Problems preschool teachers encounter in the use of out-of-school learning environments

Abstract

This study evaluates the problems encountered in using out-of-school learning environments in preschool education. The descriptive phenomenological method was used to describe the experiences of preschool teachers. The working group comprises 20 preschool teachers in kindergartens affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Konya. The participants were selected by the criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling types. The researchers used the semi-structured interview method to collect the data. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method. The research results showed that most preschool teachers "sometimes" use out-of-school learning environments and mostly prefer "factories" as out-of-school learning environments. Moreover, all preschool teachers utilize out-of-school learning environments to conduct “science and nature observation.” Lastly, the most common problem in using out-of-school learning environments was caused by parents. Based on the results, the parents should be informed about the importance of out-of-school learning environments at the beginning of the semester, and their support should be received.