Open Journal for Educational Research

15-30

Authors: Oğuzhan Nacaroğlu & Oktay Kizkapan

In this research, it was aimed to investigate academic risk taking tendencies on laboratory activities and science learning orientations of gifted students. In the research (survey) quantitative research method designs was used. The sample of the research consisted of 187 gifted students who are studying in a Science and Art Center in the Eastern Anatolia Region. In the research, Science Laboratory Academic Risk Taking Scale and Learning Engagement in Science Scale were used as data collection tools. The findings indicated that the academic risk taking tendencies on laboratory activities and science learning tendencies of the gifted students were high. In addition, it was found that there was a moderate and significant relationship between the academic risk taking tendencies and their science learning orientations of gifted students.

49-66

Authors: Arnold Nyarambi & Esther Ntuli

This study examined Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers’ perceptions of ECD programs regarding benefits and opportunities for early intervention. Research indicates that young children with developmental delays and disabilities demonstrate better progress when intervention is offered early and in inclusive classrooms. A mixed method design was used to collect data from a purposeful sample of 81 ECD teachers in Chipinge district, in Zimbabwe. Both descriptive and regression analysis methods were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that there was a general lack of in-depth knowledge, and most teachers did not follow developmentally appropriate curriculum. Threats and challenges included: lack of knowledge and assessments to diagnose developmental delays, disabilities, as well as lack of developmentally and culturally relevant teaching materials. Regression analysis indicated that age, experience, location, and training are important variables explaining perceived benefits of ECD. This study offers research-based ways to address challenges and threats to effective ECD programs.