Influence of Play-based Learning in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Bangladesh: Lessons from Japan

Abstract

Universally, Early Childhood Education (ECE) received considerable attention among the stakeholders, and multiple international studies have emphasized the critical nature of the high-quality ECE facilities that integrate learning and play. Several studies have demonstrated the positive influence of decent learning environments on prospects and the comprehensive development of children. This research focuses on play-based learning through gamification to characterize the excellent ECE environments and provide the importance of play-based learning in Bangladesh. This case study research focuses on the necessities of play-based learning in Bangladesh for ECE development, considering the Japanese experience. This study shows that the absence of children s play and play-based learning in Bangladesh is due to a lack of government policy initiatives and parental socioeconomic situations. A theoretical analysis has been included through Vygotsky’s sociocultural approach to understanding the necessities of play-based learning for the welfare of children in Bangladesh. The findings show that the government policy formulation and stakeholders’ engagement might create the opportunity for establishing play-based learning in ECE.