Preprint
Early Childhood Educators’ Use of Neuroscience: Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-Efficacy and Professional Learning
Social Science Research Network (SSRN) , Vol.26 October 2024
Elsevier
2024
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
- Social Science Research Network (SSRN) , Vol.26 October 2024
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.2139/ssrn.5000680
- ISSN
- 1556-5068
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education and Tertiary Access
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991083397702621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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