Child Development and Early Childhood Curriculum: Shifts in Research and Practice

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Child Development and Early Childhood Curriculum: Shifts in Research and Practice (CET501)

Synopsis

CET501 Child Development and Early Childhood Curriculum: Shifts in Research and Practice provides an overview of how child development research and more contemporary views on brain development have influenced changes in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy around the world and in Singapore. This knowledge should provide participants with an understanding of how "quality" in early childhood care and education is continually defined in different ways to meet different accountability needs. The course will enable participants to (re)think their image of young children as active thinkers and learners, provide opportunity for participants to be able to observe children in their learning process, and facilitate participants' understanding of what adults should do and say in order to facilitate young children's active and experiential learning. CET501 should serve the needs of those who are working on policies, programmes or projects pertaining to improving the lives of young children and their families.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY

Topics

Contemporary views of children’s learning and development (infant, toddlers, preschoolers)
Neuroscience research and its influence on early childhood education
Curricular approaches then and now
Play and experiential learning in early childhood settings
Language acquisition and bilingual learning
Various discourses about quality in early childhood care and education
The adult’s responsive role in young children’s learning process
Transitions faced by young children
Observing children as meaning makers
Home learning environments
Strengthening communities and integrated services for children and families
Catering for developmental variations and diverse needs

Learning Outcome

Compare major findings in child development research
Discuss ways in which child development findings can influence curricular and pedagogical approaches
Contrast child development and cultural assumptions underlying national early childhood curriculum frameworks
Examine the complexity of child development in the first 1000 days
Create a series of play-based learning experiences informed by contemporary views on child development
Evaluate how adults’ use of language to facilitate children's thinking and learning can be Improved