유아의 자유놀이시간과 교사의 역할에 대한 예비유아교사들의 인식: 포토보이스를 중심으로

Pre-Service Early Childhood Teachers' Perceptions of Young Children’s Free Play Time and the Roles of Teachers : Focusing on Photovoice

Objective: This study aimed to investigate Pre-service early childhood teachers' perceptions and roles regarding young children’s free play time. Methods: The study utilized the photovoice method and involved 21 pre-service early childhood teachers who expressed interest in participating. Participants were enrolled in an infants teaching methodology class in B city. The study involved four virtual meetings conducted via untact teams, and the automatic recordings of these meetings were transcribed for analysis. Results: The results revealed that pre-service early childhood teachers recognized young children’s free play time as a period to enjoy full freedom, develop as the main agent of their lives, and express their imagination. Furthermore, pre-service early childhood teachers perceived their roles during young children’s free play time as a specialist infant observer, a connector between play and learning, and a versatile supporter. Conclusion/Implications: The findings suggest the need for a systematic curriculum to provide pre-service early childhood teachers with a balanced perspective and awareness of the meaning of free play and teacher roles. The study highlights the importance of expanding pre-practice courses for observation of play and field-oriented curriculum for incumbent teachers.