Page 202 - Ana Mlekuž in Igor Ž. Žagar, ur. • Raziskovanje v vzgoji in izobraževanju: Izobraževanje učiteljic in učiteljev za raziskovalno učenje in poučevanje. Ljubljana: Pedagoški inštitut, 2024. Digitalna knjižnica, Dissertationes 48

raziskovanje v vzgoji in izobraževanju: izobraževanje učiteljic in učiteljev ...
Ključne besede: predšolska vzgoja in izobraževanje, skupinska refleksija,
profesionalni razvoj, reflektivne metode, profesionalna učeča se skupnost

The use of different methods of group reflection
and the perception of kindergarten staff on their influence
Mateja Mlinar, Petra Bozovičar
The article discusses the impact of various group reflection methods on
professional staff in a preschool setting. The primary aim is to explore
how group reflection can enhance the quality of preschool education and
strengthen the reflective practices of professional staff.
Reflective thinking is essential for the professional development of educa-
tional staff, as group reflection has proven to be an effective method for fos-
tering collaboration and improving the quality of work. The REC project
(Strengthening Collaborative and Reflective Teaching Practices), conduct-
ed between 2020 and 2023, was designed to test different methods of group
reflection in preschool educational institutions across several countries.
In partner preschools, various group reflection methods were introduced,
including Professional Learning Communities, Wanda, Video Coaching,
and Observation with Reflective Conversation. The entire process with-
in these reflective groups was continuously monitored through question-
naires, focus groups, interviews, and the qualitative evaluation method
MSC (Most Significant Change). Several positive effects were identified,
such as increased trust, heightened awareness of the importance of reflec-
tion, improved work quality, and enhanced mutual support.
Based on the participants’ experiences and the observed effects of these re-
flective methods, we also developed guidelines and recommendations for
improving preschool education practices at the EU level.
Keywords: Early Education and Care, group reflection, professional devel-
opment, reflective methods, professional learning community

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