Promoting problem-solving competencies in preschool children through Assessment for Learning

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.

Keywords:PROBLEM SOLVING

Disciplines:Science, technology and engineering curriculum and pedagogics, Preschool education and kindergarten, Didactics of school subjects, Educational technology, Instructional psychology and instructional design

Project type:Collaboration project