Videoobservasjoner og videobaserte samtaler som metoder for kvalitetsutvikling av barnehageansattes spesialpedagogiske praksis

Abstract

In Norway, there has been an increasing focus on the importance of the quality of early childhood education and care (ECEC). Several challenges have been identified, including significant criticism of the quality, validity and usability of special educational needs (SEN) practices. This primarily means that kindergarten employees do not seem to be aware of their practices and how their practices can be developed and improved. The research question in this chapter is how video observation and video-based conversations can contribute to developing the quality of employees’ special educational needs practices in kindergarten. The theoretical part of the chapter is based on various approaches, but Jakob Meløe’s concept of the ‘aware gaze’ is the main inspiration. The data were gathered through video observations and video-based conversations, and the chapter presents two kindergarten employees’ SEN practices. Using video-based conversation, they were able to reflect upon and aquire new knowledge relating to their own practice. The results show that it may help to consider inspiring kindergarten employees to use video observation and video-based conversation as meaningful tools to help employees reflect upon their own experiences and practices, thus contributing to the development of high-quality kindergartens.