Appropriating the concept of metacommunication: An empirical study of the professional learning of an early childhood education work-team.

The study investigates how kindergarten teachers strike a balance between teaching certain topics while encouraging play. The goal is to gain deeper insight into the kindergarten teachers' learning and development. The research questions are: 1) In what ways do cultural resources (articles, notes and video recordings) introduced in focus group conversations mediate kindergarten teachers' understanding of the concept of metacommunication in conversation? 2) How does a kindergarten team acquire the concept of metacommunication?

The results showed that the group actively used the resources (articles, notes and video recordings used as reference materials and tools for reflection and learning in the focus group discussions) to understand the concept of "metacommunication", and that the acquisition can be described in four steps. 1) try to understand the concept, 2) use the concept in play activities, 3) incorporate the concept into daily dialogue, and 4) use the concept to explain and relate to their professional identity. The study emphasises the importance of being a responsive participant in play activities and points to metacommunication as a key tool in play.

The study was conducted in a Swedish kindergarten with a team consisting of a kindergarten teacher, a recreational educator, and two kindergarten assistants who had almost finished their education. The group had worked together in different constellations over several years. The sample was based on the group's desire to develop its practice, especially around play and teaching. The data collection consisted of six focus group discussions over eight months, where the kindergarten employees chose the topics. In addition, five video recordings were made of activities where the adults played with the children, with the focus chosen by the staff.

Stavholm, E., Lagerlöf, P. & Wallerstedt, C. (2021). "Appropriating the concept of metacommunication: An empirical study of the professional learning of an early childhood education work-team". Teaching and Teacher Education, 102:103306.