Singapore University of Social Sciences

Investigating Curricular Content and Constructivist Pedagogies

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 January

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.
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