Keyword: classroom

ABSTRACT: This study examines the experiences of nine secondary content teachers who report high self-efficacy in working with English learners (ELs) in mainstream classrooms. As the number of ELs in US schools grows, many content area teachers feel unprepared to support these students effectively. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of culturally responsive pedagogy and teacher self-efficacy, this phenomenological study focuses on mathematics, science, and social studies teachers in Florida public schools. The research employs in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore teachers’ perceptions and lived experiences. Significant themes that emerged from the analysis include (a) undercover advocacy, (b) ethic of care, and (c) leveraging student achievement data. A common thread woven through all narratives was the integration of students’ native languages through translation and translanguaging practices while leading with empathy. Participants created more equitable learning environments for ELs in mainstream classrooms through multifaceted, often covert, advocacy efforts. Implications for teacher preparation programs and school districts are discussed, including professional development initiatives to cultivate teachers’ asset-based ideologies toward ELs and improve their pedagogical practices. Recommendations for state and national policymakers include modifications to ESOL certification requirements. This research informs efforts to foster mainstream teacher preparedness and efficacy in working with linguistically diverse student populations.

ABSTRACT: The study aims to explore Strategies for restrainingClassroomDisruptive BehaviorAmong Public Secondary Schools Students in Ekiti State. Specifically, it sought to examine the types of disruptive behaviors, problems encountered by the schools, and strategies to be adopted to curb disruptive behaviors perpetuated by students in the classroom during teaching and learning. Three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design and utilized a quantitative approach. A sample of 100 respondents involving principals and teachers was used through purposive sampling. Strategies for Restraining Students’ Disruptive Behaviors in Public Secondary Schools served as an instrument. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The analysis revealed that (1) lateness to school, irregular class attendance, fighting with each other within and outside the school, refusal to do assignments given by teachers, non-participation in-class activities, use of abusive language against one another, and operating phones during class hours were disruptive behaviors perpetrated by students. (2) The school encountered several problems such as bullying of teachers and management by the punished students, and teachers get discouraged going back to class, which causes more stress for teachers as they become detracted from academic routine. (3) The use of classroom management, allowing students to have easy access to the teachers, promptness of teachers to the discharge of their tasks of teaching profession, ensuring of appropriate seating arrangement by teachers, attentiveness of the teachers to both reported and unreported cases in class, regular checking of children by parents in schools, and maintenance of small and well-controlled
class size were strategies to be adopted to curb disruptive behaviors among public secondary schools students in Ekiti state.

ABSTRACT: This narrative review critically examines the application of gamification in higher education. Gamification, the integration of game elements into learning, is increasingly used to enhance student engagement and motivation. However, the effectiveness of gamification depends on its alignment with learning objectives. Superficial use of game elements, such as irrelevant badges, can hinder meaningful learning outcomes. Moreover, over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can lead to short-term motivation but may compromise deep learning. Additionally, a competitive culture fostered by gamification might hinder collaboration and stress individual achievement. To harness gamification’s benefits, educators must carefully design game mechanics to promote collaboration, select suitable activities, and consider diverse learning styles. This review underscores the need for thoughtful integration of gamification and the importance of evaluating its impact on pedagogical goals in higher education. The article concludes by providing implications for research and practice.