Project Approach: Is It Feasible in Chinese Preschool?

Abstract

The Ministry of Education China has promoted child-centred pedagogies in preschools since the 1990s, project approach is one such pedagogies. However, how Chinese preschool teachers implement the project approach has not yet been fully investigated. This study of two preschool teachers in one typical preschool in Chengdu China documented how the two teachers implemented the project approach and the factors that influenced their teaching. This study was of the qualitative paradigm and exploratory in nature. Videotapes of long-term classroom observations, audiotaped in-depth interviews and document analysis were the three main methods of data collection. In th e process of implementing the project approach, the two teachers were found to largely adhere to the child-centred aspect and practice constructive learning, especially towards the second month of implementation. Both teachers and children learn constructively in this study. The outcome of this study also revealed that the two teachers have undergone conflicts of thought to gradually shift from traditionally teacher-centred, whole-class Eastern pedagogy into child-centred, individual-oriented Western pedagogy. The emerged factors influencing the teachers’ implementation of the project approach are time constraints, perceived curriculum demands, parental expectations of knowledge acquisition and academic achievements, lack of support,professional development, and conflict of thoughts between adhering to traditional Chinese-based and Western-based pedagogical beliefs. The findings suggested that though frontline teachers faced some difficulties in implementing an ‘imported’ pedagogy, both teachers and children were able to adapt the project approach to fulfill their needs. For policymakers and preschool administrators, it is necessary to encourage cooperation and provide professional development opportunities to help teachers practice constructivist child-centred teaching in the early childhood education field in a more sustainable manner.