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Applications open for new PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University

An opportunity to investigate how Froebel’s Gifts support the development of young children’s understanding of space, shape and number.

As part of our ongoing commitment to support and fund early childhood research, we are delighted to announce that the Froebel Trust has jointly funded a new PhD scholarship with Manchester Metropolitan University.

We believe that research plays a crucial role in developing high quality early years education. This project will focus on developing spatial thinking and number sense in early childhood with the Froebel Gifts.

Manchester Metropolitan University are now welcoming applications for this PhD from those who are interested in exploring how the Froebelian legacy of the Gifts can be traced in the continuing tradition of block play provision in early childhood education.

The project aims to show how the Froebel Gifts are generative tools for building mathematical thinking in young children.

We are looking for candidates who:

have experience of (or an interest in) teaching or research with young children
are familiar with qualitative research methodologies
are interested in contemporary debates about the role of bodies and movement in relation to mathematical thinking
have an interest in Maker Space practices
are eager to explore the value of Froebel’s Gifts in contemporary learning.

The 3 and a half year project is based in the Education and Social Research Institute. The successful candidate will join the Children and Childhood Research Group, the Maths Research Group and The Manifold Lab at the Faculty of Education at MMU .

All details about eligibility and how to apply are available via Manchester Metropolitan University .