Teaching Students From Prep To 2nd Grade
Teaching Students From Prep To 2nd Grade
The objective of this study is to explore methodologies to teach students from prep to 2nd grade and to formulate an action plan to address various challenges faced by teachers and students. Additionally, the study aims to develop students' skills and comprehension levels as they advance from prep to 2nd grade.
The study emphasizes that foundational grades such as prep and 2nd are crucial for building future academic success. As students transition from prep to 2nd grade, they tend to review previously learned concepts and skills. It is essential for teachers to adapt their teaching strategies to meet the developmental needs of these young learners and promote their cognitive and social growth. Teachers should employ both traditional and innovative methodologies to foster skills such as basic calculations, reading, and social interactions (Wagner, 2010; Stanulis & Russell, 2000).
A significant focus of the study is on how to effectively develop mathematical skills in young students, which are vital for their overall academic journey. Existing literature indicates a gap in targeted interventions and methodologies tailored to students in this transition phase, especially concerning the challenges faced after promotion from prep to 2nd grade. These gaps form the basis for the current action research, aiming to implement and evaluate specific teaching strategies that enhance skills and engagement.
The research involves conducting interventions with a selected group of students and teachers to assess the effectiveness of different teaching approaches. Two tutors, one female and one male, were involved in this process, with 15 students each in prep and 2nd-grade classes. The students in the second group had recently been promoted from prep, providing an ideal comparison for the study. The researcher observed classroom interactions and methodologies to identify effective practices and areas for improvement, particularly in math instruction and student motivation.
The primary research questions guiding the study are: (1) What are the most effective methodologies for teaching students from prep to 2nd grade—traditional versus modern? (2) How does early education influence future learning abilities? (3) What steps can teachers take to groom students at these levels effectively?
These questions aim to explore the impact of teaching strategies on student development, with a focus on math skills, comprehension, and motivation. The findings are expected to inform best practices for educators working with early learners and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how targeted interventions can improve educational outcomes during these formative years.
References
- Stanulis, R. N., & Russell, D. (2000). “Jumping in”: Trust and communication in mentoring student teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 16(1), 65-80.
- Wagner, T. (2010). The global achievement gap: Why even our best schools don't teach the new survival skills our children need--and what we can do about it. Basic Books.
- Alter, P. (2014). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs. Early Childhood Education Journal, 42(2), 77-84.
- Bredekamp, S., & Copple, C. (1997). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs. NAEYC.
- Gullo, D. F., & Hughes, K. (2013). Building early literacy skills: Effective practices for literacy instruction in early childhood. Young Children, 68(1), 20-27.
- Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press.
- Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
- Fälth, L., Gustafson, S., Tjus, T., Heimann, M., & Svensson, I. (2013). Effects of technology-enhanced reading interventions on primary students with learning disabilities. Educational Technology & Society, 16(2), 141-155.
- Hoover-Dempsey, K., & Sander, H. (1995). Parental involvement in children's education: Why does it make a difference? The Teachers College Record, 97(2), 310-331.
- Westwood, P. (2018). What Teachers Need to Know About Reading and How to Teach It. Aust Council for Ed Research.