Engaging in reflexivity as an educator-researcher to strengthen relationships in an outdoor early childhood education environment

Authors

Abstract

Researchers with a dual-role must balance insider-outsider positions to build participant relationships. While researcher identity and reflexivity are explored in previous studies, a gap exists in analytic studies on researchers' reflexive engagement in early childhood. This study explores how an educator-researcher strengthens participant relationships in the outdoor early childhood education (ECE) environment through reflexive engagement by thematically analyzing their data collection journal. Findings indicate that prior ECE experience informs authentic connections with educators and children, and embracing a dual-role support s deep interpretation of relationships and developing trust. Educator-researchers may benefit from reflexive journaling to strengthen their understanding of relational positionality.  

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Robyn Ashley, Mount Saint Vincent University

Doctoral Student, Inter-University Doctoral Program in Educational Studies

Jessie-Lee McIsaac, Mount Saint Vincent University

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education/Department of Child & Youth Study

Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood, Diversity and Transitions

Rebecca Feicht, Dalhousie University

Senior Instructor, Faculty of Health, School of Health and Human Performance

Michelle Stone, Dalhousie University

Associate Professor, Kinesiology, School of Health and Human Performance

Christine McLean, Mount Saint Vincent University

Associate Professor, Department of Child & Youth Study

Downloads

Published

2025-12-16

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Research Study/Recherche

License

  • Manuscripts submitted to CJNSE/RCJCÉ must be original work that has not been published elsewhere, nor is currently being considered for publication elsewhere. The author should confirm this in the cover letter sent with the manuscript.
  • Articles that are published within the CJNSE/RCJCÉ must not be published elsewhere, in whole or part, for one year after publication.
  • Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings. Granting the CJNSE/RCJCÉ first publication rights must be in the cover letter sent with the manuscript.
  • If the manuscript contains copyrighted materials, the author should note this in the cover letter sent with the manuscript, and indicate when letters of permission will be forwarded to the Editor.
  • If the manuscript reports on research with “human subjects,” the author should include a statement in the cover letter that ethics approval has been received for the research, indicating the granting body and protocol number if applicable.
  • Authors are encouraged to use language that is inclusive and culturally sensitive.