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Journal article
Early childhood educators’ use of neuroscience: Knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and professional learning
Trends in Neuroscience and Education, Vol.38, pp.1-9
2025
Abstract
Background
Knowledge of early brain development is increasingly important in early childhood education, but no studies have focussed solely on the neuroscience knowledge and attitudes of early childhood educators.
Methods
524 Australian early childhood educators completed a survey measuring their neuroscience knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy, sources of knowledge, and perspectives on training needs.
Results
Although educators held relevant understandings, there was widespread belief in ‘neuromyths’. Participants held strong positive attitudes toward neuroscience regardless of their socio-demographic background. Participants who held a Bachelor degree or higher, and those in a leadership position, had higher neuro-literacy and self-efficacy. Less than a quarter reported receiving adequate neuroscience content in their pre-service training.
Conclusion
While there is a policy mandate and positive attitudes toward using neuroscience in early childhood education, the sector is currently hampered by limited pre-service training content, and inadequate in-service professional learning. Further transdisciplinary work is required to address these gaps.
Details
- Title
- Early childhood educators’ use of neuroscience: Knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and professional learning
- Authors
- Kate E Williams (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary AccessTanya Burr - Australian Catholic UniversityLyra L'Estrange - Queensland University of TechnologyKerryann M Walsh - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication details
- Trends in Neuroscience and Education, Vol.38, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.tine.2025.100247
- ISSN
- 2211-9493; 2452-0837
- Grant note
- This work was supported by a Queensland Government Department of Education, Education Horizon Grant.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education and Tertiary Access
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991093498702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Neurosciences
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