ECE teachers’ views on play-based learning: a systematic review

In recent years, play-based learning (PBL) has attracted attention, debate and controversy across different national contexts. There is no definitional consensus which may have undesirable consequences for enacting its potential in professional practice. The aim of our study was to synthesize international research on ECE practitioners’ views on PBL. Based on a meta-synthesis of 62 studies from 24 national contexts, we show that they have differing views on the degree of conceptual compatibility between play and learning. While they may adopt numerous roles in PBL, they also express uncertainties as to how and when to get involved. Lastly, practitioners report on experiencing many challenges in enacting PBL, most importantly, policy and curricular delivery pressure. Throughout our review, we underscore both general trends and local nuances.