Kindergarten teachers use their practical knowledge about class shuffles to develop children's peer relationships

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K22191
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: :Education and related fields
• Research Institution: Nayoro City University
• Principal Investigator: OIKAWA Tomohiro 名寄市立大学, 保健福祉学部, 講師 (50879450)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-09-11 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 幼児 / 保育 / 保育者 / 仲間関係 / 実践知 / クラス替え / 遊び / 環境移行

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The present study investigated kindergarten teachers’ practical knowledge of how to shuffle classes. Teachers in 3 kindergartens were interviewed. As a result, the following hypothesized model emerged. After determining [whether class shuffle], the teachers had two considerations. First, the teachers considered the plans of class shuffle based on [considering the management of childcare and education], such as the elementary school district. Second, [class shuffle for children to enjoy play] based on [observation of children] for young children to encounter the joy of children's play. After that, the teachers [adjust the balance] concerning both. Finally, the teachers decided on the plan of the class shuffle based on [trusting the children].

Free Research Field

発達心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の意義は，「クラス替え」という，これまで何気なく行われてきた実践に埋め込まれた保育者の専門性を言語化した点にある。特に，保護者にとってクラス替えは，我が子がどの他児や保育者と同じクラスになるか，関心を寄せるイベントの1つである。本研究の成果はそのクラス替えが，幼児たちの遊びの充実を目指すという，保育者の教育的意図を背景に進められる専門的な援助の1つであることを見出した。また，それと同時に，本研究の成果はクラス替えを単なる環境移行としてではなく，保育者による専門的援助として捉えるという，幼児期の仲間関係研究をめぐる新たな学術的視野を拓くものである。