Positive Experiences of Preschool Teachers with the Study and Use of the Reggio Emilia Pedagogical Approach

The purpose of this research is to determine the educational needs of pre-school teachers regarding the Reggio Emilia approach and to reveal the efficiency of this curriculum. In this research, the effect of an in-service curriculum developed for pre-school teachers on the teachers’ academic achievement and self-efficacy perceptions was analysed. Furthermore, this study aimed at determining the views of the teachers regarding the efficiency of this in-service training program, following the implementation of this approach. A total of 37 pre-school teachers participated in this study and a mixed method was used, based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. The implementation was composed of 12 sessions lasting 39 hours and was conducted with one group. The results of this research indicated that the in-service training program developed for pre-school teachers had a positive effect on their academic achievement and professional self-efficacy perceptions. Furthermore, expressing their satisfaction with the implementation, the teachers who participated in this research stated the importance of this developed in-service curriculum.