Abstract
This paper presents a case study on changing food practices from traditional cold sandwich meals to hot meals in a Norwegian kindergarten. Data were sourced from interviews, non-participatory video observation, and observational notes. Building on Fullan’s model for understanding a change process, this paper presents the initiation, implementation, continuation, and results of such a change, and identifies four factors that contribute to the successful change in practices in the case kindergarten. These factors are: 1) the headteacher’s clear vision of change; 2) the commitment to and support for change at all levels; 3) the role-specific change management; and 4) the change recipients’ (children’s) involvement and participation. The conclusion section of the paper discusses the implications of the findings for kindergartens, schools, and educational leaders in terms of how to facilitate a locally relevant and context-specific change. In addition, this paper illuminates children’s agency in the change implementation in particular, and sheds light on the importance of their involvement to increase the likelihood of a successful change.
Presenters
Baizhen CirenStudent, PhD, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hordaland, Norway
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
LUNCH PRACTICES, CHANGE, KINDERGARTEN, NORWAY, CASE STUDY