Making Space for Storytime: The Role of the Environment in the Production of Storytime

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the findings from Project VIEWS2, a four-year IMLS-funded study that examined the early literacy impact of public library storytimes, and provides detail on a secondary analysis of storytime spaces that was done using the Project VIEWS2 dataset. The storytimes spaces were explored by looking at the spatial quality, physical literacy environment, and seating of attendees, as these characteristics have been identified as important aspects of early childhood learning environments. Findings across these three characteristics are presented as well as implications and recommendations for more effective storytime practice and space design.     

Digital Module 12: Think-aloud Interviews and Cognitive Labs https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com

In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Jacqueline Leighton and Dr. Blair Lehman review differences between think-aloud interviews to measure problem-solving processes and cognitive labs to measure comprehension processes. Learners are introduced to historical, theoretical, and procedural differences between these methods and how to use and analyze distinct types of verbal reports in the collection of evidence of test-taker response processes. The module includes details on (a) the different types of cognition that are tapped by different interviewer probes, (b) traditional interviewing methods and new automated tools for collecting verbal reports, and (c) options for analyses of verbal reports. This includes a discussion of reliability and validity issues such as potential bias in the collection of verbal reports, ways to mitigate bias, and inter-rater agreement to enhance credibility of analysis. A novel digital tool for data collection called the ABC tool is presented via illustrative videos. As always, the module contains audio-narrated slides, quiz questions with feedback, a glossary, and curated resources.     

Measuring Quality Technology Integration in Science Classrooms

Journal of Science Education and Technology - Researchers, evaluators, and practitioners need tools to distinguish between applications of technology that support, enhance, and transform classroom...     

Initial teacher education and trauma and violence informed care in the classroom: Preliminary results from an online teacher education course

A trauma-and-violence-informed-care (TVIC) system within an educational setting provides a framework of practice that enables schools to become safe and inclusive places for some of the most vulnerable students. Initial teacher education may provide the opportunity to prepare teachers to create classrooms and learning experiences that are safe, equitable, and meet students' needs. A mandatory mental health literacy course for second year teacher candidates in a Bachelor of Education program (n = 287) at a large Canadian university introduced TVIC concepts. A case study approach was used to illustrate both the challenges that students exposed to trauma and/or violence can experience, as well as strategies and knowledge that teachers can use to support these students. This program evaluation used a repeated measures design to survey both attitudes toward trauma informed care for teachers and self-efficacy for teaching using inclusive practices before and after the course. A significant effect of time on both measures revealed an increase in both participants' attitudes toward TVIC and their self-efficacy in using inclusive teaching practices. These findings provide support for the inclusion of these important topics for all teacher candidates. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.     

Addressing violence against teachers: A social-ecological analysis of teachers' perspectives

Much research has been dedicated to supporting school communities in combating the problem of school violence. However, violence directed toward teachers is under-investigated, and knowledge of how to support teachers is limited. This qualitative study used conventional content analysis to assess teachers' recommendations for preventing and improving the response to teacher-directed violence. The sample included 245 prekindergarten through 12th grade teachers, all of whom experienced school violence and participated in a larger national survey study on violence against teachers. Using a social-ecological framework and conventional content analysis, teacher recommendations for addressing teacher victimization were identified and organized at the individual, school, community, and society levels. Themes around conflict resolution strategies; improving policies, resources, and relationships with administrators; increasing parental involvement; and changing culture and laws were highlighted. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.     

Gender differences in throwing form of children ages 6-8 years during a throwing game

The study purposes were to describe throwing form and gender differences before and after instruction during a game. Children's (ages 6-8, n = 105) throwing form was assessed while they played a game (snowball) using the Body Component Assessment for Throwing in Games to determine the modal developmental levels for the step, trunk, and forearm components. Each student received four 30-min sessions of throwing instruction. There were significant (p < .017) gender differences at each session and for each component. A Wilcoxon-Signed Ranks Test revealed differences (p < .017) between pretest and after instruction for boys' trunk and forearm components and girls'step and trunk components. The improvement after instruction and gender differences were similar to those found in a controlled, practice context.