Early Childhood Teachers' Perceptions About Self-Discipline

The aim of this research study was to investigate the early childhood teachers' perceptions about their roles in development of self-discipline in children. Current study was conducted based on qualitative research methodology. In order to investigate the aim, a case from an educational institution including seven early childhood teachers was reached. The main data collection instrument was an interview protocol consisting of two parts. These parts were vignettes and interview questions. The instrument included vignette and interview questions related to the meaning and importance of self-discipline, and how to support it in classroom environment, and was developed according to observations and related literature. Additionally, this instrument was pilot tested with six early childhood teachers. Interviews for the main study were conducted between December 2009 and January 2010. According to the findings, early childhood teachers were aware of self-discipline, its importance, and its development. However, some strategies that they mentioned should be analyzed in terms of relatedness with self-discipline.