Conducive environment for teaching and learning of early literacy in a private Malaysian kindergarten / Jayamary Sundaram

Jayamary , Sundaram (2020) Conducive environment for teaching and learning of early literacy in a private Malaysian kindergarten / Jayamary Sundaram. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

Literacy is the different ways that children connect meanings to the various literacy items that they come into contact through the use of reading, writing and oral language. Early literacy or emergent literacy skills begin as soon as a child is born until the time he/she is exposed to formal reading and writing instructions. It includes the literacy knowledge, skills and attitudes that the child acquires throughout this period. Research reveals that early literacy instructions is of utmost importance as these early learning experiences could lead to better educational accomplishment and a more productive adult life. This exploratory qualitative study is undertaken to explore an environment that is conducive for the teaching and learning of early literacy in English at a Malaysian private kindergarten over time. The study is carried out with fifteen children aged four plus and their English teacher in a private kindergarten in a suburban residential area in Selangor that is legally registered with the MOE, whereby its curriculum is guided by the National Preschool Curriculum (2017). The NPSC encourages a play-based approach as a guide to improve the quality of teaching and learning of the preschool children. Since the aim of the NPSC is to develop the potential of preschoolers holistically, a well-developed theory of human development is suitable to provide the framework for this study. Hence, the Bronfenbrenner‟s Bioecological Theory of Human Development is selected for this study. Besides this, the Total Physical Response Method which states that children learn a second language in the similar way as they learn the first language and the Constructivist Theory which states that children construct meaning based on first hand interaction through play as they learn and develop in a holistic manner have also influenced this study. Data for this study is collected via the process of observation, interview and document analysis. The data is analysed using the Braun and Clarke six-step thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the limited space available in the kindergarten was a hindrance in carrying out play-based activities, and the lack of storage for teaching resources restricted the teacher from adding new resources to her collection. In addition, the result also showed that the teacher lacked understanding on how English is taught as a second language to kindergarteners and also knowledge on Early Childhood Development. The findings of this study will firstly provide an insight to future planners and designers of kindergarten buildings into how the physical environment of the classroom affects the learning of the English Language. Therefore measures have to be taken to plan appropriate features in the buildings to accommodate play base activities. Secondly, this study will enlighten kindergarten administrators on the importance of setting aside a substantial amount of funds for teaching aids and storage space for these resources. Finally, this study will provide a clear insight to the English Language teacher on the skills that is needed to be an effective English Language teacher in a kindergarten.

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