INVESTIGATION UPON THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE EDUCATIONALISTS AND THE CHILDREN IN THE GREEK KINDERGARTEN

Maria Sakellariou, Alexandra Pappa, Rodokleia Anagnostopoulou

Abstract


Quality in the domain of education comprises a high-significance issue through the prism of socio-cultural and financial developments that are taking place on a national as well as global level. The improvement of educational quality could be achieved through the reinforcement of interaction between the students and the educationalists, showing not only short-term effects but long-term ones as well. In the present research, the views of 1204 primary, general, and special educationalists are explored, on a Pan-Hellenic extent, about the quality of education provided within the Greek Kindergartens. The educationalists who took part in the research were asked to evaluate the proposals regarding interactions that take place within the preschool domain. From the analysis of data, it became clear that the quality of interactions is affected by the gender of the educationalists, the years of teaching service, and the number of children in each Kindergarten class. Every educational institute, to provide a high-quality education ought to develop strategies that encourage interaction between the educationalists and the children, constantly urging them towards new, more creative steps.

 

Article visualizations:

Hit counter


Keywords


quality in education, interactions, kindergarten, Greece, primary education teachers

Full Text:

PDF

References


Altinyelken HK, Hoeksma M, 2021. Improving educational quality through active learning: Perspectives from secondary school teachers in Malawi. Research in Comparative International Education. 1(23):1-29. doi: 10.1177/1745499921992904.

Andika WD, Akbar M, Yufiarti SS, Sumarni S, 2019. Playing board games with mathematical self-concept to support early numeracy skill of 5-6 years old children. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1166(1):012019. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1166/1/012019

Barber A, Buehl MM, Kidd JK, Sturtevant EG, Richey Nuland L, Beck J, 2015. Reading engagement in social studies: Exploring the role of a social studies literacy intervention on reading comprehension, reading self-efficacy, and engagement in middle school students with different language backgrounds. Reading Psychology, 36(1):31-85.

Bondebjerg A, Dalgaard NT, Filges T, Viinholt BCA, 2023. The effects of small class sizes on students' academic achievement, socioemotional development, and well-being in special education: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 19:e1345. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1345

Conroy MA, Sutherland KS, Algina JJ, Wilson RE, Martinez JR, Whalon KJ, 2015. Measuring Teacher Implementation of the “BEST in CLASS” Intervention Program and Corollary Child Outcomes. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 23:144–155. doi: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1177/1063426614532949

De Schipper EJ, Riksen-Walraven MJ, Geurts SAE, 2007. Multiple determinants of caregiver behavior in child care centers. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 22:312-326. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2007.04.004

Decristan J, Klieme E, Kunter M, Hochweber J, Büttner G, Fauth B, ..., Hardy I, 2015. Embedded formative assessment and classroom process quality: How do they interact in promoting science understanding? American Educational Research Journal, 52(6):1133-1159. doi: https://doi.org/10.3102%2F0002831215596412

Díez F, Villa A, Lopez AL, Iraurgi I, 2020. Impact of quality management systems in the performance of educational centers: educational policies and management processes. Heliyon, 6(4):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03824

Edward S, Cutter-Mackenzie A, Moore D, Boyd W, 2017. Finding the balance: A play-framework for play-based learning and intentional teaching in early childhood education. Every Child, 23(1):14–15.

Egalite AJ, Kisida B, 2018. The Effects of Teacher Match on Students’ Academic Perceptions and Attitudes. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 40(1): 59-81. doi: https://doi.org/10.3102/0162373717714056

Fink M, 2018. Effective iPad Integration in the Kindergarten Literacy Curriculum Through Creation-Based Literacy Tasks: An Action Research Study. PhD Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.

Handler B, 2010. Teacher as curriculum leader: A consideration of the appropriateness of the role assignment to classroom-based practitioners. International Journal of Teacher Leaderships, 3:193-202.

Hannah R, 2013. The Effect of Classroom Environment on Student Learning.Honors Theses. 2375, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, USA. Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/2375/

Hosan NE, Hoglund W, 2017. Do Teacher–Child Relationship and Friendship Quality Matter for Children's School Engagement and Academic Skills? School Psychology Review, 46(2):201-218. doi: https://doi.org/10.17105/SPR-2017-0043.V46-2

Konstantopoulos S, Chung V, 2010. The Persistence of Teacher Effects in Elementary Grades. American Educational Research Journal, 48(2): 361–386. doi: 10.3102/0002831210382888

Kopas-Vukašinović E, 2014. Student Initiative in the Classroom as a Prerequisite for the Development of University Education System. In: T. J. Karlovitz (Ed.), Some Current Issues in Pedagogy, Komarno: International Research Institute, pp. 37‒50.

Kutluca AY, 2021. An investigation of elementary teachers' pedagogical content knowledge for socioscientific argumentation: The effect of a learning and teaching experience. Science Education, 105(4):743-775. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21624

Li X, Li M, 2021. The Effect of Large and Small Class Size in Compulsory Education in China. Rangsit Journal of Educational Studies, 8(1):46-58. doi: 10.14456/rjes.2021.4

Mejah H, Bakar AYA, Amat S, 2019. The socio-emotional development of preschoolers: a case study. Konselor, 8(1):1-5. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.24036/0201981103975-0-00

Mitsi P. 2020. Developmentally appropriate curricula and quality in education within the framework of differentiated instruction in preschool and school era. PhD Thesis, University of Ioannina.

Monks J, Schmidt R, 2011.The impact of class size and number of students on outcomes in higher education. The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, 11(62):1-18. doi: 10.2202/1935-1682.2803.

Pakarinen E, Lerkkanen MK, Poikkeus AM, Rasku-Puttonen H, Eskelä-Haapanen S, Siekkinen M, Nurmi JE, 2017. Associations Among Teacher–Child Interactions, Teacher Curriculum Emphases, and Reading Skills in Grade 1. Early Education and Development, 28(7):858-879, doi: 10.1080/10409289.2017.1289768

Penteri E, Chlapana E, Melliou K, Philippidi A, Marinatou Th, 2022a. The Kindergarten Teacher’s Guide- Supportive material. Pyxida: Theoretical and Methodological Framework-Practical Implementations and Didactical Designing. In the context of the “Upgrading of Curricula and Creation of Educational Material for Primary and Secondary Education” Action by the Institute of Educational Policy (I.E.P.) with MIS 5035542.

Penteri E, Chlapana E, Melliou K, Philippidi A, Marinatou Th, 2022b. Early Childhood Curricula- Extended Version (2nd Edition, 2022, I.E.P.). In the context of the “Upgrading of Curricula and Creation of Educational Material for Primary and Secondary Education” Action by the Institute of Educational Policy (I.E.P.) with MIS 5035542.

Pianta R, Whittaker J, Vitiello V, Ruzek E, Ansari A, Hofkens T, DeCoster J, 2020. Children’s school readiness skills across the pre-K year: Associations with teacher-student interactions, teacher practices, and exposure to academic content. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 66:101084. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2019.101084

Rentzou K, 2015. The level of quality of the education and care provided in Childcare Centres. The Scientific Journal of the Department of Early Childhood Education of the University of Ioannina, 4:59-86.

Rentzou K, Sakellariou M, 2010. The Quality of Early Childhood Educators: Children’s Interaction in Greek Child Care Centers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 38(5): 367-376. doi: 10.1007/s10643-010-0403-3

Rentzou K, Sakellariou M, 2014. Space as a pedagogical domain in early childhood learning environments. Designing and Arrangement, Pedio Publications, Athens.

Ruzek EA, Hafen CA, Allen JP, Gregory A, Mikami AY, Pianta RC, 2016. How teacher emotional support motivates students: The mediating roles of perceived peer relatedness, autonomy support, and competence. Learning and instruction, 42:95-103. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2016.01.004

Sakellariou M, Strati P, Mitsi P. 2021. Interaction and Social Relationships during the Transition from Kindergarten to Elementary School: A Case Study in Greece. In Maria Sakellariou (Ed.) Child Interaction: Perspectives, Activities and Outcomes. Nova Science Publishers, INC.

Sittisom W, 2020. Dark side of education quality: A case study. Journal of Security and Sustainability Issues, 252-262. doi: https://jssidoi.org/jssi/uploads/papers/37/Sittisom_Dark_side_of_education_quality_a_case_study.pdf

Solanki SM, Xu D, 2018. Looking Beyond Academic Performance: The Influence of Instructor Gender on Student Motivation in STEM Fields. American Educational Research Journal, 55(4):801-835. doi: https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831218759034

Tennant JE, Demaray MK, Malecki CK, Terry MN, Clary M, Elzinga N, 2015. Students’ ratings of teacher support and academic and social–emotional well-being. School Psychology Quarterly, 30(4):494–512. doi: https://doi.org/10.1037/spq0000106

Trang KT, Pan Q, Hansen DM, 2020. A Mediation Model of Profiles of Motivational Regulation Strategies for Academic Tasks. Journal of Management Policy and Practice, 21(4):46-63. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.33423/jmpp.v21i4.3242

Trawick-Smith J, Dziurgot T, 2011. ‘Good-fit’ teacher–child play interactions and the subsequent autonomous play of preschool children. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 26(1):110-123. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2010.04.005

Wan Y, Guo Z, 2022. Complex Management Counter Measures of Postgraduate Education Quality Based on Comparison of International Training Models. Complexity, 2022:1-9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8014975

Wang L, Calvano L, 2022. Class size, student behaviors, and educational outcomes. Organization Management Journal, 19(4):126-142. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/OMJ-01-2021-1139

Wolf S, Aber JL, Behrman J, 2018. The Impacts of Teacher Training and Parental Awareness on Kindergarten Quality in Ghana. Innovation for poverty action. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group.

Wolf S, Aber JL, Behrman JR, Tsinigo E, 2019. Experimental Impacts of the “Quality Preschool for Ghana” Interventions on Teacher Professional Well-being, Classroom Quality, and Children’s School Readiness. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 12(1):10-37. doi: 10.1080/19345747.2018.1517199

Zeichner KM, Conklin HG, 2017. Beyond Knowledge Ventriloquism and Echo Chambers: Raising the Quality of the Debate in Teacher Education. Teachers College Record, 118(12):1-38. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/016146811611801203

Zirkel S, 2008. The influence of multicultural educational practices on student outcomes and intergroup relations. Teachers College Record, 110:1147-81. doi: 10.1177/016146810811000605




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v10i3.5294

Copyright © 2015 - 2023. European Journal of Special Education Research (ISSN 2501 - 2428) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing GroupAll rights reserved.

This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei). All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms.

All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).