Exploring Meaningful Interactions: Types and Transformation in the Kindergarten Teaching-and-Research Community

• In Event: Research In Progress Roundtable Session 5
  In Invited Roundtable: Perspectives on Teacher Education: Curriculum, Learning Networks, and Racial Norms in Classroom Practice (Table 10)

Abstract

In Chinese kindergartens, teaching-and-research communities typically consist of about 10 in-service teachers who teach at the same grade level. These communities engage in weekly teaching-and-research activities aimed at enhancing teachers' professionalism and addressing practical challenges to improve the quality of the early care and education (ECE). This study, based on the Interaction Ritual Chains, focuses on exploring the types of interactions within these communities and identifying ways to transform these interactions into more meaningful ones. Data will be collected through non-participant observation and in-depth interviews, followed by thematic analysis. The findings are expected to provide insights for fostering more effective interactions, thereby improving the quality of ECE.

Author

• Ying Xu, East China Normal University