Usage of collaborative and reflexive technique in ecec teachers - horizontal learning in Serbia

Abstract

The Model of the professional learning community (MoPLC) is focused on supporting ECEC teachers in critical and reflective rethinking, changing, and developing their practice in cooperation with their colleagues. The MoPLC employs the following tools: communication techniques (active listening and feedback sandwich technique), question formation technique, and flipped learning method. These techniques should contribute to the development of reflexive-social practice. The aim of the study is to determine how ECEC practitioners perceive techniques of collaborative learning and critical reflection from the MoPLC to develop professional competencies related to reflexive-social practice? 103 ECEC teachers from 6 PIs estimated on 7-point scale the quality and effectiveness of the reflexive discussion and cooperation between participants and the usefulness and usage frequency of proposed techniques and methods from the MoPLC. The practitioners recognise the techniques proposed in the MoPLC as very useful for developing reflexive-social practice in the ECEC system. One of the possible explanations would be that the choice of techniques was based on the insights related to the previous usage in the ECEC professional context in Serbia, especially the one related to communication skills. The practitioners recognised that these techniques are highly related to one of the MoPLC ‘s goals. Finally, the MoPLC structure is organised to allow practitioners to use and practice these techniques continuously. Based on that, practitioners recognised that professional learning is happening in an experiential and participative manner, allowing for further development of high-quality discussions and critical analysis of their practice.