Repository of DUTH

The project method in kindergarten- (Master thesis)

Υδραγωγού, Ναταλία/ Ydragogou, Natalia/ Στελέχη Εκπαίδευσης στις Επιστήμες της Αγωγής/ Educational Leadership, Management and Administration

The present study aims to investigate the project method in kindergarten education. Through a review of the relevant literature, the main characteristics of the method, its individual stages, the challenges and obstacles that arise during its implementation, as well as its significant benefits for students, are highlighted. In addition, a comparison is made between the project method and other equally well-known approaches applied in Early Childhood Education. This is followed by a review of the literature and the research component of the study, within the framework of which interviews were conducted with general education kindergarten teachers in Greece. The views of the kindergarten teachers regarding the organization and implementation of the project method, its evaluation, as well as the difficulties and obstacles encountered and the factors that contribute to the successful or unsuccessful implementation of such a program, are presented. The analysis of the data indicates that the project method requires proper preparation and sufficient knowledge of the students, in order to address their needs at both cognitive and psychological levels. Finally, the importance of incorporating students’ interests into the implementation of a project is emphasized, as this contributes to its successful completion.