Investigating Curricular Content and Constructivist Pedagogies

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Investigating Curricular Content and Constructivist Pedagogies (ECE525)

Synopsis

ECE525 Investigating Curricular Content and Constructivist Pedagogies offers students the opportunity to (re)conceptualise how your children should learn (i.e., curriculum) and how they can be better-engaged in group-based early childhood education (ECE) settings (i.e., pedagogy) based on the image of the child. Regardless of the level of professional experience that students may have had in ECE curriculum development and instruction, this course aims to update and deepen their curricular knowledge and understanding of child-centric pedagogies. Students will be able to choose an ECE curriculum area of their choice to update their existing curricular knowledge and development skills. Students will receive the study guides, readings and classroom recordings from two undergraduate ECE courses of their choice (*from a recommended list) and they will embark on an individual review of the relevant concepts, gather more research-based literature and review contemporary child development research to expand their current knowledge, to aid in their final creation of an individual curriculum plan and framework that will be suited to young children of different age groups (birth to age six). They will also be engaged in group work to review and critique readymade curricular materials.

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

Topics

Theories of Principles of constructivism in ECE practice
Strategies to support children as thinkers and responsible citizens
The place of teacher-led and child-directed learning
Early literacy and the other mother tongue languages
Early math learning in social contexts
The role of technology and children's well-being
Principles underlying the choice of learning materials
Integrated and inclusive curricula
Effective adult-child interactions
Designing supportive learning environments to promote child autonomy
Promoting social learning
Integrating child care routines and transitions in curriculum planning

Learning Outcome

Examine contemporary views of best practices in constructivist, inclusive ECE curriculum and pedagogy
Discuss the differentiated learning needs of children across age groups and developmental phases.
Draw upon their knowledge of constructivist principles to inform curricular and pedagogical design
Evaluate readymade ECE curricular resources.
Plan the design and evaluation of one’s curriculum plan.
Create a culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum document that is educative for beginning teachers.