Child Interaction: Perspectives, Activities and Outcomes (Education in a Competitive and Globalizing World)

Today there is growing scientific and research interest in the study of child interactions and their importance in development, learning and well-being. Research interest in this field is fuelled by timeless documentation that children who come to kindergarten with a developed ability to interact with their peers, have more positive attitudes towards school, gain higher performance in cognitive subjects and adapt more quickly to new experiences. In fact, modern research shows that participation in high-quality education and training programs during childhood has a positive impact on academic achievements in school, reduces the risk of school repetition and reduces the need for intervention for social or special educational reasons. Child interaction and the acquisition of basic social skills begins early, from early childhood and is shaped over time, provided that children are given the opportunity to acquire them. The authors of this collective volume, with many years of personal experience, document with scientific validity the importance of interaction in childhood, through perspectives, activities and outcomes, many of which seem simpler than they are, yet practice much greater impact on children's lives than it may initially seem. In this book, the authors offer teachers new visions and perspectives to upgrade and improve his/her practices, in order to contribute decisively to the development and learning of children. However, as the pages of this book have shown, these new perspectives are created when we are able to listen to and respect children as capable participants in the pedagogical process and when their views are dealt with responsibly and fairly.