1-033 - A Cross-Societal Comparison of Teacher-Child Interaction in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Singapore Early Childhood Classrooms

Session Type: Exchange Symposium

Integrative Statement

Young children learn and benefit from positive interactions, especially those with adults such as their teachers. Many studies have investigated teacher-child interaction in the American-European world; very few, however, have been conducted in other cultural contexts such as Chinese societies. This symposium thus presents a set of studies on teacher-child pedagogical interaction in early childhood classrooms in three Chinese societies, namely, Hong Kong, Shenzhen (Mainland China), and Singapore. Adopting the same research design, the three studies attempt to address the three major questions: (1) How do Chinese teachers interact with children during whole-class learning activities? (2) Are Chinese teachers’ and children’s characteristics associated with their pedagogical interaction in early childhood classrooms? (3) What are the factors perceived to affect Chinese teachers’ pedagogical interaction with children? Through open exchange among presenters and attendees in this symposium, we want to confirm whether there is a unique Chinese pattern of teacher-child pedagogical interaction that is different from those of other societies.

Although sharing the same topic, the three studies had different foci in the data analysis and discussion, which might reflect the different levels of openness and globalization of these Chinese societies. Nevertheless, the findings will shed light on the cross-cultural studies of teacher-child interaction praxis in early childhood settings. Other societies can learn the lessons and useful experience from these Chinese societies. Finally, the implications to be generated from this exchange symposium will have the potential to inspire and improve the future research, policymaking, teacher education, and child well-being.

Sub Unit

• Education, Schooling

Chairs

• X. Christine Wang, SUNY at Buffalo

• Hui Li, Macquarie University

Individual Presentations

• Understanding the Pedagogical Interaction in Hong Kong Kindergartens: A Mixed-Method Approach - Presenting Author: Zhi Yu Li, The University of Hong Kong; Non-Presenting Author: Weipeng Yang, Singapore University of Social Sciences; Non-Presenting Author: Hui Li, Macquarie University

• From Transmissive to Participatory Pedagogies: A Mixed-Method Investigation of Pedagogical Interaction in Shenzhen Kindergartens - Presenting Author: Runke Huang, The University of Hong Kong; Non-Presenting Author: Weipeng Yang, Singapore University of Social Sciences; Non-Presenting Author: Hui Li, Macquarie University

• A Fusion of Constructivism and Instructivism: Examining Classroom Dialogue in Singapore Kindergartens - Presenting Author: Qiushi Yin, The University of Hong Kong; Non-Presenting Author: Weipeng Yang, Singapore University of Social Sciences; Non-Presenting Author: Hui Li, Macquarie University