Developing scientific literacy among children in early years (4-5 years) in Australia
Principal Supervisor: Dr Shukla Sikder
Co-Supervisor: Associate Professor Will Letts
Developing scientific literacy among children in their early years focuses on science content knowledge and its applicability to real-life situations. Several studies have been conducted involving higher primary and secondary students; however, little research exists in the early years. Furthermore, developing scientific literacy in early years in play-based learning settings using the cultural-historical lens is also an undiscovered area. To meet this knowledge gap, this study will explore how children’s scientific literacy is developed in play-based settings in early years (4-5 years). Four specific research questions will investigate: 1) How do the Early Years Learning Framework of Australia promote scientific literacy through play in the early years in Australia?, 2) What are educators’ perceptions of scientific literacy through play-based learning in the early years in Australia?, 3) How do educators develop children’s scientific literacy through play-based learning in the early years in Australia?, and 4) What are parents’ perceptions of developing scientific literacy through play among children in the early years in Australia? A mixed-methods research design is planned, and several data collection techniques, including surveys, digital video observation and stimulus recall interviews, will be applied. Along with the policy review, children’s play-based activities will be observed through digital video observation. Two surveys will be administered to understand the perceptions of educators and parents. Stimulus recall interviews with the educators will be conducted to understand the process deeply. Two early learning centres or preschools will purposively be selected for data collection. The study will explore the process of developing scientific literacy among children in the early years in a holistic way.
After completing my Master of Science in Educational Science and Technology from the University of Twente, Netherlands, I applied for a PhD position at Charles Sturt University, Australia. I received the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) - International scholarship to continue my PhD journey. I have been working as a PhD researcher since February 2022.
Research Assistant, Project: Science and engineering learning in play-based practice as part of established cultural context: Co-creating storybooks based on STEM play, School of Education, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia.
Member, The Early Childhood Interdisciplinary Research Group, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
Member, Cultural-Historical Research Group, School of Education, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
Member, Australian Association for Research in Education, Melbourne, Australia
Technical Team Member, Education Watch Group, Campaign for Popular Education, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Life Member, Bangladesh Forum for Educational Development, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Full list of publications in CRO
