Course Description
Examination of theoretical and developmental foundations of early childhood curriculum approaches, including critique of accepted early childhood practices, action research, and published research in curriculum and program effectiveness.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- To understand the major curriculum approaches and issues in early childhood programs (NAEYC 5; NCGrad 3).
- To identify and examine underlying theoretical frameworks in early childhood curriculum (NCGrad 3).
- To compare and contrast various curriculum models and approaches (NCGrad 3)
- To critically examine research in the area of early childhood curriculum (NCGrad 3).
- To critique curriculum with respect to its theoretical foundation and effectiveness (NCGrad 3; NAEYC 5).
- To discuss and critique currently accepted best practices from both a developmental and inclusive perspective (NAEYC 1, 4 & 5),
- To integrate information from class discussions and readings with personal perspectives on classroom practices (NCGrad 5).
- To develop teaching and group presentation skills through leading class discussions of topics related to early childhood curriculum (NCGrad 1).
- To further develop research synthesis and writing skills through preparation of a curriculum critique paper (NCGrad 1).
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Weekly participation in asynchronous course assignments | 20 points |
| Weekly participation in synchronous course sessions | 20 points |
| 10-Minute Thinking Assignments (4 out of 5) | 20 points |
| Integrated Learning Experience | 10 points |
| Outline/Prospectus for Curriculum Critique Paper | 20 points |
| Curriculum Critique Paper | 65 points |
| Curriculum Critique Presentation | 20 points |
| Total Possible Points | 175 points |
Grading Scale:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 165 – 175 points | A |
| 157 – 161 points | A- |
| 152 – 156 points | B+ |
| 145 – 151 points | B |
| 140 – 144 points | B- |
| 135 – 139 points | C+ |
| 128 – 134 points | C |
| 122 – 127 points | C- |
| 0 – 126 points | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Class attendance is expected, except in cases of significant illness or family emergency. If you are sick or unable to make class, please notify the instructor by noon on the day of class. Opportunities to make up for missed participation can be arranged for ONE absence during the semester if you notify me by noon on the day of class. If you miss class, you are responsible for watching the session recording and obtaining any assignments or handouts. Arrangements for accepting late assignments will be made only for unusual circumstances and only if you contact me immediately about your situation.
Students will be expected to attend and actively participate in class each week. The class will take place in synchronous TEAMS sessions, asynchronous online classes, and Learning Community Work Group assignments. Students must actively participate in each of these formats to receive full credit for participation in the course. Feedback on your participation will be posted on Canvas around the middle of the semester. The more active your participation in all aspects of the course, the more points you will receive for participation.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.