Partnership Matter: Exploring the Model of "Family-School-Community" in Play-Based Learning Implementation in Hong Kong Kindergartens

• In Event: Supporting Family, School, and Community Partnerships in an Early Childhood Context

Abstract

This study adopts a social capital perspective to explore the characteristics of “Family-School-Community” partnership model in the kindergarten settings and how these partnerships influence play-based learning implementation. Data were collected through curriculum documents and focus group interviews with 49 participants. Findings revealed that bonding social capital was resided in teacher groups and exhibited in form of various professional development activities. Bridging and linking social capitals where those relationships are developed through the collaborations between home, kindergarten and society. Such partnerships bring about important resources facilitating play-based learning curriculum practices in the kindergartens. The proposed explanatory model may shed a light of providing early childhood practitioners and researchers with a social capital perspective of how to develop an effective play-based learning.

Authors

• Chrysa Pui Chi Keung, Education University of Hong Kong

• Alan Cheung, The Chinese University of Hong Kong