SELECTING CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING SOCIAL SKILLS OF PRESCHOOLERS AGED 4-5 IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

Introduction: The assessment of social skills in preschool children aged 4-5 is crucial in the context of early childhood education, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, where there is a growing focus on developing comprehensive social competencies. Despite the guidelines provided by the Early Childhood Education Program and the Developmental Standards for 5-Year-Old Children, the criteria for evaluating social skills remain primarily suggestive and lack specific measures for the 4-5 age group through play-based activities. Problem Statement: There is a need for well-defined and scientifically validated criteria to accurately assess the social skills development of preschool children aged 4-5 in Ho Chi Minh City. Such criteria would enable educators to systematically monitor and evaluate social competencies in educational settings. Approach, Materials, and Methods: This study employed several scientific research methods within the field of physical education and sports. Methods included literature analysis, sample selection, expert interviews through questionnaires, pedagogical observation, and statistical analysis. The study sample comprised 200 experts and preschool educators, and 400 preschool children aged 4-5 in Ho Chi Minh City. Results: The research identified five core skills and 25 observational variables for assessing the social skills of 4-5-year-old children. The study ensured the scientific validity and reliability of the selected criteria, providing a sound basis for preschool teachers to use in evaluating social skill development. Discussion: The criteria were evaluated for feasibility and reliability using expert interviews and statistical analyses. The research applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to ensure the robustness of the selected variables and components, further confirming the suitability of the assessment criteria. Conclusions: The research established a set of five core social skills and 25 related observational variables that are reliable and scientifically valid for assessing the social skills of preschool children aged 4-5 in Ho Chi Minh City. These criteria serve as a foundation for preschool educators to evaluate and enhance children's social skill development effectively.