Teaching as a Project Approach for Early Childhood : Case Study of Nanhai Experimental Kindergarten in Taipei , Taiwan

Abstract

Nanhai Experimental Kindergarten, Taipei City, Taiwan, is a successful example of a school that uses a project-based teaching approach for early childhood pupils aged 3–5 years old. In this approach, the child is at the center of the learning process, and they seek knowledge according to their own interests using a process of exploration until they can build knowledge by themselves. The teachers act as facilitators through supporting a 3-stage project-based learning process involving a project initial stage, project development stage, and project summary stage. Children take part in various activities, including discussions, field work, giving a presentation based on past experiences, searching, and exhibitions. These can guide all 3 learning stages, including guidelines for working with parents, organizing the environment both inside and outside the classroom, and supporting the conducting of research. These can act as guidelines for the application of such a child-centered approach in Thailand.