Over the course of two years (September 2019 to August 2021), there will be an opportunity to focus on quality, with an emphasis on interaction quality, across several phases. Initially, a needs analysis will be conducted to assess the educational professionals’ understanding of pedagogical quality and interaction quality within the institutional education and care setting. In parallel, measurements of interaction quality will be conducted. Based on this baseline assessment, a flexible training program incorporating digital elements will be designed, tested, and evaluated.
The development, testing, and evaluation of the training concept will ensure that scientific standards are incorporated into the practice of professionals throughout Europe at the local, regional, and international levels. The evaluated training modules can be used flexibly and in a variety of ways (both in training and continuing education, as well as in pedagogical consultation).
IO 1 – Needs Analysis
Phase 1 – September 2019 – February 2020
Based on a needs analysis—which is available to the interested public in an interim report—the study will determine what specialists know about pedagogical quality and, in particular, about the quality of interactions in institutional education and care settings (N = 300). At the same time, a measurement of interaction quality will be conducted in 50–60 educational institutions. Based on this current state of the field, a flexible training program incorporating digital elements will be designed, tested, and evaluated.
- Questionnaire (N=50)
- Quality measurements – GrazIAS (8–10 institutions per country)
- Concept of the Modular Education Series (Online Evaluator Training)
IO 2 – Modular Training
Phase 2 – February 2020 – March 2021
The training program consists of a variety of learning components, live group sessions, and individual coaching. The various learning components and live group sessions take place online—which saves early childhood educators time and resources when attending continuing education courses. During the training, two additional assessments of interaction quality are conducted at the participating institutions. These results are discussed and reflected upon in two individual coaching sessions with the early childhood educators on site.
Through the development, testing, and evaluation of the training concept, it is possible to ensure that scientific standards are applied in practice by early childhood educators at the local and international levels throughout Europe.
- Learning materials (50%), Live group interaction and reflection (30%)
- Individual coaching sessions (20%) – GrazIAS
IO 3 – Digital Self-Evaluation
Phase 3 – March 2021 – August 2021
In conclusion, a digital tool for self-evaluation and self-assessment of interaction quality for early childhood professionals will be evaluated. In the future, this tool will be used by experienced early childhood educators both as a starting point and as a conclusion to further quality development processes. Its simple and intuitive interface enables experienced early childhood educators to carry out quality development and quality assurance processes professionally on site.
- Evaluation of the self-assessment tool
- Evaluation of the Modular Digital Training Series
