Preschool Educators’ Perspectives on Dialogic Literacy in Preschoolers

Abstract

This research delves into the perceptions and expressions of dialogic literacy among preschool teachers, seeking to explore dimensions such as its definition, significance, strategies, assessment methods, and parental involvement. The study engaged a cohort of 15 educators, comprising 10 females and 5 males, selected based on their experience and qualifications in early childhood education. Through semi-structured interviews, these teachers provided rich and detailed insights, forming the basis for a thorough examination of dialogic literacy in the preschool setting. Intentionally diverse, the participant pool included educators from various preschool environments, both public and private, aiming to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives and approaches. This deliberate variation facilitated the exploration of potential disparities in understanding and implementing dialogic literacy across different contexts. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study emphasized semi-structured interviews as the primary method of data collection. The interview questions covered key aspects, including definitions, teacher strategies, classroom activities, assessment methods, and parental engagement. The design aimed to extract comprehensive responses, allowing participants to share their unique perspectives, experiences, and practices related to communicative proficiency in early childhood education. Thematic analysis was applied to categorize and organize the interview data, unveiling common patterns and themes. To enhance the study's reliability, methodologies such as member checking, peer debriefing, and triangulation were employed. The research maintained a strong ethical foundation, prioritizing participant privacy, confidentiality, and voluntary involvement throughout the entire process. The findings present a holistic understanding of dialogic literacy implementation in diverse preschool settings, enriched by the inclusion of educators with a minimum of two years of teaching experience. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of early childhood education, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of dialogic literacy and its versatile application across different educational contexts.