Browsing by Subject "narration"

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of children outside a day-care center. Children photographed moments when they felt that they had exceeded themselves. The photographs were viewed in the day-care center during common morning gatherings. In this study it was examined how visual tools and narration support the mediation of child's experience. In addition it was also examined what kind of experiences were photographs mediating. In this study the experience is defined by the interaction between individual and environment (Vygotksky 1978 & 1998b). When examining experiences different environments are taken into account by using Bronfenbrenner's (1979) theory. The theoretical framework is based on socio-cultural theory. Research material was collected in peer group whose activity was guided by the principles of the positive pedagogy. Positive pedagogy highlights child's active role and participation in different environments. Aim of this orientation is to support children's well-being in everyday life. Children's meaningful experiences and positive feelings are in the center in positive pedagogy. These feelings were tried to be reached by visual methods. The study is qualitative case study that examines the experiences of one group of children. It is based upon 'children as co-researchers' methodology. The study involved 20 three to five year old children from a one peer group. Research material consists of photographs that children have taken at home, captions of the photographs, narration of children and notes of the kindergarten teacher. The material was analyzed by using method of content analysis. The results of the study indicate that visual tools encouraged child to narration. Children photographed themselves and their close relatives at home and in the neighborhood. During the common morning gatherings the child was the expert of the situation because he knew what the photograph was about. The project which was directed by the positive pedagogy also helped parents and the staff of the day-care center to better co-operate. The study indicates that visual tools and narration are valuable methods in the pursuit of child's experience.