Theories and Teaching Approaches for Early Childhood

Education

Dana R. PullumECE 101

Allison JenningsJanuary 12, 2015

Theorists/Theories – Most connected to least connected

Learning Approaches – Most connected to least connected

Ex: 1. Piaget – Theory of Cognitive Development Ex: 1. High Scope

1. Gardner: Theory of Multiple Intelligences 1. Montessori Method

2. Skinner: Operant Conditioning Theory 2. Reggio Emilia

3. Erikson: Theory of Psychosocial Development 3. Project Approach

4. Vygotsky: Sociocultural Theory of Development 4. Creative Curriculum

5. Piaget: Theory of Cognitive Development 5. Direct Instruction

6. Bandura: Social Learning Theory 6. High/Scope

7. Kohlberg: Theory of Moral Development 7.

8. Freud: Psychosexual Theory of Development 8.

Theories and Learning Approaches

Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

The Principles of the Approach…•Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences which "proposes that there are discrete domains of functioning, each of which is mediated by different brain areas, has its own principles and skills and displays individual differences" (Multiple Intelligences, 2009).

How does this help?•This Learning Theory is important to understand because it summarizes the different areas in which any person learns.

•This will help in creating lesson plans that encompass more than one area to make it easier for children to grasp the subject matter.

What makes it so great?•Because Gardner outlined the different areas of learning, instead of just showing children the color red, I may add apples, crayons, things that are warm to my lessons in order to help students retain the information.

The Montessori Teaching Method

"Montessori practices such as the use of manipulative materials, individual instruction, and academic self-regulation are considered effective educational methodology for both the typical student and the student with developmental/learning disabilities" (McKenzie & Zascavage, 2012).

Small children do need a prepared and ordered environment, even during self-directed learning times. The Montessori Method has plenty of structure along with the flexibility needed for young minds. Special needs children specifically need this sort of teaching approach. Structure with room for flexibility is exactly the sort of approach that would have appealed to me when I was in school.

"The key features of the Montessori method with young children are the prepared environment, sequenced learning materials, and self-paced instruction for learners" (Estes & Krogh, 2012). Combining the structure and order of the Montessori Method with the flexible learning Multiple Intelligence Theory will create an exciting and informative learning environment for me and my class.

Operant Conditioning Theory

B. F. Skinner's theory is a realization that "all organisms tend to do what

the world around them rewards them for doing" (Freedman, 2012).

Skinner’s Operant Conditioning Theory will benefit my future work

by helping me maintain calm so that I do not focus on any wrongs and

instead focus on the good behaviors of my students.

I have seen this theory work with children . It works surprisingly well with most of them, no matter the situation. Being sure to praise the

smallest good behavior reinforces the child’s need for social interaction. To ignore them totally for bad behaviors

tends to put a stop to the bad because they are receiving no

reaction , which is what they are seeking.

The Principles…• Reggio Emilia is a "socio-constructivist model

which states that both children and adults co-construct their knowledge through interactions with people and the environment" (Dodd-Nufrio, 2011).

How Does it Help?• Children do learn from everything around them

and this approach takes that into account.• With this knowledge, I can create a classroom

environment that is full of things that my students can learn about their world and themselves.

What Makes it so Great?• This theory allows so much freedom for children

to explore their creative sides along with their environment that to fail to incorporate at least some of these principles, would be to fail my students.

Reggio Emilia Teaching Approach

What Makes My Top Theory and Approach Ideal..?

The Montessori Method classroom is broken down into five sections

which are specifically designed for the promotion of learning different skill

sets. The Multiple Intelligence Theory breaks learning down into eight

areas. I believe that Gardner’s theory would work perfectly with the

Montessori Method of teaching because of the specialization of the areas

and learning materials within them. This theory, partnered with the

graduating level of the materials in a Montessori classroom, makes this

combination almost perfect.

References• Dodd-Nufrio, Arleen. (Oct, 2011). Reggio Emilia, Maria Montessori, and John Dewey: Dispelling Teachers' Misconceptions and Understanding

Theoretical Foundations. Early Childhood Education Journal. 39(4). Retrieved from http://

eds.b.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=a0069eb8-dd90-4f6e-9d06-22e0453f15a6%40sessionmgr198&vi

d=1&hid=103

• Estes, L. & Krogh, S. L. (2012). Pathways to Teaching Young Children: An Introduction to Early Childhood Education. Bridgepoint Education. San

Diego, CA. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUECE101.12.1/sections/sec1.2

• Freedman, David H. (Jun, 2012). The Perfected Self. Atlantic. 309(5). 42-52. Retrieved from http://

eds.a.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=71a2ffff-56c5-4043-8bf1-ea4c9191e9a4%40sessionmgr4002&vid

=2&hid=4210

• McKenzie, G. K. & Zascavage, V. S. (Spring, 2012). Montessori Instruction: A Model for Inclusion in Early Childhood Classrooms and Beyond.

24(1). 32-38. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/docview/1009924821?accountid=32521

• Multiple Intelligences Theory. (2009). The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology. ISBN: 9780141030241. Retrieved from http://

www.credoreference.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/entry/penguinpsyc/multiple_intelligences_theory

Image References • Canstock Photo. 3D Golden Star Stock Illustration. [Clipart]. (2015). Retrieved January 12, 2015 from: http://

cf.l.thumbs.canstockphoto.com/canstock1755098.jpg

• Ceiling [Photograph]. (2010). Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_

O70ilCbWkjU/TQRSEO9rhVI/AAAAAAAAAFM/FHR9IGAthaE/s1600/ceiling.jpg

• Cone of Learning. [Clipart]. (2010). Retrieved January 12, 2015 from: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_

b1eQHSJrl4Q/TFLfgfz9oxI/AAAAAAAAABQ/C1QMVClhK3s/s1600/cone.jpg

• Happy kids with smiling faces. [clipart]. (2015). Retrieved on January 12, 2015, from: http://

sr.photos3.fotosearch.com/bthumb/CSP/CSP893/k8931427.jpg

• Henry Janzen Kindergarten School [Photograph]. (2015). Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: http://

reggioapproach.wikispaces.com/file/view/kindergarten_001.JPG/132885529/765x478/kindergarten_001.JPG

• imgarcade.com. [Lightbulb Clipart]. Retrieved January 12, 2015 from: http://imgarcade.com/1/idea-bulb-gif/

• Kindergarten Classrooom. [Photograph]. (2015). Retrieved January 12, 2015 from:

http://images1.privateschoolreview.com/photo/783x522/39702/Quality-Interactive-Montessori-School-Spur-Cross-RKjvHP.jpg

• MissForrestGump. Operant Conditioning Diagram [Computer Generated Image]. (Oct, 2013). Retrieved January 12,

2015, from: http://teachervanny.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/operantconditioning.jpg?w=620

• Multiple Intelligence Wheel. [Chart]. (2015). Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: http://

suononline.pbworks.com/f/1350500679/multiple_intelligence_wheel.jpg

• [Photograph of Children's Choice Childcare room]. (2013). Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: http://

www.childrenschoice.ca/images/programs_slideshow_toddler10.jpg

• Picphotos.net. [Blue Abstract Powerpoint Background]. (2014). Retrieved January 12, 2015 from: http://

www.ppted.com/free/059a.jpg

• pptback.com. 3e-electro-green-strips. [Powerpoint Background]. Retrieved January 12, 2015 from:

http://www.pptback.com/backgrounds/

• PPT Backgrounds Template. abstract-gold-ppt-template. [Powerpoint Background]. (Aug, 2011). Retrieved January

12, 2015 from: http://pptbackgroundtemplate.blogspot.com/2011/08/abstract-gold-ppt-template.html

• SermonCentral. [Chalkboard Powerpoint Background]. (2014). Retrieved January 12, 2015 from:

http://www.sermoncentral.com/Thumbnail_w_Cache.aspx?p=24&x=426&y=320&filename=Who-is-Your-Teacher_slide4&im

age=4498/Image4.jpg&ForceCacheUpdate

=

• Teachers Pay Teachers. [Powerpoint Background]. Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: http://

tcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/FREE-School-Themed-Powerpoint-Template/original-321600-2.jpg

• [Untitled clipart crayon page border]. Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: http://

indesignartandcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/borders-clip-art.jpg

• [Untitled clipart of dancing children]. Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: https://

s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/00/e9/d6/00e9d6c46db2ea4b8e6d84605b07e3ae.jpg

• [Untitled clipart of children arriving at school]. Retrieved January 12, 2015, from: http://

embraceyourchaos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/LOGOSchoolHouse-clip-art.jpg

• Cutcaster. Vector of Questions. [Question Mark Clipart]. (2014). Retrieved January 12, 2015 from:

http://cutcaster.com/vector/100501716-Questions/