of the report of the National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (NITL) have given impetus to addressing this issue. This investigation explores the use of both the DIBELS and TOWRE tests to establish their usefulness in Australian school settings for the following purposes:

• Providing reliable achievement data for monitoring reading-accuracy achievement at school level.
• Providing useful qualitative diagnostic data.
• Building school and teacher understanding of reading-accuracy development, assessment and instruction.
• Building school and teacher effectiveness in instructional decision-making from test-data, to improve reading-accuracy instruction and achievement.

The results from the investigation indicate that both DIBELS and TOWRE tests are suitable for the above stated purposes. The results intimate a need to establish norms for Australian use of the tests, and value in developing specific additional tests.

Based on the findings of this research, a number of recommendations have been made towards Australian use of DIBELS and TOWRE tests. A model of reading-accuracy development is also presented for use in Australian reading instruction.