Preschool Teachers’ training, beliefs and practices concerning mathematics in pre-schools in the UK: implication for education and practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiwet Mariam Costa ◽  
Laura Ann Outhwaite ◽  
Jo Van Herwegen
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Classroom Practices ◽  
Preschool Teachers ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Early Mathematics ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Teachers Training ◽  
First Time

The preschool learning environment is vital for young children’s learning and development. This study reports, for the first time in the UK, an online survey of 83 preschool practitioners’ perceptions, classroom practices, and beliefs towards mathematics. Surveyed preschool practitioners rated life skills and literacy as more important than mathematics. They reported implementing activities focused on literacy in their daily classroom routine significantly more frequently than mathematics. Mathematics activities were typically formal, despite the belief that children learn mathematics best through play. Finally, preschool practitioners’ confidence and beliefs towards mathematics were associated with overall frequency of and perceived importance of mathematics in the early years, respectively. This highlights the need to enrich preschool practitioners’ awareness, knowledge, and confidence surrounding early mathematics to improve provision and raise attainment. This has important implications for addressing potential challenges as part of current proposed changes to the framework guiding early years practice in the UK.

scholarly journals Parent priorities for research and communication concerning childhood outcomes following preterm birth.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Ginnell ◽  
James P Boardman ◽  
Rebecca Reynolds ◽  
Sue Fletcher-Watson
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
First Year ◽  
Preterm Children ◽  
Health Visitors ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
The Uk

Children born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) are at risk for several adverse childhood outcomes. Parent priorities for research into these outcomes, and preferences for receiving information about these risks, have not previously been established. 149 parents of preterm children between the ages of 0 and 12 years from around the UK completed an online survey, circulated through social media. Parent priorities for research centre around prevention of difficulties and development of interventions. The majority of parents would prefer for communication to begin within the first year of the child’s life. Parents reported a knowledge gap among health visitors, early years educators and schools. Training for these professionals could improve the experiences of families and children.

scholarly journals FEATURES OF PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION FOR PRESCHOOL IN THE GREAT BRITAIN

2018 ◽  
pp. 98-108
Author(s):  
Nataliya Melnyk ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Competence ◽  
Preschool Teachers ◽  
School Teacher ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Scientific Terminology ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Key Competencies ◽  
The Uk

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concept meaning «qualification» in the European scientific terminology, analyzes its contextual peculiarities. It is distinguished that what is meant by qualification requirements is characterized by documents certifying the qualification of a teacher in European countries, as well as the terminology «qualified preschool teacher» in the context of the European dimension of higher education is explained. The author outlines the analysis of peculiarities of pre-school teachers’ qualifications in the UK. Among the key competencies of the pre-school teacher, which governs the qualification requirements for «Early Years Professional with EYP Status» in the UK, the following are identified: Knowledge and understanding of the peculiarities of the planning, organization and implementation of the educational process, effective professional activities, mutual understanding and cooperation with children, communication and ability to work with families and caregivers, teamwork and cooperation, professional development. The factors influencing the formation of qualification requirements and the content of professional competence are determined. The main professional profiles and profiles of the professional competence of preschool teachers in Britain are described in the article; the main contradictions in the attribution of qualifications are outlined in the issue. Proficiency profiles for UK preschool teachers include a description of the requirements for working with children, parents, colleagues, the public and self-development competencies for the qualification of «Early Years Professional with EYP Status». The research’s results identifies, that the qualification requirements for preschool teachers in the UK, despite on the diversity of the administrative system and the functioning of the three models of vocational training, are characterized by similarity and, in general, are of an integrated nature. In the restructuring of pre-school teacher training in the United Kingdom, in particular, professional competence, the content of training, the development and improvement of professional profiles have been prioritized.

Pronunciation in foreign language classrooms: Instructors’ training, classroom practices, and beliefs

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 745-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Huensch
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Classroom Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Basic Language ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Foreign Language Classrooms

The goal of this work was to explore the training, classroom practices, and beliefs related to pronunciation of instructors of languages other than English. While several investigations of this type have been conducted in English as a second/foreign language contexts, very little is known about the beliefs and practices of teachers of languages other than English. It is unknown whether recent shifts to focusing on intelligibility, as advocated by some pronunciation scholars, are borne out in foreign language classrooms. To fill this gap, instructors of Spanish ( n = 127), French ( n = 89), and German ( n = 80) teaching basic language courses (i.e. the first four semesters) at 28 large (e.g. more than 15,000 students), public universities in the United States completed an online survey reporting on their training, classroom practices, and beliefs. Similar to ESL/EFL contexts, the results indicated that instructors believe it is important to incorporate pronunciation in class and that it is possible to improve pronunciation. However, the findings also indicated that instructors have goals which simultaneously prioritize intelligibility and accent reduction. Implications include the need for research on which pronunciation features influence intelligibility in languages other than English and for materials designed to target these features.

scholarly journals Pandemic Puppies: Characterising Motivations and Behaviours of UK Owners Who Purchased Puppies during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2500
Author(s):  
Rowena M. A. Packer ◽  
Claire L. Brand ◽  
Zoe Belshaw ◽  
Camilla L. Pegram ◽  
Kim B. Stevens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Behavioural Problems ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Public ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
The Uk ◽  
First Time

Widespread media reports suggest that unusually high numbers of the public purchased, or sought to purchase, puppies following the first ‘lockdown’ phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, dubbed “Pandemic Puppies”. This study aimed to explore this phenomenon by comparing pre-purchase motivations and behaviours, and purchase behaviours of UK owners purchasing puppies aged < 16 weeks from 23 March 2020–31 December 2020 with those of owners who purchased puppies during the same date-period in 2019. An online survey was conducted during November-December 2020, from which 5517 valid responses were analysed (2019 puppies: n = 1148; 2020 ‘Pandemic Puppies’: n = 4369). Over 1 in 10 Pandemic Puppy owners had not considered purchasing a puppy before the pandemic, and 2 in 5 felt their decision to purchase a puppy had been influenced by the pandemic, most commonly by having more time to care for a dog (86.7%). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that Pandemic Puppy owners were more likely to be first-time dog owners and have children in their household, were less likely to seek out a breeder that performed health testing on their breeding dog(s) or view their puppy in-person, and were more likely to pay a deposit without seeing their puppy. At purchase, Pandemic Puppies were more likely to be younger, delivered or collected from outside their breeders’ property, seen without their littermates, and cost > £2000 compared with 2019 puppies. Changes in puppy purchasing during the pandemic raise welfare concerns for this unique population, including relinquishment, behavioural problems and poor health.

STUDY OF PARENTS 'ATTITUDES ON FITNESS CHILDREN'S VISITS

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 2567-2572
Author(s):  
Ivan Nedelchev
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young People ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Adult Obesity ◽  
Compulsory Schooling ◽  
Strict Diet ◽  
Fitness Training ◽  
First Time ◽  
Active Training ◽  
The Eu

The European report "Bulgaria - Health Profile for the Country 2017" reflects statistics on the obesity and immobilization of young people in the country. Although adult obesity levels are below the EU average, they have increased by 25% since 2008, with statistics showing that among young people they have risen by two-thirds in the 2005-2006 and 2013- 2014 and have reached 20%. Also, more than half of Bulgarian pupils in 1-12 grades (51%) are extremely immobilized, one of the reasons being rare visits to physical education classes and lack of interest in additional sport outside compulsory schooling. Separately, every third grader in Bulgaria has a problem with extra pounds, although in most cases it is the parents who refuse to accept that their child needs change and help, not to mention a strict diet and encouragement to exercise sports. More than 50% of the children who crossed the classrooms for the first time this year in Bulgaria are already having vertebral distortion. Only 3% of Bulgarian teenagers say they sometimes go to the gym because they want to look good and build up muscle mass.However, a positive aspect is that a higher percentage of girls and boys at 15 years of age in Bulgaria report regular physical activity than in other EU countries, although less than 25% report moderate exercise intensive physical activity on a daily basis.This study aims to analyze, on the basis of an authoritative survey, the opinions and the vision of active training parents as to whether their children should be attending fitness training. The survey was conducted within 2 months through an online survey of 21 questions, with a total of 187 active sporting parents. Questions concern both the sporting aspects, the healthy diet and the overall condition of the child, through the eyes of his/her parents.

scholarly journals Survey of young people in one region of the UK on accessing COVID-19 information (SOCIAL)

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000942
Author(s):  
Oliver G P Lawton ◽  
Sarah A Lawton ◽  
Lisa Dikomitis ◽  
Joanne Protheroe ◽  
Joanne Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young People ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Gaps ◽  
The Uk

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.

scholarly journals Experiences and impact of international medical volunteering: a multi-country mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e041599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary McCauley ◽  
Joanna Raven ◽  
Nynke van den Broek
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medical Volunteers ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the experience and impact of medical volunteers who facilitated training workshops for healthcare providers in maternal and newborn emergency care in 13 countries.SettingsBangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, UK and Zimbabwe.ParticipantsMedical volunteers from the UK (n=162) and from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) (n=138).Outcome measuresExpectations, experience, views, personal and professional impact of the experience of volunteering on medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC.ResultsUK-based medical volunteers (n=38) were interviewed using focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=26). 262 volunteers (UK-based n=124 (47.3%), and LMIC-based n=138 (52.7%)) responded to the online survey (62% response rate), covering 506 volunteering episodes. UK-based medical volunteers were motivated by altruism, and perceived volunteering as a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teaching and communication, skills reported to be transferable to their home workplace. Medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC (n=244) reported increased confidence (98%, n=239); improved teamwork (95%, n=232); strengthened leadership skills (90%, n=220); and reported that volunteering had a positive impact for the host country (96%, n=234) and healthcare providers trained (99%, n=241); formed sustainable partnerships (97%, n=237); promoted multidisciplinary team working (98%, n=239); and was a good use of resources (98%, n=239). Medical volunteers based in LMIC reported higher satisfaction scores than those from the UK with regards to impact on personal and professional development.ConclusionHealthcare providers from the UK and LMIC are highly motivated to volunteer to increase local healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in low-resource settings. Further research is necessary to understand the experiences of local partners and communities regarding how the impact of international medical volunteering can be mutually beneficial and sustainable with measurable outcomes.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the UK: a mixed-methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048772
Author(s):  
Toby O Smith ◽  
Pippa Belderson ◽  
Jack R Dainty ◽  
Linda Birt ◽  
Karen Durrant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Social Restriction ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to explore how people adapted to these measures over time.DesignMixed-methods investigation comprising a national online longitudinal survey and embedded qualitative study.SettingUK online survey and interviews with community-dwelling individuals in the East of England.ParticipantsPeople in the UK with RMDs were invited to participate in an online survey. A subsection of respondents were invited to participate in the embedded qualitative study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe online survey, completed fortnightly over 10 weeks from April 2020 to August 2020, investigated changes in symptoms, social isolation and loneliness, resilience and optimism. Qualitative interviews were undertaken assessing participant’s perspectives on changes in symptoms, exercising, managing instrumental tasks such a shopping, medication and treatment regimens and how they experienced changes in their social networks.Results703 people with RMDs completed the online survey. These people frequently reported a deterioration in symptoms as a result of COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions (52% reported increase vs 6% reported a decrease). This was significantly worse for those aged 18–60 years compared with older participants (p=0.017). The qualitative findings from 26 individuals with RMDs suggest that the greatest change in daily life was experienced by those in employment. Although some retired people reported reduced opportunity for exercise outside their homes, they did not face the many competing demands experienced by employed people and people with children at home.ConclusionsPeople with RMDs reported a deterioration in symptoms when COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures were enforced. This was worse for working-aged people. Consideration of this at-risk group, specifically for the promotion of physical activity, changing home-working practices and awareness of healthcare provision is important, as social restrictions continue in the UK.

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