Learning strategies and learning-related emotions among teacher trainees

Teacher trainees are questioned about their strategic and emotional relationships with a key area of their future activity, learning. Characteristics of German teacher trainees are identified through comparisons with German students on a related course of study (educational science), and through comparisons with Swedish teacher trainees. N = 875 people took part in the study, of whom n = 135 German teacher trainees participated again after two years.There are national differences both in the numbers of students allocated to the identified learning strategy clusters, and in the balance of learning-related emotions. In both areas, the Swedish students show more favourable configurations.     

Perceptions and Experiences of International Trainees in Counseling and Related Programs

International counseling trainees (ICTs) can play a critical role in multicultural training and enrich the lives of domestic trainers and trainees. However, they face unique barriers. This inquiry examined 14 areas related to their training and stay in the US. Findings largely correspond with those already in the literature (e.g., Ng, International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, 28:1–19 2006a). Results indicate significantly higher mean scores for ICTs (n = 56) in 10 areas (e.g., English proficiency problems, experiencing discrimination in their learning environment) compared to domestic trainees (DTs) (n = 82). ICTs further reported a high level of confidence in their contribution to their programs and a strong belief in their performance, although these levels did not differ significantly from DTs. Findings also revealed there were no program-level differences among the ICTs in all the study areas. Compared to the master’s trainees as a whole, however, the doctoral trainees combined reported higher degrees of experiencing cultural adjustment problems and conflicts with Western understanding and approaches to treating mental health. Implications and recommendations are outlined. Findings in this study were represented at the 2008 Eastern Educational Research Association Conference in Hilton Head, South Carolina, United States of America.     

The influence of emotional intelligence on academic progress and achievement in UK university students

Previous research has found relationships between higher levels of emotional intelligence (EI) and academic success in both adolescents and adults. This study examines the relationship between overall EI and specific EI competencies in 135 undergraduate psychology students in the UK. EI was measured at the start of a psychology degree course using the Emotional Competence Inventory-University Edition (ECI-U II). Performance was assessed using retention statistics and students’ final average percentage mark (APM) at the end of their degree course. Results showed that there were no differences in overall EI or specific EI competencies in those students who graduated compared to those who failed to graduate. Whilst global EI did not significantly predict final APM, specific EI competencies (conscientiousness, adaptability, empathy, organisational awareness, and building bonds) significantly predicted APM after controlling for gender. Recommendations for the implementation of EI training in higher education institutions are considered.     

The influence of self-assessment practices on online training for investigative interviewing skills

This paper investigates how 192 trainees’ self-assessment practices and personal attributes related to their success in an online interview training program. Performance was measured pre- and post-training by evaluating the use of open-ended questions and positive interviewing behaviors. Personal data and a pre-training survey on self-assessment practices (i.e., SEFI, seeking external feedback through inquiry; SEFM, seeking external feedback through monitoring; SIF, seeking internal feedback; and SR, self-reflection) were also collected. Trainees with higher levels of SEFI had larger learning gains from the training, whereas trainees with higher levels of SEFM or SIF had smaller learning gains. Trainees with lower interviewing skills before the training, and those from policing backgrounds, demonstrated larger learning gains. Younger trainees evidenced a larger increase in the use of open-ended questions, while older trainees showed greater changes in prevalence of positive interviewing behaviors. The implications of the findings for the development of training programs are discussed.     

The influence of goal orientation dimensions on time to train in a self-paced training environment

This study examined the role of goal orientation dimensions in understanding differences in time spent in an online, occupational training program. In predicting time to train, there was a significant interaction between mastery and performance-avoid goal orientations (β = ? .32), highlighting the value of considering goal orientation dimensions in concert. Trainees with low mastery and low performance-avoid goal orientations completed training considerably faster than trainees who were high on one or both of these dimensions. Although trainees varied greatly in the amount of time spent in training (lengths ranged from 21 to 72 days), time spent in training did not significantly predict knowledge levels (β = ? .14). As organizations move toward Web-based instruction, research is needed to elucidate the decisions that trainees make in self-paced training environments and the impact that individual differences have on these decisions.     

Age, Gender, and Ethnicity of Counsellor Trainees and Corresponding Counselling Self-Efficacy: Research Findings and Implications for Counsellor Educators

This study explored the counselling self-efficacy of students in a counsellor education programme, in regard to age, gender, and ethnicity characteristics. To assess counselling self-efficacy, the Counselling Self-Estimate Inventory (COSE) of Larson et al. (Counsellor Education & Supervision 41: 120–130, 1992) was administered at the end of a semester to counselling students engaged in different stages of a counsellor training program. No significant differences were found in regard to gender and age-group categories, but significant differences were found among ethnic groups. It was found that Asian and White students generally had similar and also lower counselling self-efficacy means than the other ethnic groups in the sample in regard to several counselling-specific categories. Implications for counsellor educators in training counselling students of diverse characteristics are discussed.     

Refugee-Teacher-Train-Refugee-Teacher Intervention Research in Malaysia: Promoting Classroom Management and Teacher Self-Care

ABSTRACT

Given the current refugee crisis, the development of sustainable postconflict refugee education systems and supports is essential. The present study reports Resilient Refugee Education (RRE) intervention effects on refugee teacher confidence and knowledge of classroom management, in addition to refugee teacher self-care in Malaysia. We compared effects on (a) peer trainers, who were refugee teachers trained by consultants (n = 38), and (b) peer trainees, who were refugee teachers trained by peer trainers (n = 78). The sample included teachers who were refugees (n = 97; mean age = 30; 78% Burmese) and nonrefugees (n = 19; mean age = 48; 44% Chinese-Malaysian). Significant effects on teacher knowledge, confidence, and self-care were found for both trainers and trainees, including interactions with gender and education. Implications for sustainable promotion of the emotional context in refugee education are discussed.     

Evaluating Training Outcomes in Corporate E-Learning and Classroom Training

The study contributes to training evaluation research by systematically comparing training outcomes between corporate e-learning and classroom training. We investigated a sample of vocational trainees (N?=?86) in a field experiment with a time-lag design and examined their subjective as well as objective training success. While training success was subjectively perceived to vary in effectiveness depending on the setting right after the training, with higher scores for trainees in classroom training, it was perceived similarly effective in both training settings after six to eight weeks. With regard to objective training success, we found that whereas declarative and procedural knowledge scores increased for e-learning trainees, they decreased for trainees in classroom training. However, strengths of e-learning become more prevalent six to eight weeks after the training. Thus in the end, e-learning is as effective as classroom training for procedural knowledge and more effective than classroom training for declarative knowledge as e-learning trainees catch up on previous differences across time. We conclude that it is not the training setting or delivery media per se that leads to higher levels of trainings success in the long run but in order to be effective, trainings should be designed taking especially the type of learning content (declarative or procedural knowledge) into account.     

Supporting the kindergarten–primary school transition in Hong Kong: reform in a teacher training programme

ABSTRACT

The conflicting education values in Hong Kong kindergartens and primary schools pose various challenges to kindergarten teachers in providing pupils with a smooth transition to primary school which requires collaboration from schools and families. This study explored these challenges as well as the benefits of a professional teacher training programme. In-service teachers (N?=?35) and tutors (N?=?2) engaged in the module ‘The Social and Emotional Aspects of Teaching and Learning’ participated in this study. The trainees’ weekly reflective journals throughout the 22-week module were subjected to documentation analysis. Group interviews with the in-service teachers and individual interviews with the tutors were conducted on completion of the module. Findings reveal a gap between teacher training and providing pastoral care for pupils through supporting the social and emotional aspects of their families in Hong Kong, and indicated that traditional beliefs associated with the teaching profession should be widened. Meanwhile, counselling knowledge and skills should be contextualised and integrated into teacher training programmes.     

Dispositional Predictors of Problem Solving in the Field of Office Work

It was investigated how domain-specific knowledge, fluid intelligence, vocational interest and work-related self-efficacy predicted domain-specific problem-solving performance in the field of office work. The participants included 100 German VET (vocational education and training) students nearing the end of a 3-year apprenticeship program as an industrial clerk (n?=?63) which usually leads to a position in office work, lower or middle management, or a similar apprenticeship program to become IT-systems management assistants (n?=?37). The participants worked on three computer-based problem scenarios dealing with operative controlling, a relevant domain to both training occupations, and completed further assessments to measure the variables listed above. Theoretical considerations, prior research and domain analyses suggested that industrial clerks would have greater domain-specific problem-solving competence (H1a) and domain-specific knowledge (H1b) than IT-systems management assistants and that domain-specific knowledge would be the strongest predictor of problem-solving competence (H2: “knowledge-is-power” hypothesis); all hypotheses were confirmed. Hypothesis 3, the “Elshout-Raaheim hypothesis,” predicts that fluid intelligence and problem-solving competence are most strongly correlated in the context of intermediate levels of task-related content knowledge, however the highest correlation was found in the group with low domain-specific knowledge. The findings suggest that intelligence plays a minor role in later stages of competence development whereas typical problem situations in later stages particularly require prior knowledge. The relationship of intelligence, knowledge and problem solving as well as limitations of the study, particularly weaknesses in the measurement of non-cognitive dispositions, are discussed.     

Beyond the classroom: the inclusion of young people with learning disabilities in UK mainstream counselling services

Counselling is increasingly seen as a way of addressing the psychological needs of young people with emotional, behavioural and academic problems. This paper explores the existing counselling landscape regarding inclusion of young people with learning disabilities in counselling. The research findings are based on data collected from an empirical study (n = 396) and a series of interviews (n = 15) with counsellors. Findings identify inclusion in counselling as a process and highlight inclusive strategies, namely: creative counselling approaches, non‐verbal forms of communication and the use of simple adapted language. The most inclusive counsellors were highly qualified with greater knowledge and experience of this group of young people; awareness of disability issues; eclectic in practice; imaginative and creative; open‐minded, reflective, pragmatic; and proactive in promoting their services. Inclusive counselling practices adopt a person‐centred, psychodynamic or integrative therapeutic approach; take referrals through teachers, parents, carers, care managers and family doctors; have a welcoming attitude towards the young people, their parents and carers; are flexible regarding times and appointments.     

Mentoring as service-learning: The relationship between perceived peer support and outcomes for college women mentors

This study examined whether peer support was related to psychosocial outcomes for college women serving as youth mentors in the Young Women Leaders Program (YWLP), a service-learning mentoring program. The outcomes assessed were college students’ ethnocultural empathy and their sense of competence, relatedness, and autonomy. Data included questionnaires completed by YWLP mentors (YWLP; n = 227) and college women with (CS; n = 230) and without (no CS; n = 105) alternative community service involvement. Results showed that YWLP mentors’ level of perceived peer support was associated with stronger outcomes in autonomy as compared to the CS group and in ethnocultural empathy as compared to both comparison groups. These findings extend the literature on effective support for college service-learning participants.     

Leadership competencies among Chinese gifted students in Hong Kong: The connection with emotional intelligence and successful intelligence

This study examined components of leadership competencies in relation to emotional intelligence and successful intelligence among 498 Chinese gifted students in Hong Kong. These students rated themselves significantly higher on goal orientation than leadership flexibility, which was also rated significantly higher than leadership self‐efficacy. They perceived greater strengths in social skills and utilization of emotions than management of emotions and empathy, and in practical abilities as opposed to analytical and creative abilities. In predicting the three components of leadership competencies, practical abilities and management of emotions emerged as common and significant predictors, suggesting that applied and pragmatic skills, tacit knowledge, and ability to manage and regulate one's emotions were all important in leadership.     

How emotionally intelligent are pre-service teachers?

Although there is evidence that teacher emotional intelligence is important for pupil adjustment and learning and for teachers in managing the emotional demands of their work, little is known about the levels of emotional skill of teachers and beginning teachers. Using Mayer and Salovey's emotional intelligence (EI) model and the MSCEIT test of EI, this study investigates how emotionally skilled student teachers are (N = 352). Results show lower than average levels of EI among student teachers, but with important differences between students and across emotional skill areas. The implications of the findings for pre-service teacher education are explored.     

Psychosocial Counselling in Nepal: Perspectives of Counsellors and Beneficiaries

The aims of this qualitative study were (1) to add to the understanding of the growing field of psychosocial counselling in Nepal, and (2) gather concrete points for improvement of services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clients (n = 34), para-professional counsellors (n = 26) and managers (n = 23) of organizations in which psychosocial counselling was taking place. The main findings were that stakeholders generally presented a positive view of the significance and supportive function of psychosocial counselling, while providing useful suggestions for improvement. Matters of ongoing training and supervision, confidentiality and integration of counselling within mainstream care provision need to be addressed and potentially adapted. Implications for other non-Western countries with little mental health resources are discussed.     

Impact of a Didactic and Experiential Sales Training Based on Empathy: A Quasi‐Experimental Study

This research examined the impact of a didactic and experiential sales training based on empathy on medical salespeople's self‐reported capacity for empathy. The study used a non‐equivalent, post‐test‐only quasi‐experimental design by comparing the capacity for empathy of an experimental group (n = 66) and a control group (n = 26). A Mann‐Whitney test showed no difference between the two groups. Managerial implications are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.     

Anxiety and Empathy in a Counseling and Guidance Institute

This article investigates the relationship between anxiety and the development of empathy in counselor trainees during a full-year counseling and guidance institute. Anxiety was assessed three times during the program and empathy twice. It was found that anxiety decreased significantly during the course of the institute. No significant relationship was found between anxiety and empathy changes. It appears that such changes in trainees may be related to length of training. It is suggested that research concerning effects of training be longitudinal and focus on trainee change throughout the training period.     

国内外情绪智力及其培训研究

情绪智力是个体在工作和生活中表现出来的对自我以及他人情绪的感知、控制和调节的综合能力。情绪智力理论主要分为能力情绪智力流派和混合情绪智力流派,其立足点分别在于情绪智力理论的学术性和实用性。情绪智力的培训研究包括对培训的理论核心的探究以及培训项目的制定。     

Teaching the teachers: emotional intelligence training for teachers

A growing body of research in recent years has supported the value of emotional intelligence in both effective teaching and student achievement. This paper presents a pre–post, quasi-experimental design study conducted to evaluate the contributions of a 56-h “Emotional Intelligence” training model. The model has been developed and studied in an attempt to address educators’ growing needs to practice and implement “emotionally intelligent” learning environments. One hundred eighty-six teachers from ten elementary schools in Israel participated in this study. Findings indicated an increase in emotional intelligence and empathic concern from the beginning to the end of the course. Further regression indicated that both expression and regulation of emotions predicted empathy at the end of the course. Participants’ reflective assignments indicated an increase in self introspection, emotional awareness, emotional regulation and understanding others.     

Computer: The use of computer‐mediated communication in training students in group problem‐solving and decision‐making techniques

Abstract

A cost‐effectiveness analysis of training Army National Guard soldiers by audio teletraining technology was conducted. The trainees were n = 225 soldiers nationwide. About half of the trainees received training in a three‐week Unit Clerk Course through traditional residence training, and the remainder received the same instruction through audio teletraining. Objective performance data were collected from written tests on sixteen of the forty‐seven tasks taught. The percentage of trainees in the audio teletraining group that reached criterion (93%) on the first test was significantly higher (by statistical test) than the residence group (85%). In comparing costs, the audio teletraining group had lower training costs per trainee. Projected on an annual basis, the Army National Guard can save $292,404 per year through the use of audio teletraining for the Unit Clerk Course.