Syfte
The study analyses and compares two quality models that are of significance for professional work in kindergartens: the database of Nordic kindergarten research (NB-ECEC) and the international quality measurement tool for learning environments in kindergartens (ECERS-3). The research questions are: 1) From which methodological position is kindergarten practice modelled in ECERS-3 and NB-ECEC? 2) How is kindergarten practice and research affected by ECERS-3 and NB-ECEC?
Resultat
The results of the study show that the two quality models have the same methodological starting point: methodological positivism. This enables them to function as state simplifications. Both quality models also have constitutive effects on kindergarten practice and research.
Design
The data material consists of the guidance manuals of the two quality models, as well as relevant practice documents, training documents and administrative documents from pedagogical practice. The first research question is answered through an analysis of the methodological position and associated assumptions of the two models. The analysis is theoretically rooted in George Steinmetz’ analyses of methodological positivism in American sociology. The second research question is based on the definition of practice influence as state simplifications and constitutive effects. The investigations are rooted in James C. Scott’s research on social practice and other research on the constitutive effects of evaluations and measuring instruments in social practice.
Referenser
Frederiksen, J. T. (2020). “I et spejl, i en gåde. Målinger og metodologisk positivisme I professionsforskning”. Tidsskrift for proffesionsstudier, 16(30):38-49.