Dr. Sham'ah Md-Yunus
Introduction My EIU Story Education & Training Conference Presentations Publications Funding & Grants Frequently Taught Courses Research & Creative Interests Professional Affiliations Update your profile

Dr. Sham'ah Md-Yunus

Professor Office: 2203 - Buzzard Hall
Phone: 217-581-5728
Fax: 217-581-6300
Email: smdyunus@eiu.edu

INTRODUCTION

Office Hours Spring 2024: Mondays-Fridays: 12:00 -1:00 pm

My EIU Story

Awards:

  • Faculty Fellow Ilinois Gateways to Opportunity 
  • Outstanding Factulty Mentor for Undergradaute Research 
  • Student's Distingusih Professor Award
  • The Achievement and Contribution Award 
  • The Borah Faculty Development Award 

 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: FACULTY MENTOR

2021: The Effect of Traumatic Experiences on Students' Social and Emotional Development in Young Children. (Christina Louie) 

2020: An Investigation of Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching in Elementary Schools. (Gloria Sermersheim)

2019: Using an Integrative Model to Study the Cognitive Competencies in Hispanic Students. (Gloria Sermersheim and Mitzi Morales).

2019: Positioning of English Language Learners: The Role of Teacher and Instructional Pedagogy (Valarie Kuhn).

2018: Examining the Influence of Teacher Behavior and Classroom Context on Behavioral Outcomes for Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (Tyler Kilgore).

2016: "One Person is Better than Forty People Merely Interested": A  Survey of Early Childhood Teachers' Job Satisfaction. Funded by the CEPS research grant and Watkins-Drew Research Grant.

2015: What Children Know about Mathematics: Investigating Children's Numeric Reasoning. (Huei Yi Koey).  National Conference for Undergraduate Research, Eastern Washington University, April 16-18, 2015. Funded by CEPS research grant and Watkins-Drew Research grant.

2013: Teacher's Attire:Preschoolers' Perceptions about Good Teachers.  (Erika Shepherd and Celia Naso).  National Conference for Undergraduate Research , University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, Wisconsin, April 11- 13, 2013.

2012:  Does code switching work for young Children? A case study of English language
Learners. (Geena Anselmo & Mohogany Williams). Funded by College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) Research grant. Presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research at Weber State University, Utah, March 29-31, 2012.
 
2012:  A review of empirical evidence about thought processes of English language learners  
(Danielle Brown) funded by CEPS research grant. Presented at the National Conference For Undergraduate Research at Weber State University, Utah, March 29-31, 2012.
 
2011: An Examination of Students’ perspectives on What Works in Leaning Mathematics
(Catherine Welsh & Geena Anselmo) funded by CEPS research grant, $ 250.00. Presented at the National Undergraduate Research at the Ithaca College, March 31-April 2, 2011.
 
2011: Teaching Mathematics in Early Childhood Classrooms: Exploring Teachers’ Belief What
Works Best (Jorjoh Joof & Mohogany Williams) funded by the CEPS research grant,
$250.00. Presented at the National Undergraduate Research at the Ithaca College, March 31-April 2, 2011.
 
2010: An Examination of Cultural Sensitivity Activities in Preschools (Nicole Dallas), funded by
the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) research grant,$ 250.00.
Presented at the National Undergraduate Research at the University of Montana April 15-17, 2010.
 
2010: An Exploratory Study of Racial understanding Among Preschool Children (Molly Hussey)
funded by CEPS research grant, $ 250.00. Presented at the National Undergraduate Research at the University of Montana, April 15-17, 2010.
 
2009: What Teachers of Young Children Should Know About Using Food in the Early   
Childhood Classrooms: An Exploratory Study (Nicole Dallas & Catherine Welsh). Funded by the CEPS research grant, $300.00. Presented at the National Undergraduate Research at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, April 16-18, 20
  

SERVICE

  • External Examiner for The University of Macquarie, Sydney, Australia 
  • Board of Program Reviewers National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Manuscript reviewer for Journal of Education 3-13, United Kingdom
  • Manuscript reviewer for the Social Sciences, Switzerland.
  • Reviewers for the Annual Conference Proposal for the American Educational Research Association, National Association of Education for Young Children, and Institute of Early Childhood for Young Children. 

Education & Training

Ph.D. Elementary Education (Early Childhood Education specialization), 2005. Indiana State University, Indiana. 

Dissertation title: Parental Influence on Children’s Ethnic Identity among Chinese Americans. 

Conference Presentations

SELECTED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS (2009-present)

Md-Yunus, S. & Li, M. Do Teachers Practice Culturally Sensitive Teaching (CRT) Influenced Children's Awareness about Diversity? Midwest American Research Association Annual Conference, October 19, 2023, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Md-Yunus, S. & Li, M. Exploring Parents Perceptions about Children with Disability: The Malaysian Perspectives. The 72nd Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs, September 29, 2023, Champaign, Illinois. 

Md-Yunus, S. Exploring Resilience of High School Students in a Multiethnic Society. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, May 5, 2023, Chicago, IL. 

Md-Yunus, & Li, M. Reliability and Validity of Prior Learning Assessment. Illinois Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, November 4, 2022, Peoria, IL. 

Md-Yunus, S., & Li, M. The Effect of Traumatic Experiences on Students’ Social and Emotional Development in Young Children. Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, February 11-13, 2022, Chicago, IL.

Lee, J., & Md-Yunus, S. Analysis of Narrative from Three Preschool Teachers on the Changes of Teaching Practice Aftermath of COVID-19. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, April 21-26, 2022, San Diego, CA.

Md-Yunus, S. Investigation of Subjective Value in Mathematics on Mathematical Problem Tasks. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, 2021 (on-line).

Md-Yunus, S. Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Student’s Self-Assessment Ability: Malaysian Perspectives. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, 2021 (on-line).

Md-Yunus, S., & Lee, J.  Teaching Mathematics in English in Malaysia: Teachers' Beliefs on What Works for English Language Learners. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 17-21, 2020.

Lee, J., & Md-Yunus, S. Playing With a Robot (KIBO) on Children's Programming Skills. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 17-21, 2020.  

Lee, J. Pant, M.D., & Md-Yunus, S. Competency-Based Learning (CBL): Developing a Competency-Based Geometry Methods Course. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada, April 5, 2019.   

Md-Yunus, S. Students' and Teachers' Perceptions Students' Self-Assessment Ability: Malaysian Perspectives. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, April 28, 2017. 

Lee, J., & Md-Yunus, S. Children's Ability to Count and Make Quantitative Comparison. American  Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Washington DC, April 8, 2016.

Md-Yunus, S., & Li, M. How to Involve Asian Immigrant Parents in School. National Association of Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida, Nov 18-21, 2015.

Md-Yunus, S., Li, M., Mullins, F., & Gong, R. The Pygmalion Effect of the Filial Piety on Immigrant Children: The Influence on Asian American Students. College of Education and Professional Studies Research Fair, Eastern Illinois University, February 16, 2015.

Md-Yunus, S. & Li, M. Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA): The Validity and Reliability of the Assessment for Early Childhood Education Teacher Candidates. National Association of Education for Young Children Annual Conference. November 5-8, 2014.

Lee, J., Yoon, J., & Md-Yunus. An Exploratory Study of Effective Online Learning: Assessing Satisfaction Levels of Graduate Students of Math Education Associated with Human and Design Factors of an Online Course.  American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, April 3-7, 2014.


 Md-Yunus, S. & Anselmo, G. An Examination of Beliefs and Perspectives about Teaching Mathematics in Early Childhood Classrooms. Illinois Education Research Council, Champaign , Illinois, June 13 -14, 2013.

Md-Yunus, S.  Examining Teachers’ Beliefs in Teaching Mathematics with the English Language: A Malaysian Perspective. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference,  April 27-May 1, 2013.  
 
Peng, H.H. & Md-Yunus, S. A Comparison of the Achievement Test of Children Attended Montessori Schools and Non-Montessori Schools in Taiwan. American Educational Research Association, Annual Conference,  April 27-May 1, 2013.

Md-Yunus, S.  Does code switching work for young Children? A case study of English language learners. Illinois Education Research Symposium, June 11-12, 2012, Illinois.
 
Md-Yunus, S.  Supporting immigrant parents to help children learn at home. National Association of Education for Young Children Annual Conference, November 2-6, 2011. Orlando, Florida.  
 
Md-Yunus, S.  Teaching mathematics in English language in Malaysia: Examining teachers’ beliefs about what works best. American Educational Research Association, April 6-10, 2011, New Orleans.
 
Md-Yunus, S. Exploring resilience students in a multiethnic society: The Malaysian Experience. American Educational Research Association, April 30-May 4, 2010, Denver, Colorado.
 
Lee, J., & Md-Yunus, S. Children’s gender gaps in early childhood mathematics. American Educational Research Association, April 30-May 4, 2010, Denver, Colorado.
 
Md-Yunus, S.  Teaching mathematics in early childhood classrooms: Using Structural Equation model (SEM) to examine beliefs and perspective about what work best. Illinois Education Research Symposium, 7-8, 2011, Bloomington, Illinois.
 
Md-Yunus, S. & Welsh, C.  Using food in the early childhood classrooms: Do and don’t. Illinois Association of Education for Young Children. September 30, 2010, Springfield, Illinois.
 
Md-Yunus, S.  Do teachers practice in cultural sensitivity activities influenced children’s awareness about diversity? Illinois Educational Research Symposium. June 8-9, 2010. Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.

 Md-Yunus, S. & Peng, Hsin-Hui. Involving Asian immigrant parents in school. National Association of Education for Young Children. November 18-21, 2009, Washington, DC.
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 Md-Yunus, S. Cognitive-social learning model on early childhood children: An exploratory study.  American Educational Research Association, April 13-18, 2009, San Diego, California.

Md-Yunus, S. & Lee, J. Mediated learning experience (MLE) in early childhood children: An exploratory study. American Educational Research Association, April 13-18, 2009, San Diego, California.






 




 

  

Publications

Lee, J., Md-Yunus, S., & Lee J. O. (2023). Investigating children's programming skills through play with robots (KIBO). Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-023-01563

Md-Yunus, S. (2019). The role of social and emotional skills in developing mental health of children. Child Research Net, July 12. 2019.

Md-Yunus, S., Li, M., Mullins, F., & Gong. R. (2017). The Pygmalion effect of the filial piety on immigrant children: The influence on Asian America Students. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 24(3), 84-90.  

Md-Yunus, S. (2017). Development of well-being in children raised by grandparents. Child Research Net, October 20, 2107. 

Lee, J., & Md-Yunus, S. (2016). Investigating children's abilities to count and make quantitative comparison. Early Childhood Education Journal, 43(6), 445-457.

Md-Yunus, S. (2016). Undrstanding Immigrant Children from Muslim backgrounds: Issues and challenges. Eastern Education Jounral , 44(1), 27-55.

Md-Yunus, S (2015). Muslim Immigrant Children in the U.S: Practical Suggestions for Teachers.  Child Research Net, January 16, 2015

Md-Yunus, S. (2014). Teaching Strategies GOLD: Assessment for Development and Leanring of Young Children. Child Research Net, December 5, 2014.

Peng, H.H., & Md-Yunus,S. (2014). Do students in Montessori schools perform better on the achievement test? A Taiwanese perspective.  International Journal of of Early Childhood, 46 (2), 299-311.  

Md-Yunus, S. (2013).  Early education and care in Malaysia. Child Research Net, March 1, 2013.

Anselmo, G.,  Williams. M., & Md-Yunus, S. (2012). Does code switching work for young
Children? A case study of English language learners. Proceedings of The National Undergraduate Research. Weber State University, Utah.
  
Md-Yunus, S. (2012). She is my language broker: How does cultural capital benefit Asian immigrant children in the United States? ERIC EDS  5295567.
 
Choi D.H., & Md-Yunus, S. (2011).Integration of a social skills training: A case study of children with low social skills. Journal of Education 3-13, 39(3), 249-264.
 
Md-Yunus, S. (2010). “Math is hard,” said Mrs. Ford; “Not for me,” said Mrs. Honda: Does culture matter in teaching and learning in elementary mathematics? Eastern Education Journal, 39(1), 23-38.  
 
Lee, J., Md-Yunus, S., Son, W., & Meadows, M. (2009). An exploratory case study of young children’s interactive play behaviors with a non-English speaking child. Journal of Early Child Development and Care, 179(8), 1055-1066.
 
Md-Yunus, S. (2009). Rice, rice, rice in the bin: Addressing culturally appropriate practice in early childhood classroom. Journal of Childhood Education, 86 (1), 27-31.
 
Md-Yunus, S. (2008). Immigrant parents: How to help your children succeed in schools. Journal of Childhood Education, 84(5), 315-318.
 
Md-Yunus, S. (2007). How parents can encourage creativity in children. Journal of Childhood Education, 83(4). 236-237.
 
Md-Yunus, S. (March 2007). Reconstructing culture and identity in academy: Asian female scholar theorizing her experience. Eastern Illinois University Women’s Studies Newsletter. 
 
Md-Yunus, S. (2006). Parental influence on children’s ethnic identity among Chinese Americans.  Unpublished Dissertation, Indiana State University, Indiana. AAT 3199431,
 
Md-Yunus, S. (2005). Childcare practices in three Asian countries. International Journal of Early Childhood Education, 37, (1), 39-56.
 
 Zain, Z, & Md-Yunus, S. (1989). Garis panduan kurrikulum  guru sekolah rendah Malaysia (Curriculum guide for elementary teachers in Malaysia). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. 

Funding & Grants

  • Redden Grant (2023), $2,286.00.
  • Student Impact Grants for Faculty Mentors (2022), $1500. 
  • GEER Grant (2021), $1000
  • Student Impact Grants for Faculty Mentors (2019), $1500. 
  • Roseann Watkins-Drew Research Award in Early Childhood (2010), $ 20,000 
  • The Early Childhood Educator Preparation Program Innovation Grant (2014), $ 39,500.00
  • Faculty Partnership Support Grant (2011)
  • Illinois Association of Teacher Education Mini Grant (2011)
  • Elizabeth Breathwaite Mini-Grant (2005, 2010)
  • TEAM PIE Grant (2009)
  • Redden Grant (2009, 2014, 2015, 2016)
  • The Graduate Dean’s Award of Excellence in Research and Creative Activity (2008)
  • Council Faculty Research Summer Grant, Eastern Illinois University (2008)
  • College of Education and Professional Studies Development Grants (2006, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Frequently Taught Courses

  • EDU 5950: Thesis in Education
  • EDU 5900: Applied Research in Education 
  • ELE 5310: Foundations: ESL/Bilingual Education
  • ELE 5250: Research in Education
  • ELE 5200: Introduction to Research 
  • EDU 5050:Introduction to Educational Research 
  • HSL 5850:Theories of Human Development and Family Life 
  • ELE 4855: Exploring ESL Students through Clinical Experiences

Other Courses Taught:

  • ELE 5400: English Language Learners: Issues and Challenges
  • ELE 4890: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students/ELLs:         Instructional Methods
  • ELEL 4776: History and Philosopgy in Early Childhood Education
  • ELE 4770: Math, Science, and Social Science in Primany Grades (K-3) 
  • ELE 4000: Practicum for Early Childhood Education  
  • ELE 3225: Early Childhood: Curriculum and Assessment, Birth - Age Five
  • ELE 2321: Child Growth and Development
  • ELE 2320: Early Childhood and Adolescent Development  

Research & Creative Interests

 

  • Mathematics education
  • Methods of instruction in early childhood education.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Educational Research Association
  • Association of Teacher Educators 
  • Mid-West Education Research Association