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Science teaching anxiety is negative emotion that inhibits a teacher's ability to start, proceed, or finish a science teaching task. Despite its detrimental effects on teachers' science teaching quality and practices, there is limited research on science teaching anxiety. To advance research in this area, there is a need for a psychometrically sound instrument assessing teachers' science teaching anxiety. This study presents the development and psychometric properties of the Science Teaching Anxiety Scale (STAS) in preservice elementary teachers (N = 191) using a Rasch analysis. In addition, it examines the relationships among science teaching anxiety, science interest, and science teaching efficacy (self-efficacy and outcome expectancy). Results indicated that the STAS has promising validity and reliability for use in future research. Moreover, science teaching anxiety and science interest were significant predictors of teaching self-efficacy in preservice elementary teachers. Implications for researchers, teacher educators, and individuals who work with new teachers are discussed.

e-Textbooks and e-learning technologies have become ubiquitous in college and university courses as faculty seek out ways to provide more engaging, flexible and customizable learning opportunities for students. However, the same technologies that support learning can serve as a source of frustration. Research on frustration with technology is limited, especially in educational settings. This study examined student frustration with e-textbooks and the factors contributing to the frustration within undergraduate general biology courses through the development of an E-Text Frustration scale (ETFS). Exploratory factor analysis of the ETFS revealed a three-factor structure that provides quantified support for frustration with (1) e-textbook interactions on the screen, (2) problems with technology and (3) e-text curriculum integration. This structure was supported by a confirmatory factor analysis. The construct validity of the scale was established using a correlation analysis that revealed significant relationships among the three e-text frustration measures, cognitive load and motivation variables. Furthermore, the measurement invariance analyses indicated that the scale measures the same construct in the same way in males and females. Overall, the study findings suggest that the ETFS is a useful instrument with high reliability and validity evidence that can be used by researchers and practitioners. Implications for future research on frustration in technology-rich learning environments are discussed.

Background: Studies on the impact of videogame play on the brain and behavior demonstrates potential benefits of playing action video games (AVGs) for cognitive enhancements. However, it is becoming increasingly challenging to distinguish between AVGs and non-AVGs due to the emergence of new video game genres and platforms that incorporate action elements in historically non-action genres. Thus, more research is needed to understand AVG mechanics. Objective: This study developed an Action Video Game Elements (AVGE) Likert-type scale for differentiating an AVG from a non-AVG and examined its performance in an AVG and a non-AVG. Method: We employed standardized lab data collection procedures to administer the AVGE scale in undergraduate education majors after they played either an AVG (n = 144) or a non-AVG (n = 48). Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor theoretically sensible structure: (1) focus, (2) pacing & goal setting, (3) challenge, (4) sensory stimulation, and (5) speed. Using an experimental research design, we examined the AVGE scale for its ability to distinguish an AVG from a non-AVG. Players who played the AVG rated the game significantly higher in all AVGE categories than their peers who played a non-AVG, thus providing empirical evidence regarding the scale's discriminant validity of the game. Additionally, we explored the AVGE score differences in players with and without prior AVG experience in the AVG and non-AVG. Conclusion: The AVGE scale has a promising internal consistency and discriminant validity. Future research can use it for examining AVG elements in various games as well as guiding the design and development of video games that aim to enhance cognition and better align these games with players' demographics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study aims to examine secondary school students' mathematical problem-solving attitudes in terms of certain variables. The study was carried out to determine whether the students' mathematical problem-solving attitudes differ or not in terms of the variables of gender, grade, attending nursery school, parents' education level and mathematical achievement. The research sample consists of the students enrolled in the different grades of randomly chosen secondary schools in the European side of Istanbul during 2013-2014 academic year. The research data were obtained using the "Mathematical Problem Solving Attitude Scale" developed by Canakci and Özdemir (2011) and a personal information form. The statistical analyses of the research data were performed with the package program of SPSS 19.0. The research findings are expected to contribute not only to the literature but also to the planning of teaching process taking into account the students' mathematical problem-solving attitudes. The findings were discussed for further research and researchers in accordance with the relevant literature. [Paper presented at the International Conference on New Trends in Education and Their Implications (5th, Antalya, Turkey, Apr 24-26, 2014).]

The current study provides foundational research on the extent to which Florida Title 1 middle schools (schools including grades 7 and/or 8) have policies and practices that align with core components of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). Principals from 197 (42.73%) of all FL Title 1 schools that included at least grades seven and/or eight responded to a survey that focused on the existence and characteristics of: (1) a continuum of evidence-based interventions; (2) leadership team implementation and coordination; (3) content expertise and fluency; (4) process integrity; (5) continuous progress monitoring; and (6) crisis intervention. Results based on an analytic sample of 36.69% of schools indicate that, while schools predominantly identify using a PBIS framework to guide behavioral policies and practices, important features are lacking that would indicate a comprehensive, coordinated implementation approach. The use of multi-tiered programs and supports, planning for continuous improvement and training, and assessment of fidelity and ecological validity of selected practices in high-poverty schools are issues requiring a greater understanding and implementation support. Additional results, as well as recommendations for research and practice are provided.

Despite the prevalence of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for addressing student behavior in public schools, little information exists on the extent and consistency of implementation efforts in secure juvenile justice (JJ) schools. Reports of fidelity to core PBIS processes and components are needed to determine the ubiquity of comprehensive efforts and link implementation to outcomes. All 301 JJ schools in the United States were sent a survey and we report on responses from 143 (47.5%) principals. The survey focused on (a) use of multitiered systems of behavior supports; (b) organizational leadership and training; (c) expectations and consequences; (d) behavior response, monitoring, and oversight; and (e) crisis prevention and management. Approximately 84% of respondents identified alignment with a multitiered framework for behavioral supports. However, fewer supports were available to youth with more serious behavioral needs (i.e., at Tiers 2 and 3). Additional results, implications, and recommendations are provided.

Online gaming is becoming increasingly social and interconnected. Millions of players learn from each other in game-related communities on platforms like Reddit and Twitch.tv. However, few studies have been conducted to examine socially constructed learning in such environments. The purpose of this study was to explore learning in game-related communities using the Game Community of Inquiry Scale (GCoIS). GCoIS is a validated instrument inspired by the community of inquiry framework and developed for measuring constructed learning in these outlets. Over 1000 participants completed an online questionnaire that included the GCoIS and additional variables (e.g. demographics, gaming habits, and gaming metacognition) for measuring possible associations. Results pointed to gender, age, online participation, and metacognition about gaming as significant predictors of GCoIS. Findings suggest that gaming communities can serve as opportunities for meaningful learning when novice members are welcomed and assisted by experts and support is given to older and female gamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-factor model structure of the School Counseling Program Implementation Survey was tested with a national sample (N = 275) of school counselors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested a modified two-factor model was the most appropriate fit. Implications and future research for the school counseling profession are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]