A1 Journal article (refereed)
A comparative analysis of movement and physical activity in early childhood teacher education policy in five Nordic countries (2024)


Breum Christiansen, L., Ekberg, J.-E., Soini, A., Larsen, R., Kristjánsdóttir, G., Froberg, K., Sollerhed, A.-C., Sääkslahti, A., Fjørtoft, I., Vilhjálmsson, R., & Grønholt Olesen, L. (2024). A comparative analysis of movement and physical activity in early childhood teacher education policy in five Nordic countries. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, Article 1352520. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1352520


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Breum Christiansen, Lars; Ekberg, Jan-Eric; Soini, Anne; Larsen, Robert; Kristjánsdóttir, Gudrún; Froberg, Karsten; Sollerhed, Ann-Christin; Sääkslahti, Arja; Fjørtoft, Ingunn; Vilhjálmsson, Rúnar; et al.

Journal or series: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

eISSN: 2624-9367

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 05/04/2024

Volume: 6

Article number: 1352520

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1352520

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94296


Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the integration of movement and physical activity (MoPA) within Early Childhood Teacher Education (ECTE) policies across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. This knowledge can inform the development of ECTE policies and practices that promote MoPA in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Nordic countries and other countries worldwide.

Methods: In this study, a Nordic cross-national network of researchers collaborated in investigating policy documents at the national and university levels, which govern the education of ECEC teachers. This study was inspired by the Non-affirmative Theory of Education, which provides a framework for understanding the various influences on curricular development in higher education. Based on this, a four-step comparative analytical process of national and university documents across the Nordic countries was conducted. It included keyword search for MoPA related courses and a qualitative description of MoPA in ECTE. Thus, a combination of investigations of policy documents at the national and university level and expert knowledge set a solid foundation for international comparison.

Results: The comparative analysis of MoPA in ECTE reveals diverse approaches influenced by national and university policies. A central theme is the variability in MoPA integration across these nations. Finland and Norway prioritize MoPA with independent mandatory courses. In Iceland, compulsory MoPA courses exist at one of two universities, and in Sweden at three out of 19. All university colleges in Denmark offer an elective course. Furthermore, learning objectives related to MoPA are, to varying degrees, part of the internships in the countries, with Sweden being an exception. In the participating countries, the teachers decide the content of the MoPA courses with little guidance, support, and agreement on essential MoPA content within and across the ECTE's. Norway has established guidelines, and in Finland, there is a network of ECTE Physical Education (PE) educators, which, to some degree, increases the consistency and quality of MoPA in education.

Discussion: The Nordic countries present diverse MoPA integration approaches rooted in national policies and educational traditions. The findings emphasize the necessity of independent and mandatory MoPA courses, integration of MoPA into internships and promoting networks across the educational and academic sectors to equip future early childhood educators with competencies for fostering physical activity, motor development and children's well-being.


Keywords: preschool children (age group); physical activity; physical development; early childhood education and care; early childhood education and care teachers; teacher training; education policy; international comparison

Free keywords: education policies; preschool; early childhood education; international comparison; physical development and movement


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 10:21