Below are some of the thesis that illustrate the breath of research that has been done by UBC’s graduate students in the field of early childhood education.
Mahshid Ghaffartehrani, M.A.
This thesis presents a case study of the family literacy practices of an Iranian refugee family and an Iranian immigrant family, both with a young child (aged between 6-9) in Canada.
Read More
Karima Rehmani, M.A.
Informed by a disability studies framework, this qualitative study examined early childhood educators’ perspectives on inclusive teaching practices. It contributed recommendations to address both early childhood teacher education programs leading to a Basic ECE certificate and/or Post-Basic ECE certificate in Special Needs and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) work environments in British Columbia (BC).
Read More
Melanie Walters, M.A.
This particular Canadian research study took place in a large western Canadian city at a mixed-age early childhood center. It discussed the phenomenon of risky play in its conceptualized form (Sandseter, 2007), as a socially constructed and contested idea, and as a complex topic for reconsideration in young children’s play.
Read More
Annie Montague, M.A.
This research in the emergent field of Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (ECEfS) seeks to understand how diverse educational contexts shape young learner’s relationships to their multifaceted environments. It is based on qualitative fieldwork conducted at world-renowned Green School in Bali, Indonesia.
Read More
Mariel Gómez, M.A.
This study utilizes a multiple-case study to investigate the knowledge, experience, and needs regarding professional development opportunities of Chilean early childhood educators attending the two main institutions offering state-funded early childhood education in Chile. Participants expressed several needs that in their view would maximize the potential benefits of professional development activities.
Read More
Nancy van Groll, M.A.
Using a narrative methodological approach informed by a common worlds theoretical framework, Nancy van Groll's research was undertaken at a forest preschool in coastal British Columbia to surface and assemble rich, detailed and relational insight into child-place relationships.
Read More
Negar Khondarahmi, M.A.
Trauma-exposed students can pose a variety of different levels of challenges to schools and educators of young children and to date, few studies have addressed ECE teachers’ role in providing trauma support. An aim of the present study was to contribute to this literature by exploring the beliefs of BC early childhood education (ECE) teachers in their level of readiness and capability to work within a trauma-informed practice (TIP) framework to support their trauma-exposed students.
Read More
Laurel Donison, M.A.
Much of the research done on outdoor play includes adult’s perspectives and observations. Since children are the main users of these outdoor play spaces in early years settings it is essential that their perspectives are taken into consideration. The purpose of this study was to explore children’s perspectives of the elements of the outdoor play space available to them.
Read More
Teresa Prendergast, Ph.D.
Prior research has investigated the home and preschool literacy experiences of young children with significant disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore how early literacy is supported by communities.
Read More
Claudia Díaz Díaz, Ph.D.
In the context of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canadian early childhood education needs to rethink its curriculum and pedagogies. This study examines how young children (3-5 years old) learn about diversity and social responsibility in a childcare centre in East Vancouver.
Read More