PLAY BASED LEARNING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) CENTRES IN ZAMBIA: A TEACHER PERSPECTIVE

Authors

  • Stella Lungu University of Zambia, Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education, Zambia
  • Beatrice Matafwali University of Zambia, Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v7i12.3427

Keywords:

child development, early childhood education, play based learning

Abstract

The study sought to explore the nature of play-based teaching and learning at Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centres in Zambia from the perspective of teachers. A case study design was employed with a qualitative approach to collect data from participants. Data was coded and grouped according to emerging themes. Results indicate that children were engaged in both conventional and indigenous play activities mainly through free play. Teachers demonstrated a positive perspective of play based learning, asserting that play based pedagogy benefits children holistically. Implementation of play varied across ECE Centres with some teachers integrating play in the delivery of lessons and others engaged children in play activities only during the time allocated for play time on the timetable. Notable challenges faced by teachers were lack of age appropriate play infrastructure that supported learning, lack of implementation guidelines, and curriculum overload. The study has recommended the need for the Ministry of General Education to put in place guidelines on play based teaching and learning in ECE.

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Author Biographies

  • Stella Lungu, University of Zambia, Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education, Zambia
    Stella Lungu is PhD student (Sociology of Education) in the Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology, and Special Education at the University of Zambia. She is a holder of a Master of Education in Sociology of Education and a Bachelor of Arts with Education (B.A. Ed) degree from the University of Zambia. Stella has taught secondary school students and Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers at tertiary level for more than fifteen years. In addition, Stella has taught and tutored on part-time basis at the University of Zambia for over five years. She has also participated in a number of research activities in the field of Early Childhood Education and Education studies.
  • Beatrice Matafwali, University of Zambia, Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education, Zambia
    Beatrice Matafwali (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Zambia in the Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education. She has 15 years of professional experience as a lecturer and researcher in the field of Early Childhood Development, Special Education, and Education studies.

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Published

2020-11-17

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 12 (2020)

Section

Articles

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