Australian Journal of Teacher Education, Aug 1, 2014
The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, ... more The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, provides many personal, social and academic challenges for students. Over several decades, universities across Australia have implemented strategies to improve the attrition rate of first year students. This paper evaluates a program designed to meet the specific needs of students in the School of Education at a university in Perth, Western Australia. The Network Teach program is unique in that it is a student-run organisation offering social networking and academic support to all. This paper examines factors that may affect students in their first year of university studies, looks at the types of events the organisation offers and evaluates the overall benefits of Network Teach. The research identifies the support initiated by the students and the emergence of new cultural capital formed through the development of relationships that results in the reinvention of new identities as university students.
The little book of maths activities: Practical maths activities using familiar objects
The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in ea... more The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in early years settings and aiming to meet the goals of the EYLF. All activities are carefully planned to meet the objectives for each stage of development, particularly between two and five years old. The Little Book of Maths Activities shows how simple resources can be used in a range of ways to develop children’s maths skills. Both independent and adult-led activities and games are presented for each resource, and all aspects of maths learning are explored
I love coming to playgroup': How playgroups support and assist in developing family and school relationships
Every child, 2013
Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgrou... more Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgroup, located on the school grounds, offers an effective model of support to both children and families when transitioning to a formal school environment.
The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early chi... more The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early childhood settings. Unique to Western Australia, the National Quality Standard is also used in schools to improve quality in classrooms up to Year two (seven to eight years). However, the literature suggests the National Quality Standard is too broad with an emphasis on quantifiable program features (structural quality). As the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS™) instrument was designed to measure classroom interactions (process quality), the purpose of this current study was to examine its efficacy in Pre-primary (five-year-old) classrooms. A mixed-method research approach was employed to appraise the CLASS instrument as an observational measurement tool for evaluation of quality student and teacher interactions in schools. The quantitative methods involved a statistical analysis of the CLASS instrument ratings and observations and interviews provided a qualitative perspective. St...
The little book of maths activities: Practical maths activities using familiar objects
The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in ea... more The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in early years settings and aiming to meet the goals of the EYLF. All activities are carefully planned to meet the objectives for each stage of development, particularly between two and five years old. The Little Book of Maths Activities shows how simple resources can be used in a range of ways to develop children’s maths skills. Both independent and adult-led activities and games are presented for each resource, and all aspects of maths learning are explored
STEM in early childhood education: Using the inquiry approach to scaffold learning
STEM education is gaining worldwide attention due to its perceived links with economic growth and... more STEM education is gaining worldwide attention due to its perceived links with economic growth and prosperity of developed countries. Research also indicates the significance of integrating the four disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as beneficial in enhancing children's knowledge, skills and dispositions. Although the focus on these areas is usually targeted at the primary and high school years, this commentary paper argues that not only is it important to start STEM education in early childhood settings but that it is a natural connection. STEM aligns closely with early childhood pedagogy of hands-on exploration and the integration of learning across areas using an inquiry approach. Outlined in this paper are ways that STEM and the inquiry-based process can be successfully implemented into early childhood settings. It also identifies how early childhood educators can perhaps position themselves in the current debate.
I love coming to playgroup': How playgroups support and assist in developing family and school relationships
Every child, 2013
Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgrou... more Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgroup, located on the school grounds, offers an effective model of support to both children and families when transitioning to a formal school environment.
THE INTEGRATION OF MINDSET THEORY into classrooms can assist children in optimising academic achi... more THE INTEGRATION OF MINDSET THEORY into classrooms can assist children in optimising academic achievement, increasing their agency for learning. The development of a growth mindset allows children to exercise autonomy over their learning, helping them to develop positive lifelong learning habits for the twenty-first century. This paper explores early childhood teachers’ perspectives of mindset and the role of a growth mindset in developing children's agency for learning. Despite increasing research in this field, little is known about the perspectives that early childhood teachers have of mindset. This paper reports on the data from a study that describes teachers’ perspectives towards fostering a growth mindset in children in the early years of school. Ninety-five Western Australian early childhood teachers from Kindergarten to Year 2 completed a survey that examined their perspectives of growth mindset. The analysis revealed competing knowledge about what teachers believe about...
The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, ... more The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, provides many personal, social and academic challenges for students. Over several decades, universities across Australia have implemented strategies to improve the attrition rate of first year students. This paper evaluates a program designed to meet the specific needs of students in the School of Education at a university in Perth, Western Australia. The Network Teach program is unique in that it is a student-run organisation offering social networking and academic support to all. This paper examines factors that may affect students in their first year of university studies, looks at the types of events the organisation offers and evaluates the overall benefits of Network Teach. The research identifies the support initiated by the students and the emergence of new cultural capital formed through the development of relationships that results in the reinvention of new identities as university students.
Australian Journal of Teacher Education, Jun 1, 2022
The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early chi... more The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early childhood settings. Unique to Western Australia, the National Quality Standard is also used in schools to improve quality in classrooms up to Year two (seven to eight years). However, the literature suggests the National Quality Standard is too broad with an emphasis on quantifiable program features (structural quality). As the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS™) instrument was designed to measure classroom interactions (process quality), the purpose of this current study was to examine its efficacy in Pre-primary (five-year-old) classrooms. A mixed-method research approach was employed to appraise the CLASS instrument as an observational measurement tool for evaluation of quality student and teacher interactions in schools. The quantitative methods involved a statistical analysis of the CLASS instrument ratings and observations and interviews provided a qualitative perspective. Study conclusions suggest that while CLASS offered useful descriptions of quality in Emotional Support and Classroom Organisation, the Instructional Support scores were not consistent with other indicators of quality, and this score was not representative of the instructional quality in some classrooms.
Early childhood pedagogical practice in primary schools is often challenged by academic demands, ... more Early childhood pedagogical practice in primary schools is often challenged by academic demands, debate about best practice and ongoing change through new policy initiatives. This paper reports an investigation of how early childhood pedagogical leaders assist early years teachers in schools to embrace change and embed early childhood pedagogy. Framed within a constructivist epistemology, this paper reports on findings from three case studies drawn from a larger mixed-methods study from Perth, Western Australia. Data collected through shadowing pedagogical leaders, undertaking contextual interviews and analysing school documents revealed that pedagogical change was promoted, encouraged and sustained through a number of strategies. These included utilising early childhood champions, developing relational trust with staff, establishing communities of practice and empowering teachers as decision-makers. This paper highlights the critical role early childhood pedagogical leadership can ...
Supporting Parents as their Child’s First Teacher: Aboriginal Parents’ Perceptions of KindiLink
Early Childhood Education Journal
This paper reports on Aboriginal parents’ perceptions about their involvement in a Western Austra... more This paper reports on Aboriginal parents’ perceptions about their involvement in a Western Australian pilot initiative called KindiLink. The program seeks to support parents as their child’s first teacher and thereby enhance Aboriginal children’s early-years development, while strengthening relationships between families and schools. A constructivist paradigm was used to inform the methodology which placed Aboriginal voices at the centre of the research. Data were collected from 125 participating family members, over two years and across 37 school-based KindiLink sites. The results show that parent contribution to and engagement in KindiLink provided a powerful context to acknowledge, encourage, and support parents. Parents identified the development of strong and mutually respectful relationships; the engagement in working with their child; and the incorporation of families’ cultural and linguistic knowledge into the program as positive contributing factors. The paper concludes with recommendations and implications for the further development, implementation, and evaluation of Kindilink and other programs targeted at disadvantaged communities.
Australian Journal of Teacher Education, Aug 1, 2014
The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, ... more The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, provides many personal, social and academic challenges for students. Over several decades, universities across Australia have implemented strategies to improve the attrition rate of first year students. This paper evaluates a program designed to meet the specific needs of students in the School of Education at a university in Perth, Western Australia. The Network Teach program is unique in that it is a student-run organisation offering social networking and academic support to all. This paper examines factors that may affect students in their first year of university studies, looks at the types of events the organisation offers and evaluates the overall benefits of Network Teach. The research identifies the support initiated by the students and the emergence of new cultural capital formed through the development of relationships that results in the reinvention of new identities as university students.
The little book of maths activities: Practical maths activities using familiar objects
The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in ea... more The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in early years settings and aiming to meet the goals of the EYLF. All activities are carefully planned to meet the objectives for each stage of development, particularly between two and five years old. The Little Book of Maths Activities shows how simple resources can be used in a range of ways to develop children’s maths skills. Both independent and adult-led activities and games are presented for each resource, and all aspects of maths learning are explored
I love coming to playgroup': How playgroups support and assist in developing family and school relationships
Every child, 2013
Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgrou... more Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgroup, located on the school grounds, offers an effective model of support to both children and families when transitioning to a formal school environment.
The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early chi... more The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early childhood settings. Unique to Western Australia, the National Quality Standard is also used in schools to improve quality in classrooms up to Year two (seven to eight years). However, the literature suggests the National Quality Standard is too broad with an emphasis on quantifiable program features (structural quality). As the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS™) instrument was designed to measure classroom interactions (process quality), the purpose of this current study was to examine its efficacy in Pre-primary (five-year-old) classrooms. A mixed-method research approach was employed to appraise the CLASS instrument as an observational measurement tool for evaluation of quality student and teacher interactions in schools. The quantitative methods involved a statistical analysis of the CLASS instrument ratings and observations and interviews provided a qualitative perspective. St...
The little book of maths activities: Practical maths activities using familiar objects
The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in ea... more The Little Maths Books are packed with advice and ideas for everybody working with children in early years settings and aiming to meet the goals of the EYLF. All activities are carefully planned to meet the objectives for each stage of development, particularly between two and five years old. The Little Book of Maths Activities shows how simple resources can be used in a range of ways to develop children’s maths skills. Both independent and adult-led activities and games are presented for each resource, and all aspects of maths learning are explored
STEM in early childhood education: Using the inquiry approach to scaffold learning
STEM education is gaining worldwide attention due to its perceived links with economic growth and... more STEM education is gaining worldwide attention due to its perceived links with economic growth and prosperity of developed countries. Research also indicates the significance of integrating the four disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as beneficial in enhancing children's knowledge, skills and dispositions. Although the focus on these areas is usually targeted at the primary and high school years, this commentary paper argues that not only is it important to start STEM education in early childhood settings but that it is a natural connection. STEM aligns closely with early childhood pedagogy of hands-on exploration and the integration of learning across areas using an inquiry approach. Outlined in this paper are ways that STEM and the inquiry-based process can be successfully implemented into early childhood settings. It also identifies how early childhood educators can perhaps position themselves in the current debate.
I love coming to playgroup': How playgroups support and assist in developing family and school relationships
Every child, 2013
Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgrou... more Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children and families. A supported playgroup, located on the school grounds, offers an effective model of support to both children and families when transitioning to a formal school environment.
THE INTEGRATION OF MINDSET THEORY into classrooms can assist children in optimising academic achi... more THE INTEGRATION OF MINDSET THEORY into classrooms can assist children in optimising academic achievement, increasing their agency for learning. The development of a growth mindset allows children to exercise autonomy over their learning, helping them to develop positive lifelong learning habits for the twenty-first century. This paper explores early childhood teachers’ perspectives of mindset and the role of a growth mindset in developing children's agency for learning. Despite increasing research in this field, little is known about the perspectives that early childhood teachers have of mindset. This paper reports on the data from a study that describes teachers’ perspectives towards fostering a growth mindset in children in the early years of school. Ninety-five Western Australian early childhood teachers from Kindergarten to Year 2 completed a survey that examined their perspectives of growth mindset. The analysis revealed competing knowledge about what teachers believe about...
The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, ... more The transition to university and the first-year experience, which is crucial to student success, provides many personal, social and academic challenges for students. Over several decades, universities across Australia have implemented strategies to improve the attrition rate of first year students. This paper evaluates a program designed to meet the specific needs of students in the School of Education at a university in Perth, Western Australia. The Network Teach program is unique in that it is a student-run organisation offering social networking and academic support to all. This paper examines factors that may affect students in their first year of university studies, looks at the types of events the organisation offers and evaluates the overall benefits of Network Teach. The research identifies the support initiated by the students and the emergence of new cultural capital formed through the development of relationships that results in the reinvention of new identities as university students.
Australian Journal of Teacher Education, Jun 1, 2022
The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early chi... more The National Quality Framework is used across Australia to drive quality improvement in early childhood settings. Unique to Western Australia, the National Quality Standard is also used in schools to improve quality in classrooms up to Year two (seven to eight years). However, the literature suggests the National Quality Standard is too broad with an emphasis on quantifiable program features (structural quality). As the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS™) instrument was designed to measure classroom interactions (process quality), the purpose of this current study was to examine its efficacy in Pre-primary (five-year-old) classrooms. A mixed-method research approach was employed to appraise the CLASS instrument as an observational measurement tool for evaluation of quality student and teacher interactions in schools. The quantitative methods involved a statistical analysis of the CLASS instrument ratings and observations and interviews provided a qualitative perspective. Study conclusions suggest that while CLASS offered useful descriptions of quality in Emotional Support and Classroom Organisation, the Instructional Support scores were not consistent with other indicators of quality, and this score was not representative of the instructional quality in some classrooms.
Early childhood pedagogical practice in primary schools is often challenged by academic demands, ... more Early childhood pedagogical practice in primary schools is often challenged by academic demands, debate about best practice and ongoing change through new policy initiatives. This paper reports an investigation of how early childhood pedagogical leaders assist early years teachers in schools to embrace change and embed early childhood pedagogy. Framed within a constructivist epistemology, this paper reports on findings from three case studies drawn from a larger mixed-methods study from Perth, Western Australia. Data collected through shadowing pedagogical leaders, undertaking contextual interviews and analysing school documents revealed that pedagogical change was promoted, encouraged and sustained through a number of strategies. These included utilising early childhood champions, developing relational trust with staff, establishing communities of practice and empowering teachers as decision-makers. This paper highlights the critical role early childhood pedagogical leadership can ...
Supporting Parents as their Child’s First Teacher: Aboriginal Parents’ Perceptions of KindiLink
Early Childhood Education Journal
This paper reports on Aboriginal parents’ perceptions about their involvement in a Western Austra... more This paper reports on Aboriginal parents’ perceptions about their involvement in a Western Australian pilot initiative called KindiLink. The program seeks to support parents as their child’s first teacher and thereby enhance Aboriginal children’s early-years development, while strengthening relationships between families and schools. A constructivist paradigm was used to inform the methodology which placed Aboriginal voices at the centre of the research. Data were collected from 125 participating family members, over two years and across 37 school-based KindiLink sites. The results show that parent contribution to and engagement in KindiLink provided a powerful context to acknowledge, encourage, and support parents. Parents identified the development of strong and mutually respectful relationships; the engagement in working with their child; and the incorporation of families’ cultural and linguistic knowledge into the program as positive contributing factors. The paper concludes with recommendations and implications for the further development, implementation, and evaluation of Kindilink and other programs targeted at disadvantaged communities.
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Papers by Marianne Knaus