The Perspectives of Parents towards the Practices of Pre-School Ethos During Routine Activities in Perpaduan (Unity) Pre-School Settings

Nordin Mamat,Abdul Talib M Hashim,Abdul Rahim Hamdan,Loy Chee Luen,Mazlina Che Mustafa,Abdul Rahim Razalli

doi:10.6007/ijarped/v9-i3/8094

Nordin Mamat, Abdul Talib M Hashim + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v9-i3/8094

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Abstract

The objective of this study to investigate the views of parents toward the practice of pre-school ethos on routines activities in PERPADUAN (Unity) Pre-school settings. The study involved 30 parents from three PERPADUAN Pre-school settings. A qualitative methodology was applied. In-depth interviews were conducted with the parents. The primary findings of this case study emergent: the data and quotes from parents shown an important view of a pre-school ethos that claims to be multi-ethnic. There are the similarities and differences between pre-school ethos in line with the parental norms and values from parents’ perspectives. For example, daily practices in the PERPADUAN Pre-school were acceptable. The common routine activities in pre-school day consist of the arrival time, morning assembly, hand-kissing, the salaam, the Rukun Negara (Malaysia Principle) and Negaraku (Malaysia Anthem), outdoor activity, and table manners during meal time. However, despite a good practices of multi-ethnic values through pre-school routines like “dua” and kissing hands, some of the findings evidently suggest that there are some lively ‘sensitive issues’. Most of the issues commented on by the parents are related to the school’s reluctance to act in a culturally sensitive way. Reciting “dua” is an act highly encouraged in Islam, regardless of time and place, but in a multi-ethnic pre-school like PERPADUAN Pre-school this ritual is ‘over emphasised’ and regarded as ‘compulsory’, so that everybody must follow it regardless of their religion, even though the “dua” is recited in Malay. Some might think that this is an act of the Islamisation of pre-school and this might worry them.

Highlights

This paper draws on a study that is part of a longitudinal research project that analyses Quality of Early Childhood Care and Education in formal early years settings with 4 – 6-year-old children in Malaysia
Each transcript underwent pair-comparison, each group presented their own mapping in the group comparisons sessions and the mapping for each group was drabbed based on factors that contribute to parents’ perspective on pre-school ethos
The routine daily practices in the PERPADUAN Pre-school were acceptable to the multi-ethnic children

Summary

Introduction

This paper draws on a study that is part of a longitudinal research project that analyses Quality of Early Childhood Care and Education in formal early years settings with 4 – 6-year-old children in Malaysia. The efforts to maintain the atmosphere of a peaceful and harmonious life among the various multi-ethnics in Malaysia is not an easy one. The establishment of multi-ethnic preschools are playing an important role in the integration of people since the early ages. The strength of multi-ethnic pre-school is a role in inculcating the spirit of goodwill, neighbourliness and integration among children in early childhood. The role multi-ethnic pre-school strengthen ties and foster unity among parents and the community. Multi-ethnic preschool is a link between children, parents or guardians and the community. Multi-ethnic preschool implemented to provide children aged four to six years to appreciate the values from multi-ethnic groups and social life

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