Research Article

From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool

Volume: 14 July 24, 2026
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From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examined how a participation-based project approach grounded in children’s participation rights relates to preschool children’s learning outcomes and family perceptions. Using an explanatory sequential design with a quantitatively dominant structure, a two-month intervention was implemented in a university-affiliated kindergarten in Central Anatolia, Türkiye, followed by a parent focus group to elaborate the quantitative findings. Participants were 31 children aged 48–72 months (intervention n = 18; comparison n = 13). Children were assessed on forward and backward memory span, social problem-solving skills, and story comprehension. Nonparametric analyses showed significant pretest–posttest gains in the intervention group across all outcomes. Baseline equivalence analyses indicated pretest differences in forward and backward memory span, favouring the intervention group; therefore, posttest memory differences were interpreted cautiously. Change-score analyses showed greater gains in the intervention group for backward memory span, social problem-solving skills, and story comprehension, whereas the change-score difference for forward memory span was not significant. Parent accounts illustrated perceived increases in children’s curiosity, communication, preference expression, and everyday participation behaviours. The findings suggest that participation-based project work may support selected learning outcomes and children’s everyday expressions of agency, while highlighting the need for cautious interpretation due to the quasi-experimental design and small qualitative sample.

Keywords

Children’s participation rights, project approach, early childhood education, working memory, story comprehension, social problem-solving

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by the Cappadocia University Scientific Research Projects Unit (Project No: KÜN.2021-BAGP-008).

Project Number

KÜN.2021-BAGP-008

Ethical Statement

Ethical Committee Permission Information Name of the board that carries out ethical assessment: Cappadocia University Research Ethics Committee The date and number of the ethical assessment decision: 23.03.2021/29533901-204.01.07-7797

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Mehtap Morkan Şahin, S. İrem Turgut, Yelda Sarıkaya Erdem, group leaders Lütfiye Çakırtas and Yaren Atıcı for their support during the implementation process, as well as the children and their parents who participated in the study.

References

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APA
Aydilek Çiftçi, M., Bozer, C., Hassamancıoğlu, U., Uysal, E., & Uzun, İ. B. (2026). From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 14. https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1899659
AMA
1.Aydilek Çiftçi M, Bozer C, Hassamancıoğlu U, Uysal E, Uzun İB. From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool. JCER. 2026;14. doi:10.18009/jcer.1899659
Chicago
Aydilek Çiftçi, Münire, Cansu Bozer, Uğur Hassamancıoğlu, Ebru Uysal, and İsmail Berat Uzun. 2026. “From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool”. Journal of Computer and Education Research 14 (July). https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1899659.
EndNote
Aydilek Çiftçi M, Bozer C, Hassamancıoğlu U, Uysal E, Uzun İB (July 1, 2026) From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool. Journal of Computer and Education Research 14
IEEE
[1]M. Aydilek Çiftçi, C. Bozer, U. Hassamancıoğlu, E. Uysal, and İ. B. Uzun, “From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool”, JCER, vol. 14, July 2026, doi: 10.18009/jcer.1899659.
ISNAD
Aydilek Çiftçi, Münire - Bozer, Cansu - Hassamancıoğlu, Uğur - Uysal, Ebru - Uzun, İsmail Berat. “From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool”. Journal of Computer and Education Research 14 (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1899659.
JAMA
1.Aydilek Çiftçi M, Bozer C, Hassamancıoğlu U, Uysal E, Uzun İB. From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool. JCER. 2026;14. doi:10.18009/jcer.1899659.
MLA
Aydilek Çiftçi, Münire, et al. “From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool”. Journal of Computer and Education Research, vol. 14, July 2026, doi:10.18009/jcer.1899659.
Vancouver
1.Münire Aydilek Çiftçi, Cansu Bozer, Uğur Hassamancıoğlu, Ebru Uysal, İsmail Berat Uzun. From Choosing Topics to Sharing Learning: A Participation-Based Project Approach in Preschool. JCER. 2026 Jul. 1;14. doi:10.18009/jcer.1899659