Early Childhood Education

Course Components

Learning for Young Children

In this module students examine the ways children learn. They are introduced
to theories of learning, exposing them to a wide range of theories in a chronological order.  They explore ways of creating opportunities for extending young children’s learning and reflect on current theories on how adults can facilitate learning for young children in an early childhood context.

Students are challenged to examine the place of play in learning. Throughout this module, the notion of play as a vehicle for learning is emphasized, and various theoretical positions, which outlines the various stages and types of play, are discussed.  Students are to reflect on own play experiences; describe how play contributes to the learning and development of young children. This theoretical perspective will be integrated into practice during practicum when students are to engage in play with young children and review engagement in play with young children through reflections, dialogue with associate teachers and module lecturer.

Throughout this module, students are introduced to various observation techniques applicable to early childhood settings. The purpose of observation in an early childhood setting is discussed and the ethical implications of observation for early childhood are explained. Students are also to demonstrate the use of observation techniques in an early childhood setting. They are to learn how to observe, record and interpret observations while on practicum, with the guidance of associate tutors at centers and to reflect on their experiences with their module tutor.

This module is an introduction to education and care of young children in an early childhood setting. It is designed for people who work or wish to work with young children in an early childhood setting. This module will also will prepare people to advance on to a higher level of early childhood education and care.