My Learning Theory
Play is a necessary aspect in the early childhood classroom. Young children at this developmental stage actually learn through play. Play is the foundation for learning skills. It is proven that young children learn better through active learning by constructing knowledge in a physical active way rather than learning strictly passively from direct instruction in their desk all day. In the playful classroom, the curriculum is integrated and learning is not compartmentalized. Children learn through discovery, inquiry, problem solving, cooperation, persistence, oral language, and creativity. Play is the appropriate learning that leads to long-term knowledge.
Another way that young children learn is through example. Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory proposes that children learn from observing the behaviors of others in addition to their own behaviors being reinforced. According to Bandura, people learn from what others demonstrate or model, but they must also be paying attention, retain what they observe, successfully reproduce the images of the experience in their minds, and finally have the motivation to imitate or reproduce the experience (Estes & Krogh, 2012).
Another way that young children learn is through example. Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory proposes that children learn from observing the behaviors of others in addition to their own behaviors being reinforced. According to Bandura, people learn from what others demonstrate or model, but they must also be paying attention, retain what they observe, successfully reproduce the images of the experience in their minds, and finally have the motivation to imitate or reproduce the experience (Estes & Krogh, 2012).
Approach to Teaching
I would like to create an active environment in my classroom using the High/Scope curriculum approach. The High/Scope preschool curriculum website tells us that "As teachers, parents, and educational researchers have discovered, the HighScope Preschool Curriculum not only helps young children excel in language and cognitive learning but also promotes independence, curiosity, decision-making, cooperation, persistence, creativity, and problem solving — the fundamental skills that help determine success in adult life." I believe that children need to be active and independent in their learning in order to truly care and retain information. The High/Scope curriculum does exactly that and more. With the High/Scope curriculum I like that there are large and small groups for learning as well as certain individual work. I think that is is important that children learn not just individually but in a group setting where they can explore different ideas than their own. I really like the idea of plan-do-review. I think that it is the perfect way to learn because you work and learn together with peers, individually, and then review all together with the teacher. I also think that open ended questions are an important key to learning. I think they are a great way to explore new possibilities from other people's perspective as well as stir up one’s own ideas. I also really like the idea that there is no set daily schedule and teachers are not on a time limit to teach the material. I think that learning shouldn't be scheduled. Rather it should be cherished, flexible, and uninterrupted no matter the time.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)
Developmentally Appropriate Practice, or DAP, is the practice of teaching context to children that is within their appropriate age group and developmental stage. In addition this requires assessing children's knowledge individually as well as being familiar with their social and cultural context in order to fully, and properly meet each child's needs for learning. Developmentally appropriate practice does not mean making things easier for children (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009). I have witnessed many teachers who think they are incorporating DAP by dumbing down curriculum and teaching strategies in attempt to make things easier for their students. However this does not actually benefit the child. Instead students are often given easier assignments or handed out the answers. In reality DAP isn't supposed to make things easier for the child but rather to enable them to reach their goals and learning standards by providing achievable challenges