Capstone Portfolios as an Accreditation and Professional Development Tool: Early Childhood Candidates' Experience

IF 1.3 Q2 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Pub Date : 2024-04-20 DOI:10.1007/s13158-024-00391-4

Laila Al-Salmi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of teacher candidates enrolled in an early childhood program (BEd) towards the importance of producing the capstone portfolio. The purpose of using capstone portfolios is to provide evidence that Early Childhood Education candidates (ECEC) have met international accreditation standards as stipulated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and realize the culminating development of their study in shaping the desired teacher qualities in their program of study. The perspectives of two cohorts of teacher candidates (a total of six participants) were investigated to report their views on the experience of creating capstone portfolios. Interviews and artefact analysis were used to collect data. The study revealed that Early Childhood Education candidates consolidated theory and practice through their capstone portfolios. The findings also revealed that the capstone portfolio, besides being evidence for meeting the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation standards, served as a means for learning and professional development. These findings show that capstone portfolios are effective not only for meeting accreditation standards but also for allowing candidates to connect the dots and fully view their overall learning as ECE professionals.

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作为认证和专业发展工具的顶点作品集：幼儿教育候选人的经验

本研究旨在调查就读幼儿教育专业（BEd）的师范生对制作毕业设计作品集重要性的看法。使用毕业设计作品集的目的是为了提供证据，证明幼儿教育专业（ECEC）的学生已经达到了美国国家幼儿教育协会（NAEYC）规定的国际认证标准，并实现了他们在学习过程中的顶点发展，在他们的学习计划中塑造了理想的教师素质。我们调查了两批师范生（共六名参与者）的观点，以报告他们对创建顶点作品集经历的看法。研究采用访谈和人工制品分析的方法收集数据。研究显示，幼儿教育专业的学生通过毕业设计作品集巩固了理论和实践。研究结果还显示，毕业设计作品集除了是达到全美幼儿教育协会认证标准的证据外，还是一种学习和专业发展的手段。这些研究结果表明，毕业设计作品集不仅能有效地达到认证标准，还能让考生将各点联系起来，全面了解自己作为幼教专业人员的整体学习情况。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

6.20

自引率

4.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Early Childhood (IJEC) aims to bring the global early childhood community together to facilitate exchange of research knowledge. Its purpose is to contribute to scientific debate and research in early childhood fields of practice in early education and care. Articles published in this journal have a primary focus on children aged from birth to eight years. IJEC primarily publishes empirical research reports but also accepts reviews of research, including systematic literature reviews. IJEC accepts articles employing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, using discipline knowledge from education, and across the social sciences, and including research conducted in low- and middle-income countries. IJEC has a strong applied focus and seeks articles that draw out implications for policy and professional practice across national contexts. The journal also publishes essays and book reviews focused on early childhood.