Educational Innovation: Inquiry-Based Learning Projects at EtonHouse Preschool
Education_BH: Innovation and Excellence celebrates the remarkable innovations implemented in Bahrain’s schools and universities. We learned about these innovations, the process, the challenges, and the lessons learned from some of the leading educational institutions in the Kingdom. Read more in our latest issue.
A play-based learning model that encourages relationship-building, communication, and collaboration in the early years.
Our school innovation focuses on the Reggio Emilia approach to Inquiry-Based Learning through play-based project learning using natural resources. Our Reggio-inspired classrooms and settings are designed to encourage relationships, communication and collaboration through play. The classrooms are thoughtfully incorporated to encourage creativity, problem-solving work, experimentation, exploration and open-ended play.
How was the innovation planned?
We plan our innovations through educational scientific research. Researchers have found five characteristics that embody educational play experiences, those that are meaningful, actively engaging, joyful, iterative, and socially interactive (Zosh et. al. 2017).
What were the challenges faced during implementation?
Parents were at first reluctant to accept play-based inquiry learning. However, after sufficient time and visible results, it was apparent that the approach is the future of early learning.
Give us a brief assessment of your results:
Our innovation allows children to explore, inquire and develop their critical and cognitive skills. It creates social and emotional development, expanding their exploration skills. This allows children to become researchers, independent, and confident in their skills and actions.
In hindsight, what were the most valuable lessons learned while implementing the innovation? Could things have been done differently?
The process of teaching and training staff on implementing the innovations was a significant learning.
