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osu1041344696.pdf (3.34 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Building Community, Making It Visible: Kindergarten Constructions

Wightman, Susanne Erdy
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1041344696

Abstract Details

2003, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Educational Theory and Practice.
This microethnography, situated within an interpretive framework of qualitative, educational research, focuses on a group of kindergartners in a large, urban city school system in the Midwest as they co-construct a learning community with their teacher/researcher. Using photographs, field notes, transcription, and multiple perspectives from teacher and children, a cycle of interpretation emerges that helps both parties reflect on their community as it is co-constructed. Drawing on social constructivist theoy, constructivist grounded theory methodology, and strategies from participant/observer methodology, the model that emerges is dynamic and child-friendly. I begin by establishing routines that support the child's voice in the decision-making process. I then develop a recursive narrative that generates theory from the actions of those who live it. I analyze the findings and discuss the complications of working with children while researching them. I end by suggesting that this process, or cycle of interpretation, can inform teacher practice, professional development, and parent understandings about the nature of the child and what it means to co-construct a caring community.
David Fernie (Advisor)
316 p.
Education, Early Childhood
microthnograpy; kindergarten; co-construction; Reggio Emilia; urban public school; documentation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wightman, S. E. (2003). Building Community, Making It Visible: Kindergarten Constructions [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1041344696

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wightman, Susanne. Building Community, Making It Visible: Kindergarten Constructions. 2003. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1041344696.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wightman, Susanne. "Building Community, Making It Visible: Kindergarten Constructions." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1041344696

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1041344696
3,190
© 2003, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.