NUSRA: Jurnal Penelitian dan Ilmu Pendidikan
Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): NUSRA: Jurnal Penelitian dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Agustus 2026

Pedagogical Competence in Early Childhood Education: A Systematic Literature Review on Assessment and Observation Practices

Indah Tri Widiana (Program Studi Magister Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)
Imron Arifin (Program Studi Magister Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)
Evania Yafie (Program Studi Magister Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)
Yudithia Dian Putra (Program Studi Magister Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2026

Abstract

Pedagogical competence among early childhood education (ECE) teachers is closely related to teachers’ ability to observe, assess, document, and interpret children’s development. Although assessment is essential in ECE, teachers still face administrative workload, limited assessment literacy, and uneven digital competence. This systematic literature review examines assessment and observation practices as dimensions of teachers’ pedagogical competence. Following PRISMA procedures, 41 peer-reviewed articles published between 2022 and January 2026 were selected from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and GARUDA. The main inclusion criteria covered ECE contexts, empirical or rigorous review articles, Indonesian or English language publications, full-text access, and indexed journals. Thematic synthesis was conducted through coding and clustering. The findings show a shift from administrative reporting toward authentic, reflective, and child-centred assessment through continuous observation, pedagogical documentation, portfolios, and digital tools. Assessment quality depends on child development knowledge, observation skill, documentation competence, reflective capacity, and digital competence. This review contributes a conceptual mapping of ECE assessment competence and highlights the need for professional development, ethical digital documentation, and institutional support.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

nusra

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

Development and implementation of educational curriculum. Learning and education services. Educational evaluation in general, including educational processes and outcomes. Education policy, management and financing. Quality, certification and accreditation of education Utilization of information and ...