Kvalitet i samspelet mellom personale og barn i norske barnehagar observert med ECERS-R

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Author
Pedersen, L., Bjørnestad, E., Nornes-Nymark, M., Engesæter, M., & Aadland, E.
Year
2022

Purpose

The study investigates the type of interaction quality observed between staff and children in Norwegian kindergartens, observed using ECERS-R (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised) The researchers seek to understand how the interaction between adults and children manifests itself, with a special focus on warmth, care and child participation. The research question is: What type of interaction quality do staff in Norwegian kindergartens demonstrate, as observed through ECERS-R?

Result

The results show that the kindergarten staff create an interaction with the children that is characterised by care, warmth and encouragement to become independent, especially in routine situations such as meals. They support children’s communication in informal conversations but focus less on initiating conversations that promote logical thinking and reasoning. This points to a practice that provides space for children’s freedom and play but may lack deeper conversational challenges that stimulate critical thinking.

Design

The study used a quantitative observational design where data were collected from 29 kindergarten departments in Norway using ECERS-R (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised). The observations were conducted over the course of three hours in the morning, with all present staff included. After the observations, conversations were conducted with pedagogical leaders to obtain contextual data. Kindergarten teachers, skilled workers and assistants provided information. Field notes were used to complement the observations and adjust the score when necessary.

References

Pedersen, L., Bjørnestad, E., Nornes-Nymark, M., Engesæter, M., & Aadland, E. (2022). Kvalitet i samspelet mellom personale og barn i norske barnehagar observert med ECERS-R. Nordisk barnehageforskning, 19(3), 97–115.