The expression lifelong learning is currently present in all learning process studies which imply that presently, the learning process can no longer end with formal qualifications. While in the past learning was considered useful, today it is more or less necessary in all professions, including educators. This master’s thesis explores innovations in preschool educational practices, especially how enabled and encouraged innovations are by preschool managers and how preschool teachers feel during the innovation process.
The theoretical part derives from subjective theories of preschool teachers as they greatly influence the possibility of innovative educational practices. I focused on the motivation of preschool teachers to develop and modify practices and the role of leadership in this process. I presented some of the known conclusions and highlighted the findings of theoretical and empirical research in these areas. I presented some already established and tested ways of preschool training: A preschool teacher as a reflective expert ( M. Šagud , 2006) , action research in education ( E. Slunjski , 2011) , and the so called Construction theory ( A. Miljak, 2009).
In the empirical part I interviewed six preschool managers in Slovenia and Croatia and tried to determine their view of the changes taking place in educational work and innovative practice the preschools they manage, and how they define their own roles in this process. I also gave surveys to preschool teachers of these same preschools to assess their perspective of innovation, their role in the innovation process and the support they get from the management during the process. I used descriptive quantitative and qualitative research methods and objectively described the current views of management teams and educators in introducing innovations in educational practices.
I expect that the results of this research will contribute to understanding of changes or innovations in educational practices and show which systemic arrangements restrict innovation and how management promotes or inhibits the introduction of innovations. Above all, I expect that the results will help understand educators the responsibility of preschool management for innovations in educational practices and the quest for quality educational work.
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