PhD ceremony: Ms. B.Y. Bijlsma-Smoorenburg: 'Zie je ze GROEIen!?'

PhD ceremony: Ms. B.Y. Bijlsma-Smoorenburg, 14.30 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: 'Zie je ze GROEIen!?' Hoe observatie van authentiek gedrag, evaluatie en planning met GOLD™-NL het pedagogisch handelen van voorschoolse professionals kan versterken

Promotor(s): prof. A.E.M.G. Minnaert, prof. L.W.C. Tavecchio

Faculty: Behavioural and Social Sciences

A framework named “GROEI” (GRoninger Ontwikkelingsvolgmodel Educatie en Interventie) was introduced in order to improve teaching competence of teachers working with a diversity young children 0 to 4 years old. The frameworks ultimate goal is to empower children for a good start with formal learning situations in primary school. In the present research the support for GROEI and the usability of the Dutch version of the authentic assessment system GOLDTM within GROEI was explored.

A total of 17 teachers, 58 students and 86 children participated in this field study that was carried out in the province of Fryslân (Netherlands). Both, quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Qualitative measures were used to study factors influencing teaching practices in the process of implementing GOLD. Results show teachers are positive about the usability of GOLD. Also results suggest the application of GOLD™ decreases the number of teachers reporting worries about a child and need for support significantly. Inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent of GOLD™ rank from sufficient to very good.

Bringing in focus groups factors influencing implementation of GROEI were explored. Policymakers, managers, and professionals from different services were included. The results of the focus groups show wide support for GROEI. The discussion centers on strategies for strengthening the preventive functions of day care and preschool facilities. The importance of a systematic and well- planned teaching strategy, using a scientifically based child assessment and monitoring system, as well as the importance to facilitate educational supervision and transdisciplinary cooperation is being stressed.