PLAY-BASED LEARNING FOR KINDERGARTEN: AN OVERVIEW STUDY

Abstract

The article reviews a number of research projects on play-based learning for kindergarten. The research questions for this article are “What do scientists say about play-based learning? Is there any difference between domestic and international studies?”. The author has read, analyzed and synthesized 36 documents related to play-based learning. To perform this study, the author has synthesized some content about play-based learning such as genres, organizational goals, and differences in domestic and foreign research. Research results has shown some main points: In Vietnam, when mention about play – based learning, the authors almost exclusively refer to “learning games”, the meaning of this game to the intellectual development of children; some authors suggest learning games for teachers and encourage the active role of teachers. Meanwhile, international studies show many differences in the nature of play-based learning and its benefits; on the other hand, the authors have many conflicting arguments about the active role of children and the “supporting” task of the teacher.