Research Presentations

Living in Pasteur’s Quadrant: Follow-Up Conversation

Join Kathy Hirsh-Pasek for an interactive conversation to further explore her work in language, literacy and playful learning. We will discuss our insights on how science can be shared in a way that preserves its integrity and increases its utility for the wider community.

KATHY HIRSH-PASEK

Debra and Stanley Lefkowitz Distinguished Faculty Fellow/Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution

Department of Psychology
Temple University

Not Just for the Children: Teachers' Development in Using Play as a Learning Medium

This qualitative study explores the process of professional development of four early childhood teachers as they attempt to expand play-based learning in their classrooms. The study includes interviews, focus groups and play-based methodology. Findings highlight a transformational process of becoming a "play" teacher, giving insight into how to help design professional development programs and school policies that support play in early childhood education.

DEBORA WISNESKI

John T. Langan Professor in Early Childhood Education/Associate Professor

Department of Teacher Education
University of Nebraska Omaha

Download Presentation

---

Learning Through Play: An Anti-Racist Perspective

While much scholarly attention has been paid to the benefits of play-based learning, far less research has examined how such an approach may, in fact, reproduce racial inequities among young racialized children. This session explores how key tenets of anti-racist theory can inform and enhance pedagogical practices that accent play-based learning in early childhood education.

KERRY-ANN ESCAYG

Assistant Professor

Department of Teacher Education
University of Nebraska Omaha

Download Presentation

---

I Dare You To: Taking Risks in Play

Some of the play that is the most uncomfortable and dangerous for adults is deemed risky or rough play, yet difficult play encounters can be the context in which children learn and develop physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. Examples of taking risks in play will be provided from an observational study of a nationally recognized zoo outdoor adventure play space that included live animals, a three-story playground structure, and a 250-foot river.

ANNE KARABON

Assistant Professor

Department of Teacher Education
University of Nebraska Omaha

AMANDA STEINER

Instructor

Department of Teacher Education
University of Nebraska Omaha

Download Presentation

Nebraska's Progress Toward an Early Childhood Integrated Data System

Accessible early care and education data can inform a wide variety of stakeholders in making decisions about how to prepare children for success. As evidence grows for the importance of the early years, states across the nation are working to develop Early Childhood Integrated Data Systems (ECIDS) to inform research, policy and practice. This session will discuss Nebraska's progress in developing a comprehensive early childhood data system.

GREG WELCH

Associate Director of Research & Evaluation

Buffett Early Childhood Institute
University of Nebraska

BENJAMIN BAUMFALK

Policy Research Analyst

First Five Nebraska

Download Presentation

Understanding the Characteristics of Early Childhood Administrators in Nebraska

This study investigated the characteristics of administrators in child care centers, pre-kindergarten programs and elementary schools in Nebraska. The study explored demographic characteristics, education and mental health status of administrators, as well as the benefits offered to teachers and teacher turnover within centers and schools. Understanding the characteristics of early childhood settings can guide future policy and practice. Implications will be discussed.

AMY ROBERTS Research Assistant Professor Buffett Early Childhood Institute University of Nebraska ALEXANDRA DARO Graduate Assistant Buffett Early Childhood Institute University of Nebraska

SUSAN SARVER Director of Workforce Planning and Development Buffett Early Childhood Institute University of Nebraska KATHLEEN GALLAGHER Director of Research and Evaluation Buffett Early Childhood Institute University of Nebraska

Download Presentation

Exploring Growth Trajectories of Informal and Formal Mathematics Skills

Young children’s mathematical skills are an important area of investigation. Growth in two subscales, informal and formal mathematics skills, of the Test of Early Mathematics Abilitity-3 was explored in a sample of 281 children. Children were identified as typically developing or as having mathematics difficulties based on their total TEMA-3 score at the end of pre-kindergarten. Their average level of informal and formal mathematics skills, growth rate over time and rate of acceleration of growth will be explored.

JESSICA NAMKUNG Assistant Professor Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders University of Nebraska — Lincoln MARC GOODRICH Assistant Professor Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders University of Nebraska — Lincoln

PENG PENG Assistant Professor Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders University of Nebraska — Lincoln VICTORIA MOLFESE Chancellor Professor Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies University of Nebraska — Lincoln

Download Presentation

Video Games and Childhood Obesity

Children nowadays grow up with video games. This presentation reviews, in the context of childhood obesity, traditional video games (sedentary vs. active-play games), anti-obesogenic serious games, immersive games and the theoretical mechanism for designing efficacious anti-obesogenic video games. The presentation also provides insights for harnessing the potential of newer digital interactive games to promote physical activity and cultivate healthy eating habits among children.

CHANGMIN YAN

Associate Professor

College of Journalism and Mass Communications
University of Nebraska — Lincoln