Developing Consensus About Values and Values Education in Preschool

• In Event: 67.070 - Sheraton Roundtable 14 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 67.070-8 - (Re)Creating Possibilities With Curriculum Within Constrained Times, Spaces, and Materials

Abstract

Values education is a neglected area for research and practice in early childhood education. This paper reports on an action research conducted in one preschool over period of 18 months. The study focused on values that the preschool teachers deemed as important to communicate to children and how they saw their role in values education. Data were gathered in collaboration with seven preschool teachers who chose three values to focus on: care, respect, and discipline. Data consists of audio recordings from meetings, interviews, and journal writings. Five themes were identified concerning preschool teachers’ role: being a good role model, language use, discussion, guidance, and direction. The findings showed that the preschool teachers emphasised children’s participation and development of social skills.

Authors

• Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir, University of Iceland

• Johanna Einarsdottir, University of Iceland