Future Professionals’ Perceptions of Play in Early Childhood Classrooms

• In Event: Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: Play and Creativity in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of 211 college students in education and child and family studies (future professionals) about the role of play in early childhood classrooms. Future professionals held increasingly positive perceptions of play in early childhood education until they reached their sophomore year in college. However, when they were juniors and seniors in college, their perceptions demonstrated a notably different pattern. Female students held more positive perceptions about the role of play in early childhood classrooms than did male students. A play-related course in college appeared to help participants to form positive perceptions despite the future challenges they would encounter. Other findings and implications of the study are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided.

Authors

• Eunjoo Jung, Syracuse University

• Bora Jin, Syracuse University