EXAMINATION OF PRESCHOOL TEACHERS\\\' VIEWS ON THE USE\\r\\nOF OPEN-ENDED UNSTRUCTURED MATERIAL

Abstract

Ponte Academic JournalSep 2020, Volume 76, Issue 9 EXAMINATION OF PRESCHOOL TEACHERS VIEWS ON THE USE OF OPEN-ENDED UNSTRUCTURED MATERIALAuthor(s): Cagla Gur ,Nilufer KorkmazhanJ. Ponte - Sep 2020 - Volume 76 - Issue 9 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.9.17 Abstract:This research was conducted in Nicosia in the 2018-2019 academic year to examine the opinions of the preschool teachers on the use of open-ended unstructured material. One of the purposeful sampling methods, the criteria sampling method was used in the study. Voluntary participation in the study was taken as a basis when forming the study group. The study group of this research consisted of 20 preschool teachers working in preschool education institutions. As a result of the study, it was seen that preschool teachers considered the open-ended/unstructured applications positively and used materials such as natural materials, blocks, waste materials within the scope of the applications. When the opinions of the teachers regarding the advantages of the application were analyzed, the codes of creativity, interest/desire and the opportunity to observe and evaluate children emerged. Regarding the disadvantages of the application, seven teachers expressed that the application did not have any disadvantages. However, within the scope of the disadvantages of the program, there were opinions expressing density and difficulties experienced during implementation. When the observations of the teachers regarding the educational environment during open-ended/unstructured material applications were analyzed, the codes of creativity, practicality in the application and insufficient space were obtained. Regarding the observations of the teachers on the educational material, the codes of material diversity and material shortage emerged. While most of the teachers emphasized the variety of the open-ended materials, five teachers expressed the opinion that the materials were not sufficient. As a result of the analysis of the observations regarding the activity content, the codes of being supportive of development, being entertaining and not being suitable for the age group were obtained. When the observations on childrens participation were examined, the codes of active participation and guidance requirement emerged. It is recommended that teachers should receive in-service training for qualified applications. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password