Play or learn: European-American and Chinese kindergartners' perceptions about the conflict

Authors
Jin Li
Year of publication
2015
Publication
British Journal of Educational Psychology
Volume/Issue
86
Pages
1-18

Kindergarten is the age at which children's future time perspective emerges. This capacity enables them to form goals based on past and ongoing experiences and project themselves in the future. This development may play an important role in guiding children in self-regulated learning. When faced with the conflict between their need to learn and their desire to play (CLP), children make choices based on their perceptions of CLP. However, their CLP-related perceptions and responses are also influenced by the values their culture upholds. Research shows that Western learning emphasizes more mental activities and positive affect, whereas East Asian learning stresses more social/moral self-perfection. Children's CLP-related perceptions and responses are likely shaped by their respective cultures' values.

Suggested Citation

Li, J. (2015). Play or learn: European-American and Chinese kindergartners' perceptions about the conflict. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 86, 1-18