ORGANIZATION - PEDAGOGICAL USE OF THE SPACES IN THE SUSTAINABLE KINDERGARTEN: VIEWS OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION GRADUATE STUDENTS

Vasileios Papavasileiou­¹*, Eleni Nikolaou², Yota Xanthacou³, Agapitos Xanthis⁴ Dimitrios Matzanos⁵, Maria Kaila^6
1Assist. Prof. Dr., University of the Aegean, Greece, vpapavasileiou@rhodes.aegean.gr
²Lecturer Dr., University of the Aegean, Greece, enikolaou@rhodes.aegean.gr
³Prof. Dr., University of the Aegean, Greece, xanthakou@rhodes.aegean.gr
⁴Dr., University of the Aegean, Greece, a.xanthis@rhodes.aegean.gr
⁵Dr., University of the Aegean, Greece, matzanos@rhodes.aegean.gr
⁶Prof. Dr., University of the Aegean, Greece, kaila@rhodes.aegean.gr
*Corresponding author

Abstract

The current research studies the pedagogical actions in the various areas of the sustainable kindergarten. Its aim is to investigate the views of the graduate students- prospective preschool teachers on the pedagogical dimension of the areas of the sustainable kindergarten. The survey was conducted from April to June 2018. Case study was chosen as the main method, employing a questionnaire as the main methodological tool. The selection of the sample was based on random sampling. The sample of the survey consisted of 120 graduate students of the Department of Sciences of Preschool Education and Educational Design of the University of the Aegean in Rhodes (Greece).
The results of the research show that the majority of students believe that the coloration of a classroom, natural lighting, heating, natural ventilation and good acoustics affect the pedagogical process. They also regard that in the preschool teachers' office, paper should be used sparingly, they agree with the use of recyclable paper only and equipment with modern electronic devices. Moreover, they also agree on the electrical heaters, as well as the water heater, though, they are energy-consuming. Regarding the auxiliary premises within the building, they consider that they should have paper recycle bins and compost bins, which indicates that they do not know exactly what their use and operation is. They also think they should be cleaned and disinfected daily with chlorine, which has negative effects. With regard to the multi-purpose room, they state that they are necessary in the context of a sustainable school. As far as the library is concerned, they think it should be located in a familiar and accessible place for children. Finally, regarding the courtyard, they believe that it should also be used for the implementation of pedagogical and environmental activities, after taking care to protect kindergarten children.

Keywords: Preschool education, sustainable kindergarten, pedagogical activities, school premises