Educational continuum from preschool to elementary school: challenges and opportunities perceived by teachers

Ana Borges, Cristina Cruz Mateus, Íris M. Oliveira, Paula Barroso, Dulce Noronha-Sousa, Rosa Martins, Estrela Paulo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Transitions are frequent in contemporaneous society and play a central role in human development. Among socially expected educational transitions, it is possible to highlight the one from preschool to elementary school. The literature has supported the view of the child as an active agent in his/her educational path and has suggested that competencies developed in preschool are important precursors of academic success in elementary school. Hence, the articulation between preschool and elementary school teachers is important to support children’s active role in this transition and to sustain a harmonious educational continuum. However, a number of challenges and opportunities can be pinpointed to attain such an educational continuum. This study aims at addressing preschool and elementary school teachers’ perspectives about challenges and opportunities in the referred transition. Twenty teachers, 17 women (85%) and three (15%) men (Mage = 38.60) completed social- demographic items and answered to a semi-structured interview. A qualitative thematic analysis allowed the identification of two main themes, which were subdivided in nine sub-themes and 12 sub- subthemes. One main theme considered perceived barriers to the joint articulation of teachers and to an effective educational continuum (e.g., professional pre-conceptions about preschool and elementary school, lack of joint training opportunities). Another main theme coupled practical strategies that have been or could be further implemented to facilitate articulation among teachers and to foster an effective and harmonious educational continuum (e.g., joint pedagogical projects, partnerships with families). Based on these findings, implications for future research and for lifelong training opportunities with preschool and elementary school teachers are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of EDULEARN21 Conference
EditorsLuis Gómez Chova
PublisherIATED Academy
Pages1190-1195
ISBN (Print)9788409312672
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021
Event13th Annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies - Online, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Duration: 5 Jul 20216 Jul 2021
Conference number: 13

Conference

Conference13th Annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Abbreviated titleEDULEARN21 Conference
Country/TerritorySpain
CityPalma de Mallorca
Period5/07/216/07/21

Keywords

  • Educational continuum
  • Preschool
  • Elementary school
  • Teachers

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