Abstract
The purpose of this study was to reassess the state of training programs for practitioners in ECEC (early childhood education and care). This study explored the learning process of practitioners who have participated in the “Personal-Research-Based Program(PRBP)”. PRBP is a training program that supports learners to conduct personal research based on their own experience in the ECEC field. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven program participants. The data was analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach. The results suggested that participants were not only trying to solve their own problems relating to their practice of ECEC, but that they also had a desire for learning in itself. This study highlights the value of professional development for practitioners in ECEC based on their own learning motives.
