ERIC Number: EJ1007874
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0885-2006
EISSN: N/A
Teachers' Roles in Infants' Play and Its Changing Nature in a Dynamic Group Care Context
Jung, Jeesun
Early Childhood Research Quarterly, v28 n1 p187-198 2013
Using a qualitative research approach, this article explores teachers' roles in infants' play and its changing nature in an infant group care setting. Three infant teachers in a child care center were followed over three months. Observations, interviews, ongoing conversations, emails, and reflective notes were used as data sources. Findings revealed that the teachers took on various roles: observer, play follower/play partner, facilitator, commentator/interpreter, play supporter, play leader, play interrupter, safety/conflict manager, multiple-responder, and multiple-role taker. The nature of the teachers' roles developed and changed over time in relation to the infants' rapid growth, group dynamics, and infant-teacher relationships. This study suggests that infant teachers' practice is complex, changing, and developmental as the group care context is dynamic and multilayered. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Play, Group Dynamics, Infants, Qualitative Research, Teacher Role, Observation, Electronic Mail, Interviews, Transcripts (Written Records), Educational Practices, Context Effect, Child Care Centers, Child Care, Educational Change
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A