Socio-Affective Word Production by Early Childhood Educators: Lexical Densities, Clusters, and Predictors

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Francisco Jose Lería Dulčić ◽  
Roxana Nora Acosta Peña ◽  
Patricia Ester Sasso Orellana
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Affective Domain ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Word Production ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Semantic Categories ◽  
Affective Processes ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Affective Word

This article presents a quantitative characterization of the language of early childhood educators, with the goal of identifying their lexical preferences and typical uses in the socio-affective domain. In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, 20 participants were selected by convenience sampling and provided continuous audio recordings, which were transcribed and categorized using LIWC2015 software. The findings show that the greatest lexical densities are associated with the categories “cognitive processes”, “relativity”, “social processes”, “affective processes”, and “perceptual processes”, and a number of subcategories like “motion” and “positive emotion”. Lower densities were found in “anxiety”, “sadness”, health”, “religion”, and “death”. Furthermore, two commonly used clusters were identified: one centered on words with an emotional connotation, and another centered on words with a social connotation. Lastly, the categories “body”, “health”, “motion”, “ingestion”, “causation”, “exclusion”, and “sexual” are good predictors of socio-affective word production. Our findings suggest a distinctive and prominent use of a number of semantic categories associated with the socio-affective domain. Future research directions and their potential to contribute to formative processes in early childhood education are also discussed.

scholarly journals Características y capacidad de respuesta lingüística del habla afectiva de los educadores de párvulos al interior de la sala de clases.

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (23) ◽  
pp. 268-279
Author(s):  
Francisco José Leria Dulcic ◽  
Patricia Ester Sasso Orellana ◽  
Roxana Nora Acosta Peña
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Affective Domain ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Verbal Abilities ◽  
Educational Environments ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Increasing attention is being given to early childhood educators’ verbal abilities due to its well-recognized role in teaching and learning by means of a plurality of meanings that are transmitted through them to children. Nevertheless, moderate interest has been devoted to the study of these abilities when addressing the affective domain in early childhood educators’ interactions with children. Therefore, this study identifies qualitative nodes of characteristic uses, meanings, and phrasings produced by these professionals and associated to the affective domain, to then access the degree of expertise in such communicational interactions with preschool children. Through a mixed cross-sectional design, twenty early childhood educators provided a large number of continuous audio-recordings while working in regular educational environments, to identify sentences that, by their phrasings, recall an affective connotation. The findings suggest 8 differential nodes of affective connotations: Positive emotions v/s Negative emotions; Teaching v/s Learning processes; Expression, distinguish, sharing and/or inhibition of emotions; Emotions before, during, and after behavior; Calls for attention, warnings, reprehension and praise; Touching and the body; Increasing, decreasing and normalizing language; and, educators’ own emotions. The degree of linguistic expertise was identified by experts and a blind sequential procedure, showing early childhood educators’ affective-speech is mostly limited to noticing children’s emotional experiences. The scope of these findings is briefly discussed taking into consideration future studies as well as its contributions to early childhood educators’ formative processes

“State standards and IEP goals. A lot of TPT products.” What Early Childhood Educators Report Using to Plan Mathematics Instruction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey Peltier ◽  
Tiffany K Peltier ◽  
Taylor Werthen ◽  
Andy Heuer
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Special Education Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Instruction ◽  
State Standards ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exceptional Children ◽  
What Works ◽  
What Works Clearinghouse

Access to high-quality resources is integral for educators to provide research-aligned mathematics instruction. Identifying the supplemental resources educators use to plan mathematics instruction can inform the ways researchers and organizations disseminate research-based practices. The goal of this study was to identify the frequency in which early childhood educators (i.e., pre-Kindergarten through third grade) reported using various resources to plan for mathematics instruction. Furthermore, we investigated whether differences were observed based on teacher factors (i.e., general or special education, route to certification, years of experience) and locale (i.e., rural, urban, suburban). We retained data from 917 teachers for data analysis. The three most frequently reported resources by educators were colleagues, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Google/Yahoo. The three least frequently reported resources were the typical outlets researchers use to reach teachers: What Works Clearinghouse, Teaching Exceptional Children, and Teaching Children Mathematics. General and special education teachers differed on their self-reported usage of five resources: colleagues, Google/Yahoo, teaching blogs, Teaching Exceptional Children, and the What Works Clearinghouse. Rural educators self-reported that they were less likely than suburban educators to use colleagues or specialists at the district to plan instruction. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Training may enhance early childhood educators’ self-efficacy to lead physical activity in childcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brianne A. Bruijns ◽  
Andrew M. Johnson ◽  
Jennifer D. Irwin ◽  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
Molly Driediger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intervention Component ◽  
Space Extension ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Early childhood educators (ECEs) play a critical role in promoting physical activity (PA) among preschoolers in childcare; thus, PA-related training for ECEs is essential. The Supporting PA in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) intervention incorporated: 1. shorter, more frequent outdoor play sessions; 2. provision of portable play equipment; and, PA training for ECEs. An extension of the SPACE intervention (the SPACE-Extension) incorporated only the shorter, more frequent outdoor play periods component of the original SPACE intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore the individual impact of these interventions on ECEs’ PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Methods ECEs from the SPACE (n = 83) and SPACE-Extension (n = 31) were administered surveys at all intervention time-points to assess: self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA (n = 6 items; scale 0 to 100); self-efficacy to implement the intervention (n = 6 items); and, knowledge of preschooler-specific PA and screen-viewing guidelines (n = 2 items). A linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the impact of each intervention on ECEs’ self-efficacy and knowledge and controlled for multiple comparison bias. Results The SPACE intervention significantly impacted ECEs’ self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA for 180 min/day (main effect), and when outdoor playtime was not an option (interaction effect). Further, the interaction model for ECEs’ knowledge of the total PA guideline for preschoolers approached significance when compared to the main effects model. Participants within the SPACE-Extension did not demonstrate any significant changes in self-efficacy or knowledge variables. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight the benefit of ECE training in PA with regard to fostering their PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Future research should explore the impact of PA training for ECEs uniquely in order to determine if this intervention component, alone, can produce meaningful changes in children’s PA behaviours at childcare.

scholarly journals Children's perspectives on outdoor play programs in childcare centre playgrounds: are early childhood educators listening?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunjoo (Christina) Lee
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Children’S Perspectives ◽  
Childcare Centre ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Mosaic Approach ◽  
Outdoor Programs ◽  
Children's Interests

Outdoor programs are part of children’s everyday experiences in childcare centres. However, there is a lack of research that explores children’s viewpoints on their outdoor programs in childcare centres. This qualitative study examined children’s perspectives using the Mosaic approach. In addition, the early childhood educators (ECEs) were interviewed to investigate how they learn about and support children’s interests. Findings indicate that using the Mosaic approach can contribute to a more holistic understanding of children’s perspectives of their outdoor play programs. Findings also indicate that ECEs use observation and communication to learn about children’s interests. The ECEs also stated that they support children’s interests during their outdoor programs through verbal support and modelling, changing and expanding activities, and preparing various activities and materials for the children. Discussion on the findings explores multiple methods for tapping children’s perspectives, implications for teacher practices, and direction for future research.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: Evidence from the Longitudinal Parenting Across Cultures Project

2021 ◽  
pp. 89-112
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Lansford ◽  
W. Andrew Rothenberg ◽  
Sombat Tapanya ◽  
Liliana Maria Uribe Tirado ◽  
Saengduean Yotanyamaneewong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Longitudinal Data ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Health And Well Being

This chapter uses evidence from the Parenting Across Cultures (PAC) project to illustrate ways in which longitudinal data can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.) The chapter begins by providing an overview of the research questions that have guided the international PAC as well as a description of the participants, procedures, and measures. Next, empirical findings from PAC are summarized to illustrate implications for six specific SDGs related to child and adolescent development in relation to education, poverty, gender, mental health, and well-being. Then the chapter describes how longitudinal data offer advantages over cross-sectional data in operationalizing SDG targets and implementing the SDGs. Finally, limitations, future research directions, and conclusions are provided.

scholarly journals Is a partnership possible? : a comparison of elementary teachers' and early childhood educators' perceptions of disability and inclusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Elementary Teachers ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Relational Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pedagogical Beliefs ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Perceptions Of Disability

Education literature presents diverse perceptions of disability and inclusion by educators and scholars. Past research has shown that educators' beliefs influence their practice. The Full-Day Early Learning Program will commence in Ontario schools in September 2010, which will involve teacher and early childhood educator teaching teams. This qualitative research study presents two elementary teachers' and two early childhood educators' perceptions of disability and inclusion. Using a grounded theory strategy of inquiry, two interviews were conducted with each participant. A poststructural lens was used to analyze and interpret data. Key findings show distinct understandings of disability and inclusion between the two educator groups, which relate to their pedagogical beliefs and views of the purpose of education. This study draws on attribution theory and a social relational model of disability to explore the implications of participants' perceptions for children's education. Recommendations for future research and practice and identified and briefly explored.

scholarly journals Mentoring: A Strategy to Support Novice Early Childhood Educators

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura K. Doan
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Formal Mentoring ◽  
Culture Of Learning ◽  
Childhood Education

The mentoring needs of novice early childhood educators are identified within the British Columbian context, where graduates do not receive formal mentoring. Following a description of the problem, a literature review is provided on the following themes: how mentoring facilitates a culture of learning; characteristics of successful mentors; and the mentoring process. Examples are drawn from mentoring programs in New Zealand and Worcester, England. Leadership implications are discussed with an emphasis on future research on mentoring in early childhood education.

scholarly journals Children's perspectives on outdoor play programs in childcare centre playgrounds: are early childhood educators listening?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunjoo (Christina) Lee
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Children’S Perspectives ◽  
Childcare Centre ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Mosaic Approach ◽  
Outdoor Programs ◽  
Children's Interests

Outdoor programs are part of children’s everyday experiences in childcare centres. However, there is a lack of research that explores children’s viewpoints on their outdoor programs in childcare centres. This qualitative study examined children’s perspectives using the Mosaic approach. In addition, the early childhood educators (ECEs) were interviewed to investigate how they learn about and support children’s interests. Findings indicate that using the Mosaic approach can contribute to a more holistic understanding of children’s perspectives of their outdoor play programs. Findings also indicate that ECEs use observation and communication to learn about children’s interests. The ECEs also stated that they support children’s interests during their outdoor programs through verbal support and modelling, changing and expanding activities, and preparing various activities and materials for the children. Discussion on the findings explores multiple methods for tapping children’s perspectives, implications for teacher practices, and direction for future research.

Effective Brainstorming

2019 ◽  
pp. 285-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul B. Paulus ◽  
Jared B. Kenworthy
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Considerable Evidence ◽  
Electronic Brainstorming ◽  
Semantic Categories ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Future Research Directions

This chapter reviews the extensive literature on brainstorming to determine potential best practices. It presents the major theoretical perspectives and highlights their relationship to the various factors that influence the effectiveness of brainstorming. It examines the utility of verbal brainstorming, electronic brainstorming, and brainwriting for generation of creative ideas. It evaluates the effects of instructions, breaks, facilitators, training, tapping semantic categories, turnover, and group size. It also notes the gaps that exist in the literature and future research directions. It is clear that there is now considerable evidence to guide effective brainstorming and produce performances in groups that exceed those of comparable sets of solitary brainstormers.

scholarly journals Maternal Depression: Relationship to Food Insecurity and Preschooler Fruit/Vegetable Consumption

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Wendy L. Ward ◽  
Taren M. Swindle ◽  
Angela L. Kyzer ◽  
Nicola Edge ◽  
Jasmin Sumrall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Head Start ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Parent Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Maternal Depression (MD) has been implicated in the etiology of obesity. The present study investigated MD and both child fruit/vegetable consumption (FVC) and household food insecurity (FI) in an early childhood population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Arkansas, United States, in 26 Head Start centers. Teachers obtained the Family Map (FM), an interview assessment tool used by Head Start staff to identify potential risk factors that affect child learning and development. The FM contains a two-item screener of parent depression—the Patient Health Questionaire-2, two questions about family FI, and two questions about FVC. The FM was completed in 693 households. Chi square analyses and logistic regressions utilizing adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios were utilized to compare differences in risk for children of mothers with no symptoms compared to mothers with low- or high-level depressive symptoms. Results: Children whose mothers had high MD were 2.90 (CI: 1.21–7.00) and 7.81 (CI: 3.71–16.45) times more likely to be at risk for low FVC and FI, respectively, compared to children of mothers with no MD. Similar findings but at lower magnitude were found for mothers with low symptoms of MD in comparison with mothers with no MD—both for Low FVC (1.57 times more likely; CI: 1.01–2.45) and FI (2.14 times more likely; CI: 1.28–3.58). The results presented are Odds Ratios from the multivariable adjusted models. Conclusions: Implications for the etiology of obesity, prevention/intervention efforts, and future research are offered, including recommended addition of maternal depression and household FI screening in early childhood programs.

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