I ?

Early Childhood Education

SPRING SEMESTER 1995

?

J.D.

Clarkson

PREREQUISITE:

60 credit hours.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Students who enroll in this course will examine a selection of trends, philosophical issues,

instructional research and teaching practices in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Topics to be discussed will be chosen from the following:

• The debate over subject-centered vs. child-centered education

• The language of discussions about educational practices

• The place of play, discovery, and direct instruction in Early Childhood Education

• Observation, assessment, and evaluation of educational progress in young children

Students and teachers with an interest in the current changes to British Columbia's

education system will find this course particularly valuable as the issues to be discussed

are relevant to understanding and implementing "Primary Program."

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Journal

?

30%

Ten Page Essay ?

30%

Final Exam

?

40%

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Ministry of Education. (199-).

Primary Program Foundation Document.

Victoria:

Curriculum Development Branch, Province of British Columbia.

Dewey, J

.

(1938).

Experience and Education.

New York Collier Books.

Vygotsky, L.S. (1978).

Mind in Society.

London: Harvard University Press.

Additional readings on specific topics will be made available as the course progresses.

There will be a non-refundable $15.00 charge for photocopying.