When a student begins the Early Childhood Education program at Pacific Oaks, they are introduced to many of these theorists in ECE 301: Foundations of ECE and Current Issues in the Education of Young Children. While this course is usually required, students do have a few options for how they attend the class: online, on-ground, or a combination of both. Professor of the course, Judy Krause, Ed.D., discusses the importance of this foundational course and the ways that it is primed to be available to students at a schedule that works for them.
“Because this is one of the first classes that students take here, whether they are transferring in, or beginning the Early Childhood Education program, this also serves as their introduction to Pacific Oaks,” Dr. Krause says. “The social justice and community-driven mission of the college is built into this course and in the field, in general.”
Rooted in theory: online and on-ground
The foundational course discusses many theories of education and childhood development, focusing on how these theories look when applied in the classroom. One of the main focuses, in study and in practice, is social constructivism. In the classroom, this means that children learn best through play—discovery, experimentation, and exploration—with others.
Dr. Krause explains that she believes everyone, not just children, learns best this way—which informs the format of the course. Many students choose to take the class either online or in the hybrid format. As a hybrid course, students come to campus one night a week for class, and then spend the rest of the week interacting online. Dr. Krause goes to great lengths to make sure that everyone still gets the same experience.
“I believe everyone learns best through social constructivism, so I want to make sure that my online students are getting the same types of interaction and hands-on learning that my face-to-face students are getting. Through videos, video calls, and discussion boards, we are all talking to each other throughout the course—whether we’re in the classroom or not,” Dr. Krause explains.
Laying the groundwork for success
Another key component of the foundational course is case study assignments, which are based on real-life examples the students experience in their classrooms. For instance, after reading articles, watching videos, and utilizing discussion boards, students analyze environmental awareness, emergent curriculum, and documentation needs within the classroom as they experience it. The class also requires signature assignments proving understanding and proficiencies, which are prerequisites for the National Association for the Education of Young Children portfolio.
In addition to providing students the baseline work for eventual graduation and credentialing, the key theorists in early childhood education are holistically explored. From Jean Piaget’s Developmental Stage Theory, to Lev Vygotsky’s social constructivism, to Maria Montessori’s approach to learning, the students are exposed to various ways to consider their classroom and children.
“From day one, we look at some of these key theorists because throughout the course and throughout the ECE program, everything that we do is going to be built on that foundation of theory. Most decisions in the classroom are based on these theorists,” Dr. Krause explains. “For instance, before Montessori, there were no child-sized tables or chairs. The appropriateness of the environment was not wholly considered, so we study how this theory came to be and the ways we can make sure the current classroom is developmentally appropriate.”
Whether in the classroom, online, or a combination of both, this course introduces theory and dives deeply into how these theories help prepare teachers.
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