Research team
Promoting problem-solving competencies in preschool children through Assessment for Learning
Abstract
Problem solving is one of the 21st century skills and is required to fully participate in our ever-changing society. Promoting problem-solving competencies in preschool can give children a head start for primary school and lifelong learning. This project aims to develop a framework and design principles to promote problem-solving competencies in preschool children through Assessment for Learning (AfL). AfL offers teachers opportunities to develop effective and differentiated learning trajectories, taking into account the observed competencies of preschoolers. In addition, it provides preschool children opportunities to learn from feedback. The project focuses on solving problems related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Problem-solving competencies are needed in all the STEM domains and STEM education offers many opportunities to work on problem-solving competencies. The project consists of three successive studies. First, a scoping review will be conducted in order to synthesise the existing knowledge on assessment of problem-solving competencies in preschool children. Second, a Delphi panel with scholars and experts from the educational practice will be formed in order to create an AfL framework on problem-solving competencies in preschool children. Third, a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial will be set up to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an AfL intervention on the problem-solving competencies in preschool children.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Maeyer Sven
- Fellow: Van Elsen Joris
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Problem solved: Assessment of STEM-related problem solving in preschoolers.
Abstract
Problem solving is an essential skill for learning and living in the 21st century knowledge-based society. Preschool age is the ideal moment to foster problem-solving skills. Until now, little is known on how preschoolers solve STEM-related problems. This research project aims to develop an instrument to assess STEM-related problem-solving skills and processes in preschoolers. Assessing preschoolers' problem solving can increase the scientific knowledge base while helping to develop effective learning activities to foster their problem-solving skills. The development of a prototype is done in three steps. Through a scoping review, a synthesis is made of the existing scientific literature on assessing preschoolers' STEM-related problem-solving skills and processes. Based on the results of the review, a Delphi study is conducted. In close cooperation with a panel of researchers and practitioners, this results in a framework for assessing STEM-related problem-solving skills and processes in preschoolers. By conducting Design-Based Research, this framework is further developed into a prototype of a problem-solving assessment instrument that can be used by teachers in real classroom practice.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Maeyer Sven
- Fellow: Van Elsen Joris
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project