Work discussion groups in Greek nurseries: the experience of facilitators and participants

The paper presents qualitative research on the experience of facilitators and participants in work discussion groups in Greek nurseries. Work discussion groups offer a powerful mode of learning and development, not only in psychoanalytic oriented training but in educational settings in general, as they focus on the understanding of the emotional processes that underlie teaching and learning. Although there is evidence that provision of work discussion groups to teaching staff can have a far-reaching impact (i.e., they can help teachers manage the challenges of their work, reduce work-related stress, and promote the development of reflective practice), research on work discussion groups in early education settings is scarce. The present research aspires to contribute to this topic. Five facilitators and six nursery teachers who had participated for at least one year in work discussion groups run in Greek nurseries were interviewed on their experience. Their accounts were analysed using thematic analysis. The themes extracted from their accounts are compared and contrasted. The results demonstrate the generally positive experience from the work discussion groups in Greek nurseries, as reported by facilitators and teachers. The experience of being in a discussion group had an important impact on most nursery teachers, both on a professional and personal level. Suggestions for improvement of the experience, including the clear definition and safeguarding of the work discussion group’s setting, are discussed.