Principled Pedagogical Approach to T&L in Early Years

Question 1

What is pedagogy?

Answer 1

the art, science, and practice of teaching, including the various methods and strategies educators use to facilitate learning, theoretical underpinnings of those methods, and the understanding of how students learn and absorb

Question 2

What is pedagogy concerned with?

Answer 2

• Curriculum design: how educational content is organized and presented
• Instructional methods: techniques used to deliver the curriculum (eg: lecture)
• Assessment: Evaluating student understanding, which can inform future teaching strategies
• Classroom management: Creating and maintaining a learning environment that is conducive to learning
• Learner engagement: Strategies to motivate & engage students in learning

Question 3

What is effective pedagogy?

Answer 3

Effective pedagogy requires consideration of the diverse learning styles, needs and backgrounds of students, as well as the context in which learning takes place

Question 4

Name some learning practices

Answer 4

• Child-centered learning
• Play-based learning
• Holistic development
• Inquiry and exploration

Question 5

What is play-based learning?

Answer 5

Where children explore, discover, and engage in meaningful play that supports various areas of development, such as language, social skills and problem-solving

Question 6

Why a holistic development?

Answer 6

Addressing not just cognitive aspects, but also social, emotional, physical, and creative development. Teaching practices designed to nurture well-rounded individuals

Question 7

Why are responsive relationships important in pedagogy?

Answer 7

Creating warm, nurturing environments where children feel valued and understood supports children’s emotional well-being and encourages positive social interactions

Question 8

Why are inclusion and diversity important in pedagogy?

Answer 8

Educators are mindful of the diverse backgrounds and needs of children, including those with special needs, ensuring all children have access to learning opportunities

Question 9

Why is the integration of families and communities important in pedagogy?

Answer 9

Pedagogy often includes strategies for engaging families in the educational process and connecting learning experiences to the children’s cultural and community context

Question 10

Why’s the use of reflective practice important in pedagogy?

Answer 10

Effective pedagogy involves ongoing reflection and professional development. Educators continually assess their practices, reflect on their effectiveness, and seek new knowledge and strategies to improve their teaching

Question 11

What do educators observe?

Answer 11

How the children interact with materials; what they do with them, which materials are their favorites, disliked & how they can best help & support the children in their learning

Question 12

What are the roles of early childhood educators?

Answer 12

• A scaffold/facilitator of learning
• Observers
• A side-by-side facilitator

Question 13

What are common tasks of an educator?

Answer 13

• To provide a stimulating, inclusive, safe and clean environment
• Plan, prepare and implement a high quality & developmentally appropriate curriculum to foster holistic development
• Teaching children pre-literacy, reading and language skills, motor skills and shape and color recognition
• Organise activities that promote and facilitate the development of social, creative and physical skills
• Ensuring all activities promote and improve each child’s self-esteem
• Individualising the curriculum as required, ensuring all activities are accessible

Question 14

What are the daily tasks that educators have?

Answer 14

• Stimulate and assist in the integral development of children’s skills
• Maintaining a caring, inclusive, safe and hygienic environment
• To develop schedules & routines while promoting good behaviors and habits
• To observe and report children’s progress and development, as well as their health and well-being

Question 15

What is play in ECE?

Answer 15

Educational, social, physical and emotional

Question 16

How is play educational in ECE?

Answer 16

It helps children develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. They also learn about math, science, literacy and arts in meaningful ways

Question 17

How does play become social in ECE?

Answer 17

Provides opportunities for children to interact with peers and adults, learning social norms, empathy and communication skills

Question 18

How does play help with a child’s physical development?

Answer 18

It helps children develop their motor skills, improve coordination and overall physical health

Question 19

How does play help with the emotional development of a child?

Answer 19

Play allows children to express their emotions, cope with challenges and gain confidence

Question 20

What are statutory expectations?

Answer 20

The legal requirements and standards designed for preschools, childcare centers, and educators must follow to ensure the safety, welfare, developmental progress and educational quality for young children

Question 21

Wen are the critical periods of development for the brain?

Answer 21

The brain is particularly sensitive to certain type of environmental stimuli during the early years. Experiences will have a great impact on the development of specific brain functions, such as language acquisition, emotional regulation and sensory processing

Question 22

How does understanding how the brain develop in early years help educators and parents?

Answer 22

It helps them create optimal environments for learning and growth

Question 23

State the order in which the parts of the brain develops

Answer 23

1) Brainstem (Primitive brain)
2) Midbrain and Limbic area
3) Cortical brain

Question 24

What is the brainstem in charge of?

Answer 24

Sensory motor input and survival

Question 25

What is the limbic area in charge of?

Answer 25

Attachment and emotional development

Question 26

What is the cortical brain in charge of?

Answer 26

Thinking, learning, language and inhibiting (restraining or suppressing. A key role in self-regulation, impulse control, and social behavior)

Question 27

How’s the brain development during the prenatal development?

Answer 27

Even before birth, the brain undergoes significant development. By the time of birth, the brain has about all the neurons it will ever have

Question 28

How’s the brain’s neural connections during the first year?

Answer 28

There’s rapid growth in neural connections or synapses during the first year of life, as the brain begins to process sensory information, language, and motor skills. This period is crucial for the development of vision & hearing

Question 29

How’s the brain’s plasticity during the first year?

Answer 29

The brain’s ability to change in response to experiences is highest during the first year. This means the brain is highly sensitive to environmental stimuli, positive or negative

Question 30

Why is the first year considered the brain’s critical period?

Answer 30

Certain sensory abilities and basic language skills begin to develop, capitalising on the critical periods when the brain is optimally receptive to learning these functions

Question 31

What develops in the second year? (rapid expansion of skills and abilities)

Answer 31

Language development, motor skills, social and emotional development

Question 32

What develops in the third year? (increasing complexity and independence)

Answer 32

Cognitive skills, emotional regulation, social interaction

Question 33

What should ECE be encouraging?

Answer 33

• Encourage language exposure: Storytelling, conversation, reading
• Promote sensory and motor experiences: Play that encourages movement, and exploration of different textures, sounds and sights
• Foster secure, positive relationships to support social and emotional development
• A stimulating, challenging environment encourages curiosity and cognitive development through play, exploration and problem-solving activities