Early Childhood Curriculum : A Constructivist Perspective

by Branscombe, N. Amanda; Castle, Kathryn; Dorsey, Anne G.; Surbeck, Elaine; Taylor, Janet B.

• ISBN13: 9780618148080
• ISBN10: 0618148086
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-06-24
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

This text examines curricular goals such as autonomy, development, and problem solving and links those goals with constructivist principles of learning. It explores ways teachers can create meaningful learning environments and choose curriculum tasks that are linked to the learning and development needs of young children. Early Childhood Curriculum completely integrates curriculum with learning principles, in accordance with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines.

Table of Contents

Note: Each chapter begins with an Introduction

What Are Constructivist Aims and Assumptions

The Aims of Constructivist Curriculum What Is Curriculum

What Does Constructivism Mean

Constructivist Curriculum

How Constructivist Assumptions

Guide Practice

Children Learn as They Engage in Authentic Tasks

They Have Chosen Children Learn as They Act on Objects and Interact with Others Children

Learn When They Are Surprised and Intrigued About Phenomena

Children Learn as They Refine and Coordinate Old Ways of Thinking

Children Represent What They Know to Others

Children Learn from Other People in Their Culture and Society

Learning and the Three Kinds of Knowledge

Using Theory and Research Jean Piaget's Work Constructivist Theory

Three Kinds of Knowledge Representational Thought

What Are Key Components of Constructivist Curriculum

Authentic Tasks, Choice, and Decision Making Authentic Tasks

How We Use Authentic Tasks in the Integrated Curriculum at School and at Home Choice Decision Making

Social Interaction, Play, and Projects

Social Interaction Play Projects

Problem Posing, Problem Solving, and Reflection

Awareness, Disequilibration, and Learning Problem

Posing and Problem Solving

Problem Posing, Problem Solving, and Curriculum Reflection

The Role of Community Creating

Classroom Community Planning the Classroom Environment Community Beyond the Classroom

What Are Current Constructivist Practices

Building a Constructivist Curriculum

Expectations of Teachers

Help Children Understand Expectations

Introduce a Constructivist Approach

Gradually Work with Required Topics

Consider the Needs of Each Child Collaboration with Other Adults

Constructivist Models of Instruction

What Are Educational Models

A Close Look at Selected Constructivist Models

Constructivist Evaluation: Assessment and Documentation

Assessment Documentation

Glossary

References

Index

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