Needs of Omani children during their transition from KG2 to first grade: a case study of stakeholders’ perspectives

AL-Gharibi, Zainab Mohammed (2025) Needs of Omani children during their transition from KG2 to first grade: a case study of stakeholders’ perspectives. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Children learners’ experiences can have a long-lasting influence on their future well-being, active participation both in school and life, and academic success. The purpose of this research is to shed light on children’s transition from KG2 to first grade, its general situation, and children’s needs during this time from their viewpoint as well as those of the stakeholders involved in this issue. Theoretically, this study builds on two perspectives of experience: Dewey’s concept of the continuity of experience and the notion of boundary objects, CHAT, as introduced in 1978 by Vygotsky. The study followed a multimethodological design that incorporated gathering the perceptions of relevant stakeholders and children’s experiences in this area, along with the effects of cultural and historical influence, through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Data validation included triangulation via observation. Stakeholders included nursery teachers, primary one teachers, nursery and primary school principals, curriculum developers for kindergarten and first grade, nursery and primary supervisors, policy makers, and parents. Data collection also included children’s drawings and visual narratives, along with research field notes and observations of first-graders in the classroom at the beginning of the school year, in order to illustrate young learners’ experiences in nursery school and first grade. Data analysis entailed identifying main motives and needs and exploring through the lens of the underpinning theories whether the children’s experiences demonstrated continuity. The theoretical framework and study findings guided the development of the suggested model, which presents the theory behind it: community, continuity, and public content. It was designed according to Fullan's framework and the theories of CHAT and Dewey as the theoretical framework for the study, in a summary on an illustration explaining its components and steps. It is developed to bring about positive change in the issue of transition of children from KG2 to first grade and secure the future for young learners.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Children’s academic needs, children’s social needs, children transition, primary school, kindergarten school.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Supervisor's Name: McAdam, Dr. Julie and Fagan, Dr. Catherine
• Date of Award: 2025
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2025-85140
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 May 2025 09:20
• Last Modified: 01 Jun 2025 20:53
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.85140
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/85140