Understanding the Dialectical Relations Between Everyday Concepts and Scientific Concepts Within Play-Based Programs |
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| Authors: | Marilyn Fleer |
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| Institution: | (1) Faculty of Education, Monash University, Building A, Peninsula Campus, McMahons Rd. Frankston, P.O. Box 527, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia |
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| Abstract: | In recent times there has been an enormous interest in Vygotsky’s writing on conceptual development, particularly his insights
on the differences between everyday and scientific thinking. In drawing upon cultural–historical theory, this paper seeks
to examine the relations between everyday concepts and scientific concepts within playful contexts, such as preschools, with
a view to better understanding how very young children develop conceptual understandings in science. This paper presents an
overview of a study which sought to map the transformation and appropriation of scientific concepts within two early childhood
settings. Approximately ten weeks of data gathering took place, with video recordings, field notes, photographic documentation,
and child and teacher interviews for recording child concept formation within these naturalistic settings. The findings indicate
that when teacher programs are more oriented towards concepts rather than materials, children’s play is focused on conceptual
connections. Importantly, the study showed that: It was possible to map the multiple and dynamic levels or stratas of thinking
that a child or group of children may exhibit within play-based contexts; An analysis of ‘unorganised heaps’ and ‘complexive
thinking’ evident in conceptually or materially oriented play-based programs can be determined; the dialectical relations
between everyday concepts and scientific concepts in play-based programs can be understood; and greater understanding about
the nature of concept formation in situated playful contexts have been possible. |
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| Keywords: | Early childhood education Elementary education Cultural– historical theory Sociocultural theory Play Preschool science |
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