In this theoretical paper, we reflect on the optimistic neoliberal fantasies that are played out in today's education, even though that they rarely live up to their promises. Inspired by Lauren Berlant's concept of cruel optimism, and psychoanalytical thinkers as Slavoj Žižek and Ilan Kapoor, and their focus on concepts such as fantasy, desire,…

In this study, it was aimed to reveal classroom teachers' expectations from pre-school education within the context of literacy teaching and to develop a measurement tool depending on these expectations. The study was conducted with 682 classroom teachers in accordance with the exploratory sequential design, one of the mixed method designs. The…

The purpose of this explanatory mixed methods study was to understand how 9th grade honors and general education language arts students made course enrollment decisions through the lens of the Expectancy-Value (E-V) theory. A survey was administered to 9th grade students (N = 118) attending a public high school with the overall mean score…

Identifying impediments to learning can help both instructors and students. In this study students (N = 222) from across the nation listed concepts from research methods they found the most challenging--"potholes" or impediments to learning, and also rated the difficulty of various concepts from the class. We also measured student…

Post-secondary institutions are investing in and utilizing virtual reality (VR) for many educational purposes, including as a discretionary learning tool. Institutions such as vocational schools, community colleges, and universities need to understand what psychological factors drive students' acceptance of VR for learning in discretionary…

This study tested a self-generated utility value intervention aimed at increasing undergraduate statistics students' motivation and achievement. The intervention was based on Situated Expectancy-Value Theory (Eccles & Wigfield, 2020) and encouraged students to make relevant connections between statistics learning content and their lives,…

In 2020, nearly half of Texas's 385,000 public high school graduates were unprepared for college-level reading or math. Limited research reveals K-12 faculty perceive limited roles and responsibilities in the college process, relying heavily on guidance counselors and college admissions counselors for preparing students for college and careers.…

This publication shares findings from a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study (NLTS) 2012 dataset, looking specifically at parent expectations for students with intellectual disability and autism and compared them to those of students in other disability groups. Specifically, parent expectations around living and…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics influencing students' satisfaction with online learning and their efficacy in online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Furthermore, it examined whether there was a moderating of academic self-efficacy on perceived satisfaction and effectiveness of online education. The data…

"Possible selves" theory describes how a person thinks about his or her own future potential. Based on past and present self-images, understanding one's "possible self" can be an incentive for one's future behavior. Social structures, cultures, identities and genders may affect the development of "possible selves."…

Making and receiving peer assessment may be a positive experience for some students while other students will not appreciate it. The present study contributes with insights into individual characteristics affecting how students will experience the practice of peer assessment. We further provide an analysis of the inherent tasks of making and…

The outbreak of COVID-19 has compelled teacher educators to move their teaching online. On the positive side, teacher educators may become more willing to continue integrating online teaching as part of their practice post-pandemic due to frequent usage of digital tools and platforms during pandemic. The social cognitive career theory (SCCT) was…

Background: The transition from school to higher education (HE) involves multiple challenges including academic issues, motivation and identity adaptation. In this scenario, the role of family, peers and institutions can be fundamental in the success of the transition process. Purpose: We sought to deepen our understanding of the transition…

Psychological and social adjustment and academic success in post-secondary institutions are supported by a sense of belonging to a social group and having meaningful relationships with other students, staff, and faculty members. This exploratory study used a qualitative approach to investigate post-secondary students' sense of belonging in the…

In this study, the perceptions and experiences of eighteen teachers across three primary schools in Victoria, Australia, were examined as they participated in an annual performance and development cycle, guided by the Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework. The study sought to investigate teachers' experiences and perceptions of…