Browsing by Author "Lohi, Noora"

The problems and the difficulties of measuring the quality of early childhood education are challenging tasks for early childhood educators and researchers. Various quality assessment methods and indicators have been developed in Finland and around the world for many years. One of the most widely used tools for assessing the quality of learning environment in the world is ECERS (the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale). The tool evaluates the quality of the learning environment, mainly structural quality. The purpose of this study is to find out the quality factors of the learning environment of early childhood education in six day-care centers in a total of 16 groups in the metropolitan area using the ECERS-R meter. The aim of the research is to evaluate the quality of the learning environment and to find development targets. Measurements were made through self-evaluation. Each group evaluated their own learning environment by completing the 43 subscale ECERS-R form, with its indicators on a scale 1-7. The results of each of the 43 subgroups were compiled according to the meter´s instructions. After that means and standard deviations were calculated. Due to the small sample (n = 16), nonparametric methods were used in the analysis. The quality of the learning environments in the examined groups was on a good level. Special strengths were found in subgroups interaction (mean 6,61/7) and language and reasoning (mean 6,23/7), both with quality on an excellent level. Developmental targets were found in space and furnishings (mean 3,46/7), especially in the indoor air quality, lighting, temperature and functionality. The other development target was found under learning activities (mean 4,29/7). This research shows that especially children's access to nature and science, to experience music and to move and the promotion of tolerance must be developed. As a quality assessment method, the ECERS-R meter is wide, but its content and use should be critically examined. As this study demonstrates, the meter is suitable for quality management and can be used to find out the structural qualities and the development needs of the learning environment.