IngentaConnect Documenting possibility thinking': a journey of collaborative enq...

Authors: Burnard, Pamela¹; Craft, Anna²; Cremin, Teresa³; Duffy, Bernadette⁴; Hanson, Ruth⁴; Keene, Jean⁵; Haynes, Lindsay⁵; Burns, Dawn⁶

Source: International Journal of Early Years Education, Volume 14, Number 3, October 2006 , pp. 243-262(20)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

Drawing on existing work in the area of creativity and early years education, this paper maps the process of an exploratory study which sought to identify what characterizes `possibility thinking' as an aspect of creativity in young children's learning. With the aim of developing a framework for identifying `possibility thinking' in the contexts of three early years settings, the authors explore key tenets of a model for conceptualizing (and rethinking) `possibility thinking' and attempt to reconcile some of the methodological challenges inherent in documenting this aspect of creativity in early years contexts. With the co‐participation of five early years teachers as researchers, three university‐based researchers worked collaboratively, in a funnel‐like process, over the three‐phase development of the project. With the emphasis on mapping the developing conceptualizations of `possibility thinking' and the appropriateness of multimodal methods in naturalistic enquiry, the research team explicates and argues the need for sharing methodological approaches in researching young children's thinking. The data arising from this research provide powerful insights into the characteristics of `possibility thinking' which most successfully promote creativity, and the authors conclude with a consideration of the implications for future research, practice and practitioner research in early years contexts.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/09669760600880001

Affiliations: 1: University of Cambridge, UK 2: The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK 3: Canterbury Christ Church University, UK 4: Thomas Coram Early Childhood Centre, London, UK 5: Cunningham Hill Infant School, Hertfordshire, UK 6: Hackleton Primary School, Northamptonshire, UK

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$38.34 plus tax Refund Policy

Documenting `possibility thinking': a journey of collaborative enquiry