The Emergent Curriculum ‘Marries’ eTwinning in the Early Years: A Rediscovery of Froebel’s Kindergarten Through One Transformative Learning Experience in 21st Century Malta.

Abstract

In 2018, the state Kindergarten sector in Malta (3-5 years) was influenced by the shift from a prescriptive to an emergent curriculum, and the increasing use of eTwinning - a particular scenario that is research-worthy. Through one narrative inquiry of a Kindergarten educator who decided to ‘marry’ the emergent curriculum and eTwinning in practice, this paper aims to systematically track down the educator’s experience of this integration. Findings indicate initial and ongoing challenges overshadowed by sustained success through the synergy created from the philosophically fused emergent curriculum and the eTwinning concept. This study conceptualises the birth of an innovative approach and surfaces a rediscovery of Froebel’s 19th-century Kindergarten.