what do 19% men among the staff in the nature and outdoor preschools in norway imply? olav b....
TRANSCRIPT
What do 19% men among the staff in the nature and outdoor preschools
in Norway imply?
Olav B. Lysklett,
Associate Professor
Queen Maud’s College of Early Childhood Education
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
INTRODUCTION
• One goal in the action plan for equality in preschools 2004-2007 is 20% men in preschools in Norway
• 5700 men in preschools in Norway which is 9% of all the staff
• In the nature and outdoor preschools there are almost 20% men (Løge Hagen, 2005)
• The number of preschools which call themselves nature and outdoor preschools has increased rapidly the last five years.
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
What characterizes the nature and outdoor preschools in Norway?
Study of 39 nature and outdoor preschools (Lysklett 2005)
• The majority of nature and outdoor preschools are private• They are small units• They spend a lot of time outdoors• They use regular reference areas• They focus on developing motor skills, social skills and
knowledge about nature
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
Headmasters brief statement:
“The day-care center is located in or near beautiful natural areas”
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
Headmasters brief statement:
“We want the children to have good outdoor experiences and learn about nature”
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
RESEARCH QUESTION
• What characterizes men that work in the nature and outdoor preschools?
• What are the main reasons that so many men work in nature and outdoor preschools?
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
METHOD
• A questionnaire, 6 pages, consisting of 37 questions
• 79 men from 44 nature and outdoor preschools and 42 men from 21 traditional preschools answered the questionnaires
• 75% response for both types of preschool
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
RESULTS
16
24
0
5
10
15
20
25
Precentage of male staff
Traditionalpreschools
Outdoor preschools
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
RESULTSWhat characterizes men that work in the nature and
outdoor preschools?
• a relatively young group of men. The average age was equal for both types of preschool at around 35
• 60% of the men that work in nature and outdoor preschools stated that they use their leisure interests to a “large or very large” degree in their daily work
• men from nature and outdoor preschools were more active than the men from traditional preschools
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
RESULTSWhy have you chosen to work in this particular preschool?
Men in traditional preschools
Men in nature and outdoor preschools t-test Sign.
I prefer working in a traditional preschool
3.32 1.64 p < 0.000
I just happened to get a job in this preschool
3.90 3.04 p = 0.021.
I like better working outdoors than indoors
4.02 5.39 p < 0.000
I particularly prefer to work in this type of preschool
4.29 5.15 p = 0.001
I want to give children many experiences in nature
4.85 5.55 p = 0.001
I want children to acquire valuable knowledge about nature
4.98 5.38 p = 0.053
I believe that being outdoors a lot influences children in a positive direction.
5.22 5.56 p = 0.073
N=38-42 N=73-78
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
RESULTS Other reasons why so many men work in nature and
outdoor preschools
• A new arena might appeal to men
• No walls or “women`s culture”in the room
• Easier to influence the culture of a smaller preschool
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
RESULTSStatements related to workplace satisfaction
Men in traditional preschools
Men in nature and outdoor preschools t-test
Sign.
I like it best when we are indoors at the preschool.
2.71 1.80 p < 0.000
Working indoors is more varied than working outdoors.
2.81 1.91 p < 0.000.
I believe natural sciences are important topics in preschool.
4.28 4.70 p = 0.045
Working outdoors is more varied than working indoors.
4.36 5.19 p < 0.000.
I prefer working outdoors rather than indoors.
4.02 5.39 p < 0.000
I like it best when we are outdoors with the children.
4.45 5.38 p < 0.000
My work gives me great freedom. 4.63 5.05 p = 0.048
N=40-42 N=78-79
Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor
CONCLUSION
• Focus on nature and outdoor activities in traditional preschools might increase the percentage of men in preschools!
• What do 19% men among the staff in the nature and outdoor preschools in Norway imply?– The culture in each preschool– Men`s influence on the children– Childrens play with men