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Enhancing the quality of teacher-child interactions in Singapore pre-school classrooms
Citation
Karuppiah, N. (2021). Enhancing the quality of teacher-child interactions in Singapore pre-school classrooms. Journal of Childhood, Education & Society, 2(1), 58-68. https://doi.org/10.37291/2717638X.20212187
Abstract
This exploratory study was aimed primarily at developing baseline data on the quality of teacher-child interactions in Singapore pre-school classrooms. Data were collected through observations of teacher-child interactions in 80 pre-schools, using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) in the three key domains which are 1) Emotional Support, 2) Classroom Organisation, and 3) Instructional Support (Pianta, La Paro, & Hamre, 2008). It was found that the overall quality of teacher-child interactions in the Singapore pre-school classrooms was low to moderate, with Instruction Support being the lowest. This finding is similar to that found in studies conducted in many other countries including China and the U.S. (Slot, 2017). Possible reasons and explanations will be presented, and suggestions to improve or enhance the quality of teacher-child interactions will be proposed. This study has implications on pre-school teacher education and professional development as well as government policies and regulations for the Singapore pre-school sector.
Publisher
Journal of Childhood, Education & Society
Journal
Journal of Childhood, Education & Society
DOI
10.37291/2717638X.20212187
Project
OER 09/14 RB
Grant ID
Education Research Funding Programme (ERFP)
Funding Agency
Ministry of Education, Singapore