IELS Field Test took place in 2017. Estonia, the United Kingdom, and the United states participated in the Field Test.
The IELS Field Test was carried out from 16 October until 20 December 2017. During the Field Test, approximately 30 early childhood education and care centres and 450 children were sampled from each country. The purpose of the Field Test was to try out the organizational side of the study and to obtain comprehensive information on whether the tasks for children and questionnaires for adults are functioning correctly or is improvement needed. The Field Test provided feedback on the assessment instruments used in the study and, based on the feedback, the instruments were improved for the Main Study.
IELS Field Test in Estonia
IELS evaluation instruments were adapted and translated to Estonian to carry out the study in Estonia. Estonian questionnaires were used for teachers and parents. The assessment was carried out with children via a specially designed IELS study app on a tablet. The tasks in the app were adapted and translated for Estonian context. The app included instructions in audible format – the child was able to listen to the instructions.
31 kindergartens and approximately 400 children participated in the Field Test in Estonia. The children participating in the Field Test were five to six years old. 42 kindergarten staff members were trained to carry out the Study during the Field Test.
