Volume 18, Number 2, 2024

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Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) gaps persist in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, as demonstrated by the discrimination, stereotyping, and inequities that historically and persistently marginalized groups face. Recognition of this gap led a transdisciplinary team to develop foundational-level e-learning modules, titled Foundations for Inclusive and Respectful Engagement (FIRE) on EDI capacities to be delivered in STEM undergraduate classes at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. FIRE consists of online, asynchronous, self-study modules delivered through the learning management system, Canvas. Feedback from pilot testing the FIRE modules has demonstrated that STEM students find the modules to be relevant and beneficial. Throughout the development of FIRE, we learned the importance of aligning the course with our institution’s values, working in a transdisciplinary team, and revising iteratively. This documentation of the development and preliminary feasibility of the FIRE modules aims to assist other institutions or organizations who are in the process of developing their own EDI teaching and learning materials.

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This qualitative inquiry examined how using Yosso’s community cultural wealth (2005) model as a framework in a 16-week teacher-education course focused on home, schools, and communities which supported the development of 24 preservice teachers’ equity mindsets in relation to these spaces. To examine the nature of preservice teachers’ viewpoints, the following data sources were collected: a researcher-developed survey with open-ended questions based on Yosso’s model used as a pre- and post- survey, reflection assignments, and semi-structured interviews. These data were analyzed using priori coding based on the Equity Mindset Framework (Nadelson et al., 2019). Analysis revealed that Yosso’s community cultural wealth model provided a framework for preservice teachers to develop all eight attributes of an equity mindset to some degree, but three of those attributes were developed at a higher level: development of culturally relevant practices and thinking, the importance of understanding and knowing student populations, and taking responsibility for student success. This research has implications for teacher educators, as it provides guidance for a practical way to enhance preservice teachers’ equity mindset.

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This study redresses the limited presence of stories of Muslims in Canadian archival history and curriculum, drawing attention to the racial issues as an antidote, so that public awareness of anti-Islamophobia strategy can be made known. The authors searched, preserved, and distributed the diverse and inclusive stories of Muslim Canadians by employing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy to map the political, ideological, institutional, and economic contributions of Canadian Muslims who are working for a better Canada. The authors made these stories readily available and accessible as an open educational resource under a Creative Commons’ license, by creating and constructing a digital archive. This research also works towards developing resources and connections for a range of audiences to develop learning aids to teach Muslim Canadians history. The fabric of this country would not be the same, if it were not for diversity. Muslim Canadians are valued contributors to the Canadian climate, and deserve to be celebrated, rather than mistreated. Sharing the stories of Muslim Canadians who have had a positive impact on this country is intended to increase the positive messaging surrounding some of the wonderful contributions Muslim Canadians have accomplished.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning became the predominant mode of learning for 33 to 54% of students in Canada’s three largest school boards. As inclusive practices continue to grow and online learning is now part of the Ontario curriculum, educators need guidance on how to support K-12 students with diverse learning needs in online and inclusive classrooms. This case study attends to the voice of elementary and high-school students, with and without disabilities who shared their experiences of online learning during the pandemic. It explored the impacts of integrating multiple methods of instruction, assessment, and technology to accommodate diverse learning needs. Results indicated that limited opportunity for connections and lack of structure and guidance were key factors that impacted the students’ motivation and ability to learn in the online environment, and age was a determining factor in technology use preferences.

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Digital storytelling is a narrative technique that combines audio, video and animation elements. It can be used to provide opportunities for the promotion of cultural understanding in the university language classroom. In this study, pedagogy that combines digital storytelling techniques and computational technologies are explored, as part of language studies that can allow instructors to create an intercultural experience. The outcomes of an undergraduate learning exercise have been evaluated, along with this researcher’s experience as an instructor who used digital storytelling in a French-as-a-second-language classroom, and includes these students’ solicited feedback. In this case study, a group of students conducted internet research to explore the online cultural diversity and cultural differences of Francophone culture. They then created digital stories to represent this diversity. The findings have been analysed to evaluate the potential place of inclusivity and diversity tools in French-as-a-second-language learning, and to share the potential of this practical pedagogy approach for other university educators.

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The use of e-gadgets for instructional practices, learning processes, and bridging transactional distance between higher-educational institutions and students remain complex and contested phenomena in educational research. However, studies that were grounded on the mixture of the Replace-Amplify-Transform (RAT) model and Acceptance and Use of Technology2 (UTAUT2) to study the impact of e-gadgets in an Open Distance e-Learning-landscape (ODeL) are still scant. This inquiry sought to find answers to the question: How does using e-gadgets impact a students’ learning experience? The purpose of this study is to enhance an understanding of students’ experience with e-gadgets for learning. Data were generated using in-depth interviews with students, employing thematic analysis as a methodological orientation. Findings unveiled that many rural-based students have no access to e-gadgets, which has an influence on performance, success, and retention rates. Findings further demonstrate that effective e-gadgets are significant in ODeL students’ learning trajectory. Reliance on e-gadgets leads to dependency and deters innovation, as learners tend to over rely on readily available resources. Institutions must expand access to e-gadgets to help students complete their studies within the prescribed duration. For ODeL institutions to bridge transactional distance, access to e-gadgets must be expanded.

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There is a scarcity of research that documents the use of technology-based educational counseling services specifically targeting students. This study’s aim is to compile and conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on the efficacy of technology in enhancing educational counseling services. Searches were conducted using the Publish or Perish (PoP) method throughout, along with Scopus, Crossref, PubMed, ACA, Web of Science, Springer, Emerald, as well as the Taylor and Francis databases. Data gathering was done in October and November 2023. The evaluation included a total of 19 papers, and the results indicated that technology has been proven to improve educational counseling services, where it is used in mental health that is dominated by MHAs, mobile well-being apps, mHEALTH, SMS, FER, and mindfulness apps. Computer-assisted and CD-ROM tools are used in personal counseling, while CAI is used in providing learning counseling. Social counseling used two technologies: a safety decision-aid smartphone app and a virtual message app. Counseling for learning was used with CAI, MCO, and video modeling. Career counseling employed a mobile-based career counseling app along with career counseling websites. The investigation included the countries of Indonesia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Türkiye (Turkey), the Philippines, and Iran.

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This action research aimed to enhance the curriculum knowledge of 37 pre-service teachers in early-childhood education through backward design (BD) as an innovative framework. Participants enrolled in an online curriculum development course focusing on curriculum elements and underwent BD-based instruction for five weeks. Multiple data collection tools were employed, including pre- and post-achievement tests and curriculum literacy scales, digital learning journals, performance tasks, course observations, and interviews. The results showed a significant improvement in the curriculum knowledge of the pre-service teachers. This was evidenced by a notable increase in curriculum literacy scores, a moderate improvement in achievement test scores, and positive performance task outcomes. These findings highlight the effectiveness of BD-based instruction in enhancing the curriculum knowledge of pre-service teachers. This study provides valuable insights for teacher educators to effectively tailor their instructional approaches. Further research is needed to validate these results and advance instructional practices in pre-service teacher education.

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While many previous studies focused on English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) teachers’ teaching practices in urban schools, little study has been indulged regarding pre-service English teachers’ (PSTs) challenges and experiences to practice teaching in a rural school. This study aimed to explore various difficulties encountered by urban PSTs during teaching practicum (TP) in rural schools. A total of seven PSTs enrolled in urban universities were voluntarily involved in a study that involves people’s senses and perceptions, rather than scientific evidence, also known as a phenomenological study. Data were collected through multiple semi-structured interviews, followed by a photovoice approach through which the participants were asked to take emotional photos. The results revealed that the PSTs encountered four main challenges during TP in rural schools, including changes in teacher identity construction, intercultural sensitivity barriers, a lack of supporting resources, and limited teacher professional development. Each challenge was accomplished by photographs representing PSTs’ emotions and feelings, such as a collection of dolls, natural scenery, old-printed books, and blank paper. In conclusion, integrating emotional photos into descriptive exploration is paramount evidence of how the challenges were encountered, managed, and solved for better future teaching and learning practices.

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This study proposes a framework to integrate competencies from various international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) into the program design of a teacher educational institution (TEI) in the Philippines. Using a descriptive-developmental research design, the study examined how ILSA key competencies can be incorporated into the curriculum, along with practices of outcomes-based educational programs at the TEI. Inductive thematic analysis of focus group interviews revealed one overarching program-level theme: using ILSA as a benchmark for curriculum development. At the micro level, four core themes emerged: (1) strengthened content teaching, (2) increased pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) courses, (3) explicit targeting and teaching of ILSA competencies through course-intended learning outcomes (CILOs), and (4) ILSA-like assessments. The study recommends that the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) and TEIs collaborate to align pre-service teacher training with global literacy standards, ensuring that pre-service teachers are equipped to teach ILSA-recommended skills.

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Metacognition refers to the capacity to comprehend and manage one's own cognitive processes, enabling the recognition of biases and presumptions that might influence them. Numerous published studies indicate that through metacognition, enhancements in critical-thinking skills allow individuals to query information, assess data, and make more evidence-grounded decisions—a cornerstone of critical and analytical thinking. This study aims to delineate the association between metacognition and critical-thinking skills via a meta-analysis. The data sources encompass articles published on Scopus between 2013 and 2023, identified using the keywords "Metacogni*" AND "Critical Thinking". This meta-analysis included 60 studies from diverse global locations. Employing a random-effects model, the analysis evaluated both effect size and potential publication biases using Jamovi 2.2.5 and OpenMEE software. The outcomes affirm a significant correlation between metacognition and critical-thinking skills, highlighting a robust effect of metacognition on critical-thinking skills, reflected in a significant measure of r = 0.649. Thus, increasing metacognitive abilities will improve critical-thinking abilities.

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This study focuses on the innovative strategies that tertiary music teachers (specialist music teachers and experts) employ to help musically-challenged students. Those who have trouble with rhythm, tonal acuity, music theory, and musical aptitude are operationally referred to as musically-challenged. Ten participants were selected through purposive sampling and responded to the interview questions using an interview guide. Thematic analysis was conducted on their responses to generate codes and themes in this investigation. This is a single case study that draws from constructivist and behaviourist learning theories. To help students who have difficulty with music, music and its related components should be valued as an essential part of the curriculum. Devoted teachers should authentically demonstrate all of the subject's contents using innovative teaching strategies, allowing students to immediately grasp the values to be inspired and confident in the subject. As a result, strategies such as identifying the weaknesses of the learners, informal instruction, collaborative learning, repetition, positive reinforcement in learning, technology integration, and patience have proven to be effective solutions to the case being studied.