Research Studies in Early Childhood Education

This book provides original accounts of twelve research studies in early childhood settings and a discussion of key issues in early childhood education research. It focuses first on learning in the foundation stage and then on working with difference and diversity in preschool settings. Key themes are teaching and learning and the issues which affect them in the early years. The contributors also identify methodological concerns in researching early childhood education and offer suggestions for further progress. Contents include: Researching early childhood education in the 21st century; Quality in teaching and learning; Assessing mathematics; Well-being and involvement; Work with families; Children's early writing; gender issues; Persona dolls; Managing behaviours and children's rights; Children's experiences of inclusion; Early excellence in the community, baseline assessment, Researching the future. The book is designed to help students researching in the field of early childhood education and also practitioners who want to put research findings to use. The contributors include Sue Allingham, Tracey Berry, Julie Bravery, Debbie Critchley, Di Chilvers, Polly Dyer, Gill Farmer, Vicky Grant, Ramona Kahn, Anne Kirkpatrick, Christine Parker, Nicky Walters and Sue Webster. The editor, Cathy Nutbrown, directs the MA in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.