The
title of the dissertation is Preschool
Teachers’ Perspectives on Caring Relationships, Autonomy, and Intrinsic
Motivation in Two Cultural Settings.
Explanation of the study
This qualitative study explored prekindergarten teachers'
viewpoints on caring relationships and how these relationships affect
children's independence and enthusiasm in prekindergarten in two cultural
settings: one city in China and another in the U.S. Data was collected from prekindergarten
teachers in both locations using a qualitative interviewing research strategy
(Tian, 2012). Tian’s (2012) study asked the following
research questions (1) how do preschool teachers in each cultural setting
understand and construct caring relationships with and among children in their
classrooms? (2) What are preschool teachers’ understandings of and experiences
in fostering autonomy and intrinsic motivation in preschool children in each
cultural setting? (3) How are teachers’ experiences in caring and their
relationships with children influenced by cultural and social contexts? There
was a total of 20 participants, 10 in Portland and 10 from in Shenzhen. Each participant participated in an interview. Data was
collected and evaluated based off of the information given in the interviews. This
study helps the education world because an improved understanding of independence
could help educators expand their practices and accomplish the shared goals of
education, for example meeting the developmental needs of young children.
Resources
Some
important resources for this study was the actual interview questions used for
the participants. The 20 participants also served as a resource. Bowlby was
another resource that created a solid foundation for the conceptual framework which
was attachment theory.
Supportive learning environments
Tian’s
(2012) study is significance because it offers opportunities for educators to learn
from one another as well as reflect on their own beliefs about education for young
children. Teachers’ opinions about learning and teaching are affected by their
increasingly global knowledge and changes in each society because of the
influence of global trends in education.
In order to accomplish the common goal to advance education for
children, it is vital to be aware of the role of culture in teachers’
viewpoints and beliefs on education.
References
Tian,
X. (2012). Preschool teachers' perspectives on caring relationships, autonomy,
and intrinsic motivation in two cultural settings (Order No. 3503047).
Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1000524245).
Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/1000524245?accountid=14872
