Interactions of children with adults as well as their environment play a central role for the processes of exploration and inquiry in the everyday lives of children. With this focus in mind, the DIALOG study evaluates and accompanies a 1.5-year-long model phase of the professional development intervention “KiQ - together for kindergarten quality: when exploration and inquiry become everyday life” (2020-2022) of the non-profit “Haus der kleinen Forscher” (Little Scientists’ House) Foundation.
The DIALOG study examines how participation in the “KiQ” model program affects interaction and communication between educational professionals and children in kindergartens as well as how the program fosters inquiry-based exploration processes and learning. Furthermore, the study investigates factors that might facilitate or hinder “KiQ” program effects and dissemination. These factors include structural characteristics of the kindergarten. Several methods, including video observations and smartphone-facilitated assessments, will be used to identify the most important aspects for the successful implementation of the “KiQ“ program. The findings will support the “Haus der kleinen Forscher” (Little Scientists’ House) Foundation in optimizing their activities and ensuring needs-based but scientifically sound practices that promote exploration- and inquiry-based learning in a developmentally appropriate way.

Project Duration

24 months (June 2020 – May 2022)

Research Group

Prof. Dr. Caterina Gawrilow
(Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Department of Psychology, School Psychology)

Prof. Dr. Antje von Suchodoletz
(New York University Abu Dhabi Campus, Division of Science, Psychology Program)

Julia Steigleder
BA. Frühkindliche Bildung (Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Department of Psychology, School Psychology)

Lilly Buhr
MSc. Educational Psychology (Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Department of Psychology, School Psychology)

Funding

“Haus der kleinen Forscher” (Little Scientists’ House) Foundation (https://www.haus-der-kleinen-forscher.de/)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research