Outdoor Play Yards Design in Preschools in Malaysia: Perception of Operators

Goh, Rou Yi (2022) Outdoor Play Yards Design in Preschools in Malaysia: Perception of Operators. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Learning through play is one of the teaching and learning approaches highlighted by the Ministry of Education and it is compulsory for all Malaysian preschools to incorporate it into their teaching program. Due to the limited quality designs of outdoor space in preschools presently, it has been argued that outdoor play is having issues to advocate children‟s learning. This study was carried out to investigate the perception of operators on the suitable outdoor play yard designs. A total of seventy (70) Penang private preschool operators were participated in the questionnaire survey to provide their perceptions on the suitable outdoor play yard designs. Findings from the study demonstrated that all of the respondents strongly agreed with the designs especially on safety, large and open space and the design away from sharp and great height structures for outdoor play yards. This study presents the results that outdoor play yards are important for early childhood learning in terms of social and emotional development, cognitive development, academic learning and health and physical development. In conclusion, outdoor spaces are the ideal setting for children to engage in active and creative play. This study is of benefit not only to preschool operators, designers and educators but it will also be of importance in optimizing children‟s learning environment in response to the aim of Ministry of Education to achieve quality education and full development of children.