The study of assessment based on “Te Whāriki” in early childhood education in New Zealand: Focusing to Learning story and Kei tua o te Pae

Abstract

New Zealand is widely known as the first country in the world to implement a nationwhidepreschool-education curriculum. This study focuses on the National curriculum named "Te Whāriki", and to examine the assessment procedure. In so doing, this study analyses the "Learning Story", the original evaluation method used in New Zealand, and its guidebook, "Kei Tua o te Pae". In addition, the author's personal observations during his visit to New Zealand has also been included in the analysis. The philosophy and background of the curriculum evaluation were examined with consideration to these factors.

As a result, the evaluation revealed a "Sociocultural" perspective as the basis of New Zealand's preschool-education curriculum evaluation, and the following three points were evidenced as fundamental elements:

1) A child's involvement in the learning community

2) A child's training as an autonomous learnier

3) Evaluation with continuousness of facilities and home

These three elements together were observed to lead to a strong link between the society, the curriculum, and the evaluation. These elements were found to encourage children to become involved in the community early in their childhood.