91探花

The Pan-Canadian Team for Research in the Early Years met recently in Charlottetown, hosted by members from the 91探花.

The team is a group of researchers from the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Western Ontario, Trent University, the University of New Brunswick, and 91探花 whose projects and thinking are coalescing around major changes in the field of early learning.

Dr. Martha Gabriel, 91探花 Associate Professor of Education, and convenor of the team meeting, said, 'I was thrilled along with my 91探花 colleagues, to host our fellow team members here in Charlottetown. It is a critical time for PEI's education system, and our team discussions were very relevant to the Island's current landscape, with the move of kindergarten into the public school system this fall.'

The team approach allows members to enter into discussions with other researchers and stakeholders, to ask new research questions, and to form collaborations. Ensuring that the new knowledge gained through research is translated into usable information for stakeholders in the field is a priority of this group.

During the meeting June 2-4 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, members were addressed by keynote speaker, Dr. Marianne McTavish, from UBC who spoke on 'The landscape of early learning across Canada: Priorities for addressing transitions and challenges.'

PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development representatives, early childhood educators, and other stakeholders participated in a symposium during the meeting. Their purpose was to gather suggestions about possible research initiatives in the early years. As well, Kathleen Flanagan, early childhood education consultant and author of 'The Early Years Report - Early Learning in PEI: An Investment in the Island's Future', joined the team to discuss her recently released publication.

The next team meeting will be a teleconference at the end of June. For more information, contact Dr. Martha Gabriel at mgabriel@upei.ca.