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Playworlds as an Evidenced-Based Model of Practice for the Intentional Teaching of Executive Functions
- Source :
-
Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development . 2022 42(4-5):572-586. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Expectations for increased conceptual outcomes in the early childhood education sector have foregrounded a need for more evidenced-based practice in support of children's play. One such avenue for researching models of play practices that support cognitive outcomes is to study the implementation of Playworlds. Grounded in cultural-historical theory, Playworlds is a model of play pedagogy where children and educators recreate a narrative through dramatization. However, this approach has not traditionally been linked with enhanced academic outcomes. In this study, the researchers used executive functions (EFs) as a pre and post measure for studying the potential development of the learner. As a potential evidenced-based model of practice, we examined the effect of incorporating EF tasks into early childhood programs through Playworlds. Specifically, EFs were incorporated into everyday practices within eight play-based preschool programs in Victoria, Australia, through Playworlds and associated activities. Ninety-one preschool aged children (50% male, M = 54.7 months, SD = 3.94) participated. Video observations and interviews documented teaching practices related to the incorporation of EFs into play-based programs. Findings document gains in EF skills in the context of the Playworld practices. Snapshots of teaching practices provide guidelines for incorporating EFs into early childhood play-based programs.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0957-5146 and 1472-4421
- Volume :
- 42
- Issue :
- 4-5
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1368360
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2020.1835830