Evaluation of the MarteMeo ProgrammeTHE MARTE MEO CONFERENCE 2014

DUBLIN, IRELAND

Acknowledgements

All of the participants and early years settings who took part in the training and the evaluation

About the Marte Meo Programme A video based supportive development programme

Consists of concrete information for the support of children's development in daily moments of interaction 1

Developed by Maria Aarts from 1987

1 Aarts, M. (2009). Marte Meo – Basic Manual (2nd Edition).

ISBN 978-90-75455-14-4. Aarts Productions. Eindhoven.

About the Marte Meo Evaluation Participants 3 training cohorts in Dublin and 1 training cohort in Cork

4 x 2 hour training sessions delivered over 4 weeks

72 training participants took part in evaluation

Research questionsWhat impact did the Marte Meo training programme have on the participants?

How did the Marte Meo training programme translate into practice within early years settings?

How can the Marte Meo training be improved for future participants?

Methodology

Methodological overview Qualitative approach adopted

1. On-going programme evaluation over 4 week training programme – questionnaire

2. End of programme evaluation – questionnaire

3. Focus groups – led by interview guide

Subject anonymity and confidentiality maintained throughout

All data was transcribed verbatim for analysis

Thematic content analysis performed in SPSS Text Analysis software

SPSS Text Analysis used to manage, sort and organise qualitative data, store, annotate and retrieve text, locate words, phrases and segments of data, prepare diagrams and extract quotes

Data Collection Tool Objective Sample Methodological notes

Weekly evaluation form To ascertain impact of each individual training session on:• knowledge gained• transfer learning to practice• areas of improvement • experience of session

72 training participants

End of programme evaluation form

To ascertain the impact of the overall programme on:• the individual• on practice• how the programme can be

improved

67 training participants

Focus groups x 2 To explore in-depth the impact of the training programme on:• Knowledge, skills and

awareness of the MarteMeo methods and strategies and how they are implemented in practice

11 training participants

All training participants invited by text to express interest in taking part. Six individuals randomly selected to participate in each focus group

Results

Results – weekly evaluation (n=220)

Major themes

Increase in knowledge

(n=207)

Transferring learning to

practice

(n=198)

Slowing down

(n=175)

Moving forward

(n=97)

• Increased listening• Increased eye contact• Sit back and observe• Follow child’s lead• Greater understanding of when to extend

play

• Create a good atmosphere• Use a ‘good face’• Use ‘good tones’

• During leading• Adopt a loose neck• Namìng actions • Use children's names

• Allow play to unfold• Recognise when the child is ready• Every child likes to be seen• Take time to follow through on child's

actions

• Follow-on training• Use of own videos• Observation within own settings• Information for parents

Results – focus groups (n=11)Major themes Sub-themes Evidence

Waiting - Following -Naming

• Approaching children• More time to explain• Naming actions• Standing back & observing• Following initiatives

“Naming my actions helps children develop their language. The child will flourish if they are in a good atmosphere, you know, when the atmosphere is calm and they feel safe and reassured. By naming what I’m doing I am always reassuring them, they feel safe then and they trust me. That’s good interaction”.

Building relationships with children

• Slowing down• Following • Making Eye contact• Creating a good environment

“The Marte Meo training has given me the skills to get to know the children better; it has made me stop, think and take a step back, allowing the children to do what they want, and for me to observe more as opposed to getting involved straight away”.

Training highlights • Videos & discussion• Increased empowerment• Increased self-esteem• Opportunity for reflection

“I loved working with the other participants analysing the videos, breaking them down and looking at the interactions. It really showed us how important it is to take the time to look at children's initiatives and give them the space to play and be in the moment”.

Feedback from focus group participants

Feedback from focus group participants

Future Considerations

Implications for practice

This programme is effective in providing practical strategies to improve interactions in practice

Motivates participants to learn more about the approach

Early Childhood Ireland are committed to continued delivery of this programme and developing a follow-on programme

What some of the participants said…

For more information …Dr Carmel Brennan

Head of Practice

Early Childhood Ireland

cbrennan@earlychildhoodireland.ie

+353 1 404 06 91