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Early Childhood Studies is more than a degree; it is an experience’ : undergraduate students’ motivations, professional aspirations and attributes

Lumsden, E. and Musgrave, J. (2023) Early Childhood Studies is more than a degree; it is an experience’ : undergraduate students’ motivations, professional aspirations and attributes. International Journal of Early Years Education. 31(4), pp. 1086-1104. 0966-9760.

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Lumsden_etal_Routledge_2023_Early_Childhood_Studies_is_more_than_a_degree;_it_is_an_experience’_Undergraduate_students’_motivations,_professional_aspirations
Lumsden_etal_Routledge_2023_Early_Childhood_Studies_is_more_than_a_degree_it_is_an_experience_Undergraduate_students_motivations_professional_aspirations.pdf - Published Version
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Information
Abstract:
This mixed methods study sought the views of early childhood studies students from three universities in England. The research explored motivations, professional aspirations and the attributes they believed were required to work in early childhood. Findings highlighted that the holistic study of early childhood is valued by students and placements offered a space where they grew and flourished, as they made sense of where their personal intersected with wider theoretical, practice and political systems embedded in early childhood. Students follow a range of career trajectories, either by choice or because there is no specific practitioner role underpinned by the holistic study of early childhood. This study also revealed factors that led to their choice and place of study, as well as the ways that students’ personal circumstances affected their studies, reinforcing the importance of academic and pastoral support. Very significantly, this research led to discussions about the core purpose of the early childhood studies degree and helped to inform the development of the Graduate Competencies as an addition to ECS degrees that included placements.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Creators:
Lumsden, E. and Musgrave, J.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Early Years
Date:
28 August 2023
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 1086-1104
Journal or Publication Title:
International Journal of Early Years Education
Volume:
31
Number:
4
Number of Pages:
19
Language:
English
ISSN:
0966-9760
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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