ABSTRACT

Expectations for increased conceptual outcomes in the early childhood education sector have foregrounded a need for more evidenced-based practice in support of children’s play. One such avenue for researching models of play practices that support cognitive outcomes is to study the implementation of Playworlds. Grounded in cultural-historical theory, Playworlds is a model of play pedagogy where children and educators recreate a narrative through dramatization. However, this approach has not traditionally been linked with enhanced academic outcomes. In this study, the researchers used executive functions (EFs) as a pre and post measure for studying the potential development of the learner. As a potential evidenced-based model of practice, we examined the effect of incorporating EF tasks into early childhood programs through Playworlds. Specifically, EFs were incorporated into everyday practices within eight play-based preschool programs in Victoria, Australia, through Playworlds and associated activities. Ninety-one preschool aged children (50% male, M = 54.7 months, SD = 3.94) participated. Video observations and interviews documented teaching practices related to the incorporation of EFs into play-based programs. Findings document gains in EF skills in the context of the Playworld practices. Snapshots of teaching practices provide guidelines for incorporating EFs into early childhood play-based programs.

摘要

对早期儿童教育部门增加概念成果的期望表明需要更多基于证据的实践来支持儿童游戏。研究支持认知结果的游戏实践模型的一种途径是研究 Playworlds 的实施。Playworlds 以文化历史理论为基础，是一种游戏教学模型，儿童和教育工作者通过戏剧化重新创造叙事。然而，这种方法传统上并没有与提高学术成果联系起来。在这项研究中，研究人员使用执行功能 (EFs) 作为研究学习者潜在发展的前后衡量标准。作为一种潜在的循证实践模型，我们通过 Playworlds 研究了将 EF 任务纳入幼儿计划的效果。具体来说，通过 Playworlds 和相关活动，EF 被纳入澳大利亚维多利亚州八个基于游戏的学前教育项目的日常实践中。91 名学龄前儿童（50% 为男性，M = 54.7 个月，SD = 3.94）参加。视频观察和访谈记录了与将 EF 纳入基于游戏的项目相关的教学实践。调查结果记录了 Playworld 实践背景下 EF 技能的进步。教学实践快照提供了将 EF 纳入幼儿游戏课程的指导方针。视频观察和访谈记录了与将 EF 纳入基于游戏的项目相关的教学实践。调查结果记录了 Playworld 实践背景下 EF 技能的进步。教学实践快照提供了将 EF 纳入幼儿游戏课程的指导方针。视频观察和访谈记录了与将 EF 纳入基于游戏的项目相关的教学实践。调查结果记录了 Playworld 实践背景下 EF 技能的进步。教学实践快照提供了将 EF 纳入幼儿游戏课程的指导方针。