Research project

The Playful Researchers

Eliciting children’s voices through creative and playful research methods

On this page

Members of the Playful research group jumping in the air with their hands above their heads set in the Geddes Quadrangle

Status

Active

Start date

May 2022

Completion date

June 2024

The Playful Researchers have been formed within UoD to draw together and capitalise upon staff expertise within early childhood and play pedagogies.

In addition to conducting broader research into concepts of play, the main focus of this group will be in developing innovative, creative and playful research methods to elicit children’s voices. This research group therefore seeks to align participatory research methods with developmentally appropriate practice in the early years.

This project currently has three strands:

Strand One - Children’s Voices in Action in the Primary School
Strand Two - Conceptualising Play
Strand Three - Eliciting children’s voices through creative and playful research methods

People

Project lead(s)

Dr Lynsey Burke

Project team

Professor Divya Jindal-Snape, Dr Duncan Mercieca, Mhairi Wallace, Susan Whyte, Angela Lindsay, Megan McKenzie,

Tracey Joyce

, Brenda Keatch, Patricia Thomson

The members of the Playful researchers group standing side by side in the Geddes Quadrangle

Left to right - Brenda Keatch, Mhairi Wallace, Divya Jindal Snape, Duncan Mercieca, Lynsey Burke, Susan Whyte, Angela Lindsay

Strand One - Children’s Voices in Action in the Primary school

This project is in its infancy and the research surrounding it is on-going (further details and findings expected January 2023). However, after the research team’s initial engagement with the primary school, the Headteacher and class teacher involved provided the following feedback about the impact which working with The Playful Researchers had. The data from this project is also being used to create a 'Framework for Listening to Young Children's Voices'. This will be a supportive tool for practitioners and will be shared here and disseminated widely in 2023.

Nicola Wilson and Linzi Rankin, teachers at Carronshore Primary School, talked about the impact working with Lynsey and Duncan had on their professional development.

Strand Two - Conceptualising Play

This research project is in its infancy, but seeks to uncover staff perceptions of play and to explore how children of different ages conceptualise play.

In addition to this, Dr Lynsey Burke is working a school in Clackmannanshire to support them with the development of their play pedagogy. This work will be continuing throughout 2022 – 2023, but after the first two initial sessions with the staff team, the Headteacher has provided the following feedback.

“From the initial 2 sessions, the biggest and best impact has already happened which is the motivation and excitement of staff. Lynsey has managed to inspire staff to work together to develop their play pedagogy and be committed to ensuring our young people have quality experiences. I am looking forward to the next stages of gathering evidence, responsive planning and purposeful adult interactions. ”

Julie McKenna, Headteacher, Redwell Primary School

“Working with Dr Burke has already had such a positive impact on the development of Play in our school. The input we have received has increased our own knowledge and understanding and as group we have a strategic plan to move forward. Dr Burke has helped us involve our children and families on our play journey and we re looking forward to the rest of the session. ”

Alison Given, Principal Teacher, Redwell Primary School

Staff had the following feedback for Lynsey after her first session working with the team

“As a member of teaching staff taking on my first leadership role within my establishment, working with Dr Burke has been an immensely valuable experience. I have learned key knowledge and skills when it comes to leading a team of people and staying focussed on agreed outcomes. Dr Burke has provided our establishment with a clear path for progression and a fresh focus and motivation to become a sector leading primary establishment. ”

Emma McCole, Class Teacher, Redwell Primary School

Poster notes showing the feedback from researchers in Playful researchers project. "I'm excited to involve our learners in creating a multi-sensory enabling environment..." "Very informative" "Lots of great and varied strategies for evidence learning"

Feedback from Impact of Research session 4 - "Very informative and enjoyable." "Lots of ideas." "Lots of helpful suggestions and range of approaches." "Lots of strategies for evidencing learning."

Strand Three - Eliciting children’s voices through creative and playful research methods

The Playful Researchers are collaborating with staff and children in Hallglen Primary School in Falkirk Council, to explore children's view of their play space and how they can make it better. This research will consist of two project weeks; one in November/December 2022, and the other in February 2023. Creative research methods will be used to elicit children's voices, such as drawings, mapping, puppets, Talking Mats, photovoice, clay, blocks, music and cultural probes. Alongside working with the children, the research team are also providing professional learning to the staff team.

Impact after Research Project Week 1

Poster with photos and drawings providing feedback on the Playful Researchers project

“This week has been beneficial to see different ways to gather data on children’s voice and get to hear what the children really think about the area, both outside and inside.”