Dialogical patterns of interaction in pre-school classrooms

The present study set out to identify and examine dialogic educational interactions in Finnish pre-school classrooms. Video recordings of five observed pre-school classrooms that had shown a high or moderate quality of instructional support in literacy, maths and science studies were transcribed for micro-scale qualitative content analysis. Three patterns of teacher–child interaction emerged: first, a pattern characterised by the teacher making it possible for the children to demonstrate their knowledge and competence; second, a pattern characterised by the teacher supporting the children's participation and diverse contributions; and third, a pattern characterised by the teacher allowing dialogical space for a child-initiated sharing of ideas. The findings provide guidelines for professional development programmes seeking to increase teachers’ awareness of ways to support children's active participation.

► Our analysis identified three kinds of patterns of teacher–child interaction.
► Pattern A consisted of question–answer chains.
► Patterns B and C showed emerging dialogical elements.
► In the latter patterns teachers provided support and space for participation.
► The findings provide suggestions for teachers’ professional development.