A Study into Learning Losses of Preschool Children in Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to determine the learning losses at preschool children in Covid-19 pandemic period. For that reason, a case study, a qualitative research method, comprised the model of the study. The working group of the study was made up of 19 preschool teachers determined by means of a face-to-face interview or telephone talk. The interviews were realized with the teachers using an interview form with semi-structured questions either face-to-face or by telephone. As a result of the content analysis of the findings obtained, it was found that children mostly experienced psycho-motor, social-emotional and linguistic losses. The children having learning losses the most were determined as the ones whose developments were not followed by their parents, experiencing insufficiencies in reaching technological devices, foreign students and those with a special need. It was found that teachers firstly benefited from such activities as game, mathematics and art in order to stop learning losses. To prevent learning losses, it is recommended that low-income households receive support in terms of providing tablets, internet access, etc. They should also be trained in using platforms such as Zoom, EBA, etc., and a curriculum for distance education should be developed.

Keywords

• Covid-19
• online education
• learning loss
• preschool education