Pushing play in primary : findings from three case study classes

Tools

Arnott, Lorna and Lamb, Christie and Milligan, Kayleigh and Connor, Nicola and Grogan, Deirdre (2020) Pushing play in primary : findings from three case study classes. SERA Research Education Bulletin (9). pp. 44-50. (https://www.sera.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13...)

[thumbnail of Arnott-etal-SERAREB-2020-Pushing-play-in-primary-findings-from-three-case-study]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Arnott_etal_SERAREB_2020_Pushing_play_in_primary_findings_from_three_case_study.pdf
Final Published Version
Download (202kB)| Preview

Abstract

This paper explores the practicalities of implementing play-based pedagogy in early primary. Using a practitioner enquiry paradigm, data were collected during M.Ed research projects in three primary schools and presented via case study methodology. A multi-method approach was adopted, including interviews with practitioners, observations and pedagogically-designed consultation with children. The paper presents four findings: 1 Play in primary was heterogenous and context specific; 2.Teachers had considerable sway over the place of play in the classroom; 3. Children appeared engaged when they were leading their learning and playing, making the need for more play-based opportunities fundamental. 4. Lack of confidence, training, resourcing and the need to 'cover' the curriculum were apparent barriers to play pedagogy in Primary.

ORCID iDs

Arnott, Lorna ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0304-778X, Lamb, Christie, Milligan, Kayleigh, Connor, Nicola and Grogan, Deirdre ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6273-1605;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)