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        <title>Frontiers in Education | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education</link>
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        <pubDate>2026-04-16T06:45:52.470+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1836406</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1836406</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Academic freedom: embracing diverse voices]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-16T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Margaret Grogan</author><author>Peter Tolmie</author><author>Jane Freedman</author><author>Scott Schaffer</author><author>John Offer</author><author>Andrea M. Feldpausch-Parker</author>
        <description></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1761602</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1761602</link>
        <title><![CDATA[AI as a co-regulator: relational design for strengthening self-regulated learning]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Hypothesis and Theory</category>
        <author>Matthew Christian Agustin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) across educational and workplace environments is reshaping how learners encounter tasks, interpret feedback, and navigate uncertainty. To understand these changes, this manuscript grounds AI's influence in theories of self-regulated learning (SRL), which conceptualize learning as a cyclical process of planning, monitoring, strategic adjustment, and reflection. Rather than replacing these processes, AI reshapes the conditions under which they occur by making some cues more visible, introducing new forms of guidance, and occasionally preempting difficulty before learners have an opportunity to engage with it. These shifts reveal a conceptual gap: although research documents both benefits and risks of AI-mediated support, we lack a framework for understanding how AI participates in learners' regulatory cycles across educational and professional settings without eroding the autonomy that underpins SRL. To address this gap, this article proposes a unified model of AI as a co-regulator within self-regulated learning, grounded in Winne and Hadwin's COPES architecture. The model centers productive metacognitive friction as a mechanism for sustaining learner-driven regulation by structuring how learners encounter challenge and discrepancy. It advances a relationally grounded framework at the level of interactional structure, positioning AI as a co-regulator through five design principles that specify conditions under which AI can support regulatory cycles without displacing learner judgment. These principles are linked to an evaluation architecture that centers autonomy, interpretability, process integrity, and developmental growth as evaluative priorities traced through learner–AI interaction patterns. Implications are examined across educational practice, workplace learning, equity, and governance, and directions for collaborative research and design are outlined to investigate how relationally aligned AI can preserve and strengthen the regulatory processes at the heart of SRL.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1706434</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1706434</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From awareness to participation: how curriculum innovation and participatory pedagogies foster SDG engagement in higher education]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy</category>
        <author>Renu Sharma</author><author>Nisa Vinodkumar</author><author>Fatma Mabrouk</author><author>Masahina Sarabdeen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[While higher education institutions play a crucial role in advancing the UN Agenda 2030 through transformative teaching methods, gaps remain in understanding the lack of empirical evidence on how participatory, sustainability-oriented pedagogies operate within the Middle Eastern, and particularly Saudi, higher education context. This study investigates how transformative pedagogies in Saudi higher education institutions promote sustainability competencies and well-being as measurable outcomes linked to SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 3 (student well-being) through a comprehensive approach that serves as an analytical framework encompassing curriculum innovation, extracurricular engagement, and community involvement, rather than a direct intervention. Utilizing Smart-PLS structural equation modeling on data from 353 female undergraduates in Saudi Arabia, this research shows that (1) a curriculum redesign aligned with SDGs significantly enhances sustainability awareness; (2) hands-on community initiatives encourage environmentally friendly actions; and (3) these factors collectively account for 28% of the improvement in well-being as captured through students' self-reported learning experiences and perceived well-being outcomes. The study contributes to the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) theory by providing empirical evidence of the vital role community-engaged learning plays in cultivating sustainability leadership. Practical findings indicate that institutions combining three transformative elements, interdisciplinary integration of the SDGs, participatory teaching methods, and local sustainability partnerships, achieve the most significant outcomes. This research proposes a practical implementation framework highlighting faculty development in experiential and participatory teaching methods as a key transferable component, alongside long-term competency assessment. Although contextualized to Saudi Arabia, the study's whole-institution approach offers transferable insights for promoting the global Agenda 2030 through higher education. The findings emphasize the synergistic benefits for both student development and societal sustainability objectives that arise from linking academic knowledge with community action. Future studies should explore cultural adaptations of this model in various governance contexts to further elucidate the relationship between transformative pedagogies and the cultivation of sustainability leadership.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1784574</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1784574</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Coping strategies and psychological well-being among teachers experiencing victimization]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Rugilė Bitinaitė</author><author>Aistė Diržytė</author><author>Namgyal Lhamo</author><author>Valdonė Indrašienė</author><author>Violeta Jegelevičienė</author><author>Odeta Merfeldaitė</author><author>Jolanta Pivorienė</author><author>Romas Prakapas</author><author>Asta Railienė</author><author>Daiva Penkauskiene</author><author>Justinas Sadauskas</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionTeacher victimization is an important occupational stressor that can undermine educators' psychological functioning and professional sustainability. Guided by stress–coping theory, this study examined the relationships among multiple forms of victimization, coping strategies, and psychological well-being.MethodsA nationwide sample of Lithuanian teachers (N = 1,044) completed validated measures assessing exposure to victimization, coping responses, and psychological well-being, including indicators of flourishing and emotional experiences. Structural equation modeling was used to examine direct and indirect relationships among variables.ResultsVictimization was associated with poorer psychological well-being, particularly reduced flourishing and increased negative emotional experiences. Adaptive coping strategies–such as active coping, positive reframing, and religious coping–were related to higher well-being, whereas maladaptive strategies, including self-blame, behavioral disengagement, and substance use, were associated with poorer outcomes. Structural equation modeling indicated a small but significant indirect effect (β ≈ .02), suggesting that coping partially mediated the relationship between victimization and well-being. A substantial direct association between victimization and well-being remained (β ≈ −.25, p < .001).DiscussionThese findings suggest that strengthening teachers' coping skills may help mitigate the emotional consequences of victimization; however, individual coping alone is insufficient. Supporting teacher well-being requires not only individual-level interventions but also organizational and policy-level efforts aimed at preventing workplace victimization in educational settings.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1808262</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1808262</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Why critical thinking rarely surfaces in EFL classrooms: insights from Egyptian higher education and implications for ESP]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Opinion</category>
        <author>Israa Ismael</author><author>Sen Li</author><author>Xin Luo</author><author>Nasir Ali</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1694566</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1694566</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Maker-centered learning in higher education: a descriptive case study across disciplines at a university makerspace]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Notto J. W. Thelle</author><author>Lena Vida</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionUniversity makerspaces are increasingly used as arenas for hands-on and collaborative learning, yet empirical studies examining how maker-centered learning unfolds in higher education remain limited, particularly in European contexts. This study investigates how maker-centered learning manifests in courses across disciplines that utilize a university makerspace as a learning environment.MethodsUsing a descriptive multiple-case study design, we examine three courses at Oslo Metropolitan University representing design education, an interdisciplinary engineering project semester, and a first-year engineering mechanics course. Data were collected through qualitative questionnaires from students and course coordinators and analyzed through cross-case thematic analysis.ResultsThe analysis identified three recurring sets of learning outcomes across the cases: bridging theory and practice, group work and collaboration, and utilizing the makerspace as a learning arena. Students reported that working with physical artifacts and iterative design processes supported deeper engagement with theoretical concepts, while collaborative project work fostered problem-solving and reflection. At the same time, practical challenges related to materials, tools, and group dynamics formed an important part of the learning process. While many immediate outcomes related to technical skills, these skills were embedded within broader competence development when situated in group-based, problem-oriented, and iterative learning environments.DiscussionAlthough based on a limited number of responses from a single institution, the findings provide initial empirical indications of how maker-centered learning may appear in higher education contexts. Interpreted in relation to existing conceptualizations of maker education, the results suggest that university makerspaces can function as environments where creative practice, collaborative inquiry, and hands-on experimentation support competence development across disciplinary boundaries. The study contributes empirical insights into how maker-centered learning may be enacted in university settings and highlights directions for future research on makerspace-based pedagogy in higher education.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1815095</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1815095</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Development of a differentiated mathematics learning model based on students' learning style characteristics]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Radiatul Adawiah</author><author>Nurdin Arsyad</author><author>Awi Dassa</author><author>Nurwati Djam’an</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study aimed to develop and evaluate a differentiated mathematics learning model based on students' learning style characteristics, namely visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, referred to as the DiMaLS Model. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) approach, the model was developed into five stages: investigation, design, development, evaluation, and implementation. The study was conducted during the 2024/2025 academic year with seventh-grade students from three A-accredited junior high schools in Kotabaru, Indonesia. Data were collected through expert validation, classroom observations, questionnaires, and pretest–posttest assessments using a Pretest–Posttest Control Group Design. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including N-gain analysis and independent-samples t-tests, were performed. The findings indicate that the DiMaLS Model is valid, practical, and effective. Expert validation results showed a very high level of validity, teacher and student responses were highly positive, and classroom implementation was consistently strong. Moreover, students taught using the DiMaLS Model achieved significantly higher learning outcomes than those receiving conventional instruction. These results demonstrate that differentiated mathematics instruction based on learning styles can enhance student engagement, conceptual understanding, and overall learning outcomes, supporting its broader implementation in junior high school mathematics education.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1783563</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1783563</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Comparing upper-secondary students’ perceptions of ICT integration in natural and social sciences gymnasiums in Kosovo]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy</category>
        <author>Betim Ismajli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study analyzes students’ perceptions of the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the learning process in natural and social sciences high schools in Kosovo. The aim of the study is to examine the impact of digital tools on motivation, engagement and perceived learning outcomes, as well as to identify similarities and differences between these two educational profiles. The study was conducted through a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data from structured Likert-scale questionnaires and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 20 students. The quantitative sample includes 200 students from two public high schools in Prishtina. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, while the qualitative data were treated through thematic analysis. The results show that students have very positive attitudes towards the use of ICT, especially in relation to increased motivation, engagement, conceptual understanding and communication with the teacher. However, no statistically significant differences were identified between profiles. At the same time, persistent structural challenges are evident, such as lack of equipment, inadequate infrastructure and low levels of digital assessment. In addition, 75.5% of students report that they have not received formal training in ICT, highlighting a significant gap in the development of digital skills. The study concludes that, although students are ready and motivated to use technology, its effective integration is limited by systemic factors. The findings highlight the need for targeted investments, professional development and more structured integration of ICT in teaching and assessment.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1803209</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1803209</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bypassing the disability: learning experiences and coping strategies of young adults with dyscalculia in the driver's licensing process]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Oren Cohen Zada</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Obtaining a driver's license is a critical milestone for independence in emerging adulthood, yet for individuals with dyscalculia, this process poses unique challenges that have been overlooked in research. This qualitative-interpretative study examines the learning experiences and compensatory mechanisms of 30 young adults (18 women and 12 men) diagnosed with dyscalculia who completed driver training. Thematic analysis revealed four central themes: (1) “Arithmetic of Danger”—experiences of disruption in spatial perception and reported cognitive collapse; (2) “Lost in Translation”—pedagogical and communicative gaps in the mediation of numerical information; (3) “Identity and Gender Management”—the impact of gendered disclosure norms on reporting styles and masking of the impairment among men; and (4) “Cognitive Bypass”—building resilience through the development of visual anchors and the use of “cognitive prostheses”. The findings offer thematic support for the hypothesis that the core of the impairment in a functional context lies in a deficit in magnitude estimation (ANS Deficit). The study proposes a model for functional rehabilitation rooted in the social model of disability and Universal Designfor Learning (UDL) principles, enabling the achievement of functional independence by bypassing the structural deficit and promoting cognitive accessibility within the licensing system.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1794946</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1794946</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Between vocation and wear: configurations of resilience and mental health among beginning teachers in Chile]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Paula Villalobos</author><author>Rodrigo C. Vergara</author><author>Joel Alvarez-Ruf</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThis study examined how teacher resilience, eudaimonic well-being, and mental health symptomatology are related among beginning teachers in Chile during labor-market entry, with the aim of identifying configurations that help explain early professional adjustment and retention challenges.MethodsA mixed-methods QUAL–quant longitudinal design was employed. At the end of the first semester of their first year of work, 107 teachers who had graduated from six universities completed instruments assessing resilience, eudaimonic well-being, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and participated in semi-structured critical-incident interviews. K-means cluster analyses and ANOVA contrasts were used to identify quantitative profiles, while qualitative data deepened the interpretation of these patterns.ResultsTwo eudaimonic well-being profiles were identified—relational eudaimonia (positive relations, autonomy, and environmental mastery) and vocational eudaimonia (life purpose and self-acceptance)—together with two symptomatology profiles (high/low). Relational eudaimonia was associated with higher emotional and social resilience, whereas high symptomatology was associated with lower motivational resilience, showing that well-being, symptomatology, and resilience are interrelated but not reducible to one another. Demographic variables did not differentiate the profiles. Qualitative findings clarified these relationships by identifying four configurations: protected vocational resilience, high-cost resilience, relational resilience, and overstrained resilience.DiscussionThe findings show that resilience is heterogeneous, context-dependent, and may coexist with significant distress. By making explicit how well-being and symptomatology combine into distinct resilience configurations, the study addresses its objective of clarifying the relationships among key variables and highlights the need for multilevel interventions during induction, including mentoring, collaboration, and sustainable working conditions.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1789732</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1789732</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Character strengths, psychological distress, and academic buoyancy: a mediational analysis in university students]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Diego García-Álvarez</author><author>Rubia Cobo-Rendón</author><author>María José Soler</author><author>Karla Lobos</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study examined the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between character strengths, specifically hope and vitality, and academic buoyancy in university students. Using a cross-sectional design, the sample consisted of 518 university students from a university in Montevideo, Uruguay. The study assessed 24-character strengths, psychological distress (stress, anxiety, depression), and academic buoyancy through validated self-report instruments. Results demonstrated that character strengths, especially hope and vitality, were positively associated with academic buoyancy and negatively related to psychological distress. Mediation analysis confirmed that psychological distress partially mediated the effect of character strengths on academic buoyancy, indicating a dual pathway where strengths directly promote adaptive academic functioning and indirectly improve it by reducing emotional distress. Practical implications include recommending socioemotional interventions targeting hope and vitality to enhance student persistence and psychological health. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the role of character strengths, particularly hope and vitality, as crucial internal resources enhancing academic buoyancy through the reduction of psychological distress. These findings suggest that fostering these strengths through targeted psychoeducational programs can promote student resilience, wellbeing, and academic success.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1812744</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1812744</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Globalising educational innovation through smart clothing: perceptions and utilisation among undergraduates at the university of Ilorin, Nigeria]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Shakirat Odunayo Abdulkadir</author><author>Deborah Oluwayemisi Opaleke</author><author>Christianah Teniola Gbadebo</author><author>Winnifred Oluwaseyi Johnson</author><author>Ridwanullahi Omotosho Adam</author><author>Mariam Larai Hassan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study examined undergraduates’ perceptions and utilisation of smart clothing technologies as a pathway for globalising educational innovation at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Anchored within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and supplemented by Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theory, a cross-sectional survey of 150 students, selected via multistage random sampling, employed a structured questionnaire titled Smart Clothing Questionnaire (SCQ, Cronbach's α = 0.84), to assess socio-demographic profiles, awareness, utilisation patterns, perceived challenges, acceptance factors, willingness to adopt, and overall perceptions of smart clothing and smartwatches. Descriptive statistics revealed high awareness (x¯ ≈ 2.11–2.39) and active utilisation (x¯ ≈ 2.53–2.81) of smart garments and accessories, with minimal perceived barriers (x¯ ≈ 1.31–1.83). Price, functionality, fashion alignment, and seamless daily integration emerged as key acceptance drivers (M ≈ 3.58–3.87). Inferential analyses showed no gender differences in awareness (p = .818), while significant positive correlations obtained between perception and willingness to adopt (r = .682, p < .001), and a significant negative correlation between perception and perceived challenges (r = −.305, p < .001). Ethnicity and academic level, but not age, sex, religion, or monthly allowance, were significantly associated with perceptions. While the findings indicate a broadly favourable environment for integrating wearable technology into Nigerian undergraduate education, the results should be interpreted cautiously given limitations including self-report bias, possible respondent interpretation of “smart clothing” to encompass general wearables, a predominantly female sample (84.7%), and the cross-sectional nature of the design. The study contributes regionally relevant insights and argues for the intentional integration of smart textile competencies into home economics and textile design curricula in Nigerian higher education.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1716302</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1716302</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Awareness and attitudes of Palestinian university instructors and students toward stuttering and people who stutter]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mutasem Khalaf</author><author>Yaser Natour</author><author>Mohammad Damhoureyeh</author><author>Safaa Namrouti</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionStuttering is a neurodevelopmental fluency disorder characterized by involuntary disruptions in speech flow that significantly affect communication, psychosocial well-being, and social participation. Public awareness and societal attitudes toward people who stutter (PWS) play a crucial role in shaping their educational experiences, self-esteem, and inclusion within academic environments. Despite growing international research on public perceptions of stuttering, little is known about awareness and attitudes toward stuttering within Palestinian higher education settings. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and beliefs about stuttering among Palestinian university instructors and students and to examine factors associated with variations in these perceptions.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted at Birzeit University, Palestine, between September 2024 and July 2025. A total of 612 participants (455 students and 157 instructors) completed a structured self-administered questionnaire developed in Arabic. The instrument assessed sociodemographic characteristics, familiarity with people who stutter, and awareness and beliefs regarding stuttering, including its definition, developmental onset, treatment potential, heritability, and perceived impact on intelligence and academic performance. Chi-square tests were performed to examine associations between awareness outcomes and participant characteristics.ResultsOverall awareness of stuttering was relatively high. Most participants (97.4%) correctly recognized the definition of stuttering, with female respondents demonstrating significantly higher agreement than males (p < 0.001). Nearly half (48.1%) correctly identified childhood as the typical onset period, though 36.9% reported uncertainty. Instructors were significantly more likely than students to recognize childhood onset (p = 0.01). Regarding treatment beliefs, 50.2% believed stuttering can be therapeutically managed but not completely cured, while 23.4% believed complete resolution is possible. Beliefs about heritability were divided (34.2% endorsing a genetic contribution, 31.0% uncertain). Most participants rejected negative stereotypes: 57.9% reported that PWS have average intelligence and 71.3% indicated stuttering does not negatively affect academic performance. Familiarity with individuals who stutter was associated with more accurate perceptions across several domains.DiscussionPalestinian university students and instructors generally demonstrate good baseline awareness of stuttering, particularly regarding its definition and the intellectual capabilities of individuals who stutter. However, notable gaps remain in understanding the developmental onset, genetic contributions, and realistic outcomes of therapeutic management. Increased exposure to individuals who stutter and targeted educational initiatives may further improve knowledge and reduce residual misconceptions. Integrating communication-disorder awareness into university curricula and public education initiatives may contribute to more inclusive academic environments and enhanced support for people who stutter.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1754080</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1754080</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The effects of gamified AI-supported digital learning environments on personalized learning and student engagement in school education: a systematic review and meta-analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Gulzhan Zholaushievna Niyazova</author><author>Balzhan Meirbekkyzy Duisekeyeva</author><author>Dinara Kadirkhankyzy Berdi</author><author>Indira Bakhytovna Usembayeva</author><author>Aknur Amangeldiyevna Mindetbayeva</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundGamified, AI-enabled digital learning environments (GAI-DLEs), integrating adaptive or generative AI with game-based design, are increasingly used in school science education to support personalized learning. However, consolidated evidence on their effectiveness, implementation models, and regional distribution remains limited, particularly in Central Asia.MethodsFollowing PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus and complementary databases identified peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 1,284 records were identified. After deduplication, 962 unique records were screened at the title and abstract level, and 150 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 81 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis. The included evidence was examined through trend analysis, thematic synthesis, and geographic mapping. The meta-analysis included experimental and quasi-experimental studies from formal school settings. Standardized mean differences were estimated using random-effects models, with subgroup analyses by education level, AI technology type, publication period, study quality, and region.ResultsGAI-DLEs demonstrated a significant positive effect on science learning outcomes compared with non-AI instructional conditions (SMD = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.69–1.33; p < 0.001). Effects were stronger in secondary education (SMD = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.69–1.55) than in primary education (SMD = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.35–1.25). Studies employing adaptive or generative AI systems tended to report larger effect sizes. Evidence regarding student engagement was generally positive but showed substantial contextual heterogeneity.ConclusionGAI-DLEs show consistent potential to improve science learning in school contexts. However, the global evidence base remains geographically imbalanced, with Central Asia substantially underrepresented. Future research should adopt theory-driven and longitudinal designs to examine how specific combinations of AI functionalities, gamification mechanics, and classroom integration strategies produce scalable educational outcomes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1710708</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1710708</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Parental (dis)satisfaction with school placement to achieve inclusion: a cross-country comparison]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Veslemøy Maria Fossum Johansson</author><author>Suanne Gibson</author><author>Stuart Woodcock</author><author>Anders Dechsling</author><author>Harry Kullmann</author><author>Marte Karoline Herrebrøden</author><author>Line-Britt Ulriksen</author><author>Anders Nordahl-Hansen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThis study draws on data from a larger international project exploring parents' perceptions of the education of their children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Using responses from 1,309 parents in Australia, England, Germany, and Norway it examines parental satisfaction with mainstream and special schools, and parents' school placement preferences, including willingness to change schools. Parental satisfaction is assessed as an overall evaluation of how well the child's school placement meets their needs, without distinguishing between specific aspects of the school experience. The study also explores whether the child's level of support is associated with these perceptions. Based on a human rights perspective, we highlight parents’ perspectives and their role in the development of more inclusive education systems, without promoting one model of schooling over another.MethodsResponses from 1,309 parents across four countries were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Non-parametric tests compared satisfaction across school types, chi-squared tests assessed associations with willingness to change schools, and binary logistic regression examined whether level of support was associated with parents' willingness to change school placement.ResultsParents in England, Germany, and Norway reported higher satisfaction with special schools than with mainstream schools. No statistically significant difference was observed in Australia. Parents of children in special schools were less likely to report considering changing schools, particularly in England and Norway. Higher pupil support needs were significantly associated with parents’ willingness to change school across the combined sample. These findings suggest that parental satisfaction with their child's education and their preferences regarding school placement may be shaped by both school type and how well pupils' support needs are perceived to be met.Discussion and conclusionThe role of parents as key stakeholders in developing inclusive education systems, consistent with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is emphasised. While parents in special schools in three of the four countries reported higher satisfaction, the reasons for this remain unclear. Understanding the factors shaping parental satisfaction is essential for developing inclusive and responsive learning environments. These findings offer a starting point for future research on how education systems can better align policy commitments with families’ lived experiences.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1765510</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1765510</link>
        <title><![CDATA[AI in education: new tools to navigate the AI reality]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Conceptual Analysis</category>
        <author>Sandy Gluck</author><author>Liat Katz</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence (AI) is prevalent in all areas of society and here to stay. It undoubtedly offers many capabilities and has many advantages. AI is also creating an increasing dependence that reduces critical thinking skills and human agency. A void has been created because people are relinquishing their “old” skills (e.g., independent decision making, critical thinking, face-to-face social skills) before acquiring the “new” skills necessary for using AI (e.g., writing prompts, critically assessing AI outputs). Consequently, a vicious cycle of dependence on AI and a subsequent loss of confidence in our own decision making has begun. A more balanced educational approach is necessary to break out of this cycle and fill this void with renewed skills to navigate the new technological reality. This paper suggests classroom activities that foster the use of cognitive and social skills. Education is the basis for any change or influence necessary in society.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1733747</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1733747</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Determinants of entering the teaching profession: a longitudinal study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Kairat Moldashev</author><author>Kuandyk Tleuzhanuly</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Teacher shortages and declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs have intensified interest in understanding who enters the teaching profession. This large-scale, descriptive, longitudinal analysis draws on administrative data from Kazakhstan's National Education Database to examine the demographic, academic, and institutional characteristics associated with becoming a teacher. The analytical sample comprises 67,901 school graduates who enrolled in a Kazakhstani university in 2020, enabling comparisons between students in education majors and those in other fields. Logistic regression models, reported as marginal effects and clustered by school, indicate that graduates from rural and small-scale secondary schools are more likely to enter teaching. Academic indicators, such as earning a diploma with honours and higher math and reading scores, are also positively associated with entry. University characteristics play a distinctive role: attending a pedagogical university increases the probability of becoming a teacher, while studying at universities located in major cities and paying tuition are associated with lower entry rates. By incorporating students both within and outside traditional teacher-education pathways, this study responds to calls for broader sampling in research on career choice and provides new evidence on teacher supply.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1808477</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1808477</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The role of teachers’ digital competence in primary school students’ learning motivation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy</category>
        <author>Venera Shatri</author><author>Fehmi Ramadani</author><author>Miranda Lushaj</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study examines the relationship between teachers’ technological competencies and primary school students’ motivation to learn, focusing specifically on autonomous forms of motivation. The study is based on a quantitative, non-experimental, correlational design and was conducted in public primary schools in Kosovo. The research involved 20 teachers and 350 fourth and fifth grade students, organized into 20 classes. Teachers’ technological competencies were measured using the DigCompEdu Check-In instrument, while students’ motivation was assessed using the Elementary School Motivation Scale, based on Self-Determination Theory. Analyses were conducted at the class level to maintain consistency between the measurement levels of the variables. The results showed that teachers display average to good technological competencies, while students have relatively high levels of motivation to learn, especially in the identified regulation dimension. Correlational analyses showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between teachers’ technological competence and overall student motivation, as well as with intrinsic motivation and self-regulation identified in reading, writing and mathematics. In contrast, no significant relationship was found with external regulation of motivation. The findings suggest that technology is associated with student motivation only when it is integrated in a pedagogically intentional way and supports autonomous forms of motivation. The study offers important implications for teacher professional development and educational policies in primary education.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1813112</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1813112</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Heutagogy, freedom and Teachers' agency]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Hypothesis and Theory</category>
        <author>Maya Levanon</author><author>Eran Gusacov</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This paper explores how heutagogy (self-determined learning) can serve as a path to liberate higher education teachers from institutional, pedagogical, and epistemological constraints. Drawing on philosophical theories of liberty and freedom, this paper highlights how academic teachers are often oppressed through rigid curricula, hierarchical supervision, and the commodification of academia. It then discusses how heutagogy offers not only liberation from these constraints but also the possibility for authentic self-realization. The paper positions heutagogy as a transformative pedagogical model that enables both teachers and students to engage in shared inquiry, dialogical relationships, and critical reflection, while facilitating their agency within the academic endeavor. While acknowledging the emotional and professional costs of such liberation, we argue for a cultural shift in academia that would support teachers' freedom to teach.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1786349</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1786349</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The perceived influence of education law on the administration and governance of secondary education in Nigeria]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Anthony Great Ossai</author><author>Isabella Okokoyo</author><author>Mary Bivwiere Asabor</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The essay examines the significant role of education legislation in the administration and governance of secondary education in Nigeria, highlighting the legal framework underpinning the management and quality control of secondary schools. It employs a descriptive survey methodology involving 600 students, 300 instructors, and 60 principals from Delta State's public post-primary education system. The research was driven by four questions and hypotheses, employing the Impact of Education Law on the Management of Secondary Education Questionnaire (IELMSEQ) to gather data, achieving a reliability index of 0.76. Analysis was conducted using the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method with an alpha level of 0.05. Findings reveal that education laws promote uniform curriculum and protect student rights while ensuring equitable resource allocation, ultimately improving educational performance through enhanced accountability and transparency. However, issues like jurisdictional inconsistencies, disparities in policy enforcement, and a lack of legal awareness among administrators persist. The study concludes that while education legislation has notably improved governance structures in Nigerian secondary schools, legislative reforms remain essential for further development.]]></description>
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