Abstract:
Outdoor play is a required pedagogy in early years’ curricula. However, there is lack of a
clear picture on current beliefs and practices of outdoor play in children's learning. The
purpose of this paper is to examine beliefs and practice of preschool teachers towards
outdoor play in Kombolcha city administration. Explanatory sequential design was employed
and the study sample comprised 70 preschool teachers drawn from 167 target population via
comprehensive sampling technique and 13 principals from 37 target population. Preschool
teachers’ beliefs and practice of outdoor play were measured through a teacher-self reported
questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, one sample t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient,
multiple regression, one way ANOVA and independent t-test were used to analyze the data
and to find out statistical results. Results show that majority of preschool teachers had high
beliefs on outdoor play, minority of them had low level of practice on outdoor. The finding
from Pearson correlation coefficient showed that beliefs of outdoor play had not relationship
with practice of outdoor play. Finding from regression analysis indicated that teachers'
training and experience were found to statistically significant predictors of practice of
outdoor play whereas preschool management & physical environment and playing equipment
did not statistically predict practice of outdoor play. Low practice of outdoor play is linked
to lack of out-door playing materials, inadequate playing ground and age inappropriate
material. Preschool teachers training and experience are also cited as a major factor in
the low practice of outdoor play by teachers.To conclude when teachers are motivated and
provided with a wide range of play materials they were more likely to use play as a teaching
strategy, a practice which would result in making learning enjoyable and effective. To
improve the use of outdoor play as a teaching strategy in pre-primary schools, capacity
building for preschool managers,teachers and other stakeholders will necessary. And it is
better to adjust or fulfill physical environment of preschools and playing equipment.
Keywords: beliefs, practice, teachers, outdoor play materials and preschool