ERIC Number: EJ1302085
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Jul
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0726-2655
EISSN: N/A
The Nexus of Play-Based Learning and Early Childhood Education: A Western Australian Account
Wallace, Ruth; Hesterman, Sandra
Education and Society, v39 n1 p5-24 Jul 2021
Human development theories identify child-initiated play as the primary source of early learning. Accordingly, the role of early childhood educators is to utilise the natural medium of play as a context for learning; an educational approach known as play-based learning. Recently, Western Australia (WA) has experienced an erosion of play-based learning opportunities across the early childhood education (ECE) spectrum, potentially violating children's rights. This paper presents research evidence related to this concerning issue. A self-completion, electronic questionnaire was distributed to educators through via several WA early childhood advocacy organisations. Participants (n=204) shared their perceptions about the availability of play-based learning opportunities for young children. Results identified perceived barriers and enablers to providing play-based learning in WA early childhood education settings that impact on children's wellbeing, development and learning. Assessment of play-based learning provision differed significantly between school-based and early education and care-based educators. Participants supported the implementation of a WA Play Strategy.
Descriptors: Play, Teaching Methods, Early Childhood Education, Foreign Countries, Teacher Role, Teacher Attitudes, Early Childhood Teachers, Well Being, Child Care Centers, Outcomes of Education, Holistic Approach, Developmentally Appropriate Practices
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A