Within the current climate of heightened interest in the education of young children, it is essential that consideration be given to different factors which may impact, either positively or negatively, on the achievement of young learners when their academic progress in literacy and numeracy is considered. The research study reported in this paper aimed to investigate whether age and gender impacted on the academic results of five-and sixyear-old students in Tasmanian state schools. The dual-method study considered the children's development in the area of early literacy and numeracy, at the commencement of their year in Prep (following their previous year in kindergarten). Results for 884 students from the PIPS (Performance Indicators of Primary Schools) testing procedure (mandated by the Tasmanian Department of Education for all children at the start of their year in Prep) were used to inform this study. Quantitative results revealed that children's age had a significant impact on the results they receive in PIPS at the commencement of Prep. Younger children (aged 5.00-5.03 years at the time of the test) within the Prep class cohort were found to be performing at significantly lower levels of academic achievement than their peers who were six to 11 months older in the areas of maths, reading and phonics. Likewise, girls achieved statistically higher results in reading and in the PIPS total scores when compared to the scores of boys. This study provides key evidence that there are children who, because of their age or gender, are achieving lower test scores on PIPS. These children and their literacy and numeracy needs must be more fully understood and acted upon.
Research pertaining to the beneficial and/or detrimental impact of full-day and half day kindergarten attendance for children aged four and five years is limited, with studies conducted overseas focusing on kindergarten children who are 12 months older. A study was designed to investigate Tasmanian kindergarten teachers’ perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of both half day and full-day kindergarten sessions. Fifty-three full-day and 46 half-day kindergarten teachers responded to the study's postal survey, which was supported by small group interviews. Preparation of children for full-time schooling and enhancement of their social skills were perceived by teachers to be the main advantages of full-day attendance. They referred to the length of the school day and lack of session continuity as disadvantages. Program continuity and children's preparedness to learn were perceived as benefits of half-day attendance. Teachers cited as deficits students’ lack of experience in full-time school routines, and the challenge for parents associated with half day attendance.
This article reports on a study that investigated the importance of children possessing personal/social skills when starting kindergarten, from teachers' and parents' perspectives. The study involved a sample of 16 kindergarten teachers and 63 parents of kindergarten children from government schools in one of the six education districts within the Tasmanian Department of Education. Data was collected through mailed questionnaires, which utilised 22 personal/social skills sourced from the Early Social Skills brochure (Department of Education, 2002a) and the Kindergarten Development Check (Department of Education, 2003). Results from the study support the importance of socially preparing children for the kindergarten environment, with emphasis being placed upon children commencing kindergarten with many of the specified personal/social skills. It was revealed that there was a lack of congruence between teachers' and parents' perceptions in respect of some items, in the areas of 'attitude to learning' and 'social communication'. This indicates that there may be inconsistent expectations between home and school which have the potential to impact negatively upon a child's personal/social development.
THIS STUDY SET OUT to investigate the use of digital cameras and voice recorders to accurately capture essential components of early learners' achievements. The project was undertaken by 29 early childhood educators within kindergarten settings in Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Data collected indicated that digital technologies, involving cameras and voice recorders, have the potential to facilitate the collection of accurate evidence for assessment purposes. Study results also reveal that digital tools have the potential to enhance not only the young child's learning but also the teaching methods of early childhood practitioners. The prospective value of employing digital technologies in documentation processes in the early years of education has only begun, with this study suggesting there is an exciting potential for these technologies to enhance assessment and record-keeping practices in early childhood settings.
The diversity and complexity of change within school management practices, over the past decade, have meant changing roles for school leaders, teachers and their communities. Early childhood leaders in school settings have not been exempt from the impact of these changes as they have striven to accommodate rapid social and educational challenges within their leadership role. This article reports on a survey undertaken with Tasmanian early childhood teachers and leaders to investigate the nature and diversity of challenges faced by leaders with responsibilities in Kindergarten to Grade 2 leadership. Analysis of the data, concerning the most challenging aspects of early childhood leadership, revealed that both teachers and leaders perceived there were significant, diverse and complex educational changes being faced by leaders. Also, there were pressing organisational dilemmas associated with time available for teaching and leading. Further, teachers perceived there were key challenges inherent in the area of leaders' knowledge and relationships which were impacting negatively on the leadership provision in schools
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.