EDCI 62421 Constructivist Philosophy, Integrated Curriculum, and Curriculum Approaches in Early Childhood

This course will explore the Constructivist philosophy - pedagogy and conceptual framework, including underlying theories and contemporary influences in early childhood education.  Candidates will examine notable Constructivist theorists, trends, theories influencing child development, and curriculum models that shape current evidence-based early childhood education programs (birth through third grade). Key elements of Constructivism - collaboration, learner autonomy, generativity, reflectivity, critical thinking and problem solving, and active engagement will be addressed.  Connections will be made to integrated curriculum, encompassing project and process approaches for holistic learning and development designed (including reflective content planning and delivery based on collegial dialogue) to support meaningful learning for children and practitioners. This course informs candidates of the importance of play-based approaches to curriculum for preschool and Kindergarten children. The importance of process-oriented learning is emphasized and the role of a teacher is conceptualized as a curator of space and materials that invite a sense of wonder, curiosity, and investigation. Acknowledging and valuing children’s play as meaningful and productive, supporting interactions that empower children to pursue their quest, and ways to ‘listen’ to children thinking and learning through play form the framework for guiding candidates to discuss, examine, and reflect on Preschool and Kindergarten children’s ways of knowing, understanding, and interpreting the world around them. Candidates learn to plan developmentally appropriate, meaningful learning experiences based on state standards and early learning goals with an understanding of how content areas such as language & literacy, numeracy, scientific reasoning, visual and expressive arts, and physical motor activity are integrated in order to facilitate and support the development of the ‘whole child’ in Preschool and Kindergarten. Environmental organization and design, along with teaching methods and interactive strategies that encourage and nurture active exploration and curiosity, are emphasized. An embedded field experience will offer candidates insight into application of the Constructivist philosophy in diverse early childhood education contexts, supporting culturally responsive practice.  Prerequisite:  EDCI 62231.  Corequisites:  EDCI 62232, EDCI 62305, EDCI 62403, EDCI 62404, EDCI 62405, and EDCI 62532.

Credits

3