Practices/4, United Kingdom: Finding the Voice of Children. Video-Observation to Discover Children’s Claims of Knowledge Through Play

Abstract

This chapter is interested in unintended consequences of purposive educational action. In particular, it is interested in the unintended consequences of an action-research project aimed to implementing a shift in practice from making observations of children’s learning using still photography to sharing and discussing video vignettes with parents. The unintended consequences that this chapter aims to discuss regard the transformation of the action-research in a unique experience of recognition of the voice of children. The action-research was meant to develop an understanding of children’s thinking and learning. However, the re-play and analysis of video did not only support the interpretation of children’s thinking; also, it uncovered that playing is in itself a medium of communication, channeling children’s claims of the status of legitimate experts in their own worlds. The findings of the research suggest the importance of learning how to give consideration not only to children’s learning, but also to children as owners and authors of knowledge, who use play to share and celebrate their expertise and knowledge.