Suchergebnisse

"This book is a response to the loss of learning experienced by children and young people during the COVID-19 crisis. It examines the measures which were taken to fix the disruption of education and their limitations particularly in reaching marginalised groups. Drawing on data and experiences from around the world, the book examines education systems as ecosystems with interdependencies between many different components which need to be considered when change is contemplated. Chapters explore the challenges involved ensuring continuity of education for all learners in times of crisis and disruption and sets out practical solutions that are relevant for preparing for natural disasters and ones caused by humans, as well as for climate change challenges and future pandemics. The focus throughout is on building the sustainability of learners' education into education systems to ensure educational continuity for all learners in times of disruption and crisis. Including tools for planning, prompts for reflection, and future possibilities to consider, Education for All in Times of Crisis will be valuable reading for school leaders, educators and policy makers"--

International organisations such as the OECD and Unesco now publish comparative data on educational performance and the consequent challenge for any country is to ensure that changes in the education system actually result in improved outcomes. Increasingly the research base for educational practice is scrutinised. However, for educational policy and practice to be evidence based, educational researchers need to provide timely relevant research. This article proposes a model of research using concept mapping with policy makers and practitioners working as co-researchers. The model meets the challenge rapid research for selected topics. It was developed initially for pragmatic reasons in response to a requirement from a UK government agency for rapid research on digital technologies. The acronym PIMS indicates key features of the model: P –policy makers and practitioners are involved as co-researchers I – Intensive data collection takes place with simultaneous debate and analysis in a community of practice context M – multidimensional concept maps (MDCMs) are used to gather and shape ideas created through debate S – standard research methods and tests are used to complement the above. This article reports on the research approach developed and tested out on two research projects funded by a national agency.

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) technology and pedagogy have gained recognition globally for their success in supporting second language acquisition (SLA). In Saudi Arabia, the government aims to provide most educational institutions with computers and networking for integrating CALL into classrooms. However, the recognition of CALL's efficacy does not translate into easy acceptance and integration in English as a Second Language or English as a Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) classrooms in Saudi schools, particularly where teaching of both English language and information and communication technologies (ICT) is subject to religious and cultural constraints. There are other barriers that impede native Arabic speakers from learning English. Accordingly, the research question addressed in this paper is an exploration of the overt and covert factors that affect CALL use and integration in Saudi Arabian secondary schools. A case study approach using mixed methods was employed to interview and observe a sample of teachers and school inspectors in urban and rural secondary schools. Results were supplemented with an online questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.