Science Learning in Playful Learning Environments: A Study from US Early Childhood Classrooms

Year 2023, , 225 - 234, 31.08.2023

Metehan Buldu

https://doi.org/10.30900/kafkasegt.1296810

Abstract

Science may be a particularly vital subject in early life, serving not just to provide the foundation for future scientific understanding, but to expanding understanding and recognition of the value of young children's thinking and learning. therefore, designing learning environment to support children’s playful science learning is getting important. For this purpose, the current study was conducted to instigate how playful learning environments support children’s science learning. The data of this study was collected from four different US early childhood learning environments. The analysis of the data showed that children’s playful discoveries promotes their scientific skills and science learning. In these learning environments, children are encouraged to play more and explore a variety of situations in these learning environments thanks to the materials chosen and the design of the learning centers that encourage interaction between children. The findings of the current study suggest that exemplary practices should be developed in order to move away from traditional learning environments and to support learning through play, and to raise awareness on this issue, starting with teacher candidates.

Keywords

Playful learning, science learning, playful learning environments

Supporting Institution

TUBITAK

Project Number

1059B192000293

Thanks

Thanks to Tubitak for funding my research for 12 months by 2219 Project.

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