Developing an Original Theory of Early Childhood Learning Environments in Low-Resource Nigerian Communities

The physical, social, and cultural dimensions of learning environments in low-resource Nigerian communities have been theorised using frameworks developed in high-resource Western settings, and developing an original theory that centres the specific affordances and constraints of Nigerian community learning environments makes a foundational contribution to ECD environment research. This study developed an original Theory of Early Childhood Learning Environments in Low-Resource Nigerian Communities, drawing on environmental theory, ethnographic fieldwork, and expert validation. A multi-phase theory-building methodology was employed over 24 months. Phase 1 conducted systematic review of 68 ECD learning environment theory publications. Phase 2 conducted ethnographic fieldwork in 24 community ECD settings across Bauchi, Borno, Niger, and Delta States, documenting environmental affordances, child-environment transactions, and community-environment cultural meanings. Phase 3 synthesised findings into an original theoretical model through expert consultation with 25 ECD environment and developmental scholars. Ethnographic analysis identified six environment dimensions absent from or inadequately theorised in existing frameworks: the shared outdoor community space as primary learning environment, sensory richness of natural community environments, intergenerational co-presence as environmental quality feature, seasonal environmental variation as curriculum driver, mobility as a fundamental environmental affordance, and material scarcity as a creative constraint. The original Low-Resource Nigerian ECD Environment Theory proposes these as primary theoretical constructs. Expert review confirmed the framework's theoretical originality. Recommendations include adopting the theory in ECD teacher education and environmental quality assessment tools for Nigerian settings.

Keywords: learning environment theory, low-resource communities, Nigeria, early childhood, original theory