Understanding and Supporting Student Thriving in the Ontario Kindergarten Classroom
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Authors
Nesbitt, Heather
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Kindergarten , Full-Day Kindergarten , Early Childhood Education , Ontario , Thriving , Well-Being
Alternative Title
Abstract
Human thriving is often counterposed to survival and perceived as the ultimate achievable goal on a spectrum of human development and positive functioning. However, few researchers have attempted to directly tackle thriving within the educational context. Furthermore, student thriving has been largely overlooked within the literature on Kindergarten and early childhood education. Given that children’s early experiences lay the foundation for lifelong learning, development, health, and well-being, the importance of supporting children to thrive within the early years of life and school should not be overlooked.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how student thriving is conceptualized and can be supported within the context of the Ontario Kindergarten classroom from the perspective of three key stakeholders (students, educators, and parents). Through this understanding, a theory grounded in the data was developed. Six Kindergarten students, three educators (early childhood educator, Kindergarten teacher, and head administrator), and seven parents provided a rich understanding of Kindergarten student thriving and its supports. Although the language used to convey these ideas differed among the stakeholder groups, numerous commonalities and consistencies were observed across the three perspectives. These consistent themes included: positive relationships; in[ter]dependence; value of play; holistic development; and individualized experiences and diverse trajectories of thriving.
Findings from this study illustrate that thriving is a complex and multi-dimensional construct, and that supporting student thriving in the Kindergarten classroom requires a multi-faceted, integrated approach. Because no prior research has endeavoured to explore thriving within this context, and early childhood more generally, this research provides an essential starting point from which to better understand human thriving at this early stage of life and across the lifespan. Furthermore, the findings from this study offer insight into the indicators and supports of student thriving within the Kindergarten classroom, which have implications for both research and practice.
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License
CC0 1.0 Universal
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.