A study on implementation of play in kindergarten at Tampoi and Skudai, Johor

Abstract

Current perspectives on the early childhood curriculum stress the need for a play-based program for children. Although the status of play has been given due to emphasis in the Malaysian Preschool National Curriculum, the implementation of play in the daily practice may not be consistent with the curriculum guidelines. Therefore, this study set out to examine the preschool teachers perception on the implementation of play in the private preschools. This study adopts the survey method, involving 105 teachers from 35 private preschools in Tampoi and Skudai, Johor. The questionnaire comprised of 46 items modified based on the CIPP model with the focus on the Input and Process constructs. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis (mean, rank and standard deviation). Results on input evaluation revealed that although the teachers viewed play positively, they perceived possessing only average pedagogical knowledge about the implementation of play. On the other hand, the respondents believed that parents attitude towards the play concept was averagely positive. The overall appropriateness and availability of resources were also rated average. As for the process evaluation, the aspects of play management and the observation of the childrens behaviors were claimed to be average. A few suggestions were highlighted in the end of the study to enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of play in preschool curriculum.