Abstract/Notes: Alternative educational concepts evolved in response to classical educational methods in which children are placed in a passive position and the transfer of knowledge is cultivated as a form of teaching. Models of alternative pedagogy (Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio, Agazzi) advocate developmentally appropriate practices which Bredekamp (1993) describes as a presence of different strategies, i.e., child-oriented behaviours of teachers and responding to the child's individual needs. In order to help each child to grow into a universal and competent individual from preschool age, it is necessary to encourage their imagination and creativity, as well as to acquire habits of cooperation and coexistence with other children. One of the activities which promote these desirable characteristics in children is handicraft. Many studies and findings in the area of neuroscience, multiple intelligences theories, and the aforementioned alternative pedagogical concepts emphasize the importance of handicraft and point out its benefits not only for children but for the entire community. However, such an approach to children's learning and activity is poorly represented in educational institutions. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the views of preschool teachers and parents on handicraft activities and its more frequent use in regular preschool programs. The survey was conducted by an anonymous questionnaire on a sample of 316 respondents, preschool teachers (N=141) and parents (N=175). The results of the study show that both preschool teachers and parents agree that certain elements of alternative concepts such as handicraft have a positive impact on the overall development of the child and that they are useful and practical life skills. They also agree that handicraft activities should be used in educational institutions to a greater extent. [Conference Name: 14th International Technology, Education and Development Conference; ISBN: 9788409179398; Place: Valencia, Spain]

Language: English

Published: Valencia, Spain: International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED), 2020

Pages: 1511-1519

DOI: 10.21125/inted.2020.0499

ISBN: 978-84-09-17939-8

Language: English

Published: New York: Capricorn, 1970

Language: English

Published: New York: A. A. Knopf, 1930

Abstract/Notes: This early childhood curriculum study focused on the practical understandings that teachers held about their classroom experiences, as a way of gaining access to the dynamics of curriculum implementation and innovation. Two problems were addressed: (1) the lack of knowledge about the dynamics of curriculum implementation in settings where early childhood curriculum practices were regarded as innovative by a significant proportion of participants; and (2) the need to assist other teachers in their attempts to learn about curriculum implementation. Two research questions provided general guidance for the study. First, what did innovative teachers consider to be important actions and events affecting their work during the early stages of change toward a flexible, developmentally responsive curriculum? Second, how could information gained from these teachers be used to assist other early childhood teachers and student teachers interested in curriculum implementation? Phase 1 of the

Language: English

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: In nongraded, multi-age classrooms, children have the opportunity to learn a great deal from their more proficient classmates. Children in multi-age, nongraded programs often learn that children differ, and they learn to assist each other in productive ways. The organizational scheme has the potential to remove much of the competition of traditionally graded classrooms and, for many children, the stigma of being "behind." Researchers in the Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence (CREDE) project "Appalachian Children's Academic and Social Development at Home and in Nongraded Primary Schools: Model Programs for Children of Poverty" have studied the implementation and effects of nongraded primary programs on rural and urban children of Appalachian descent in Kentucky, where a statewide, nongraded primary program has been implemented in various forms since 1990. In this practitioner brief, the authors share responses and recommendations from administrators and practitioners in the study.

Language: English

Published: Santa Cruz, California, Apr 2002

Language: English

Published: Washington, D.C.: Zero to Three Press, 2005

ISBN: 978-0-943657-82-0

Language: English

Language: English

Language: English

Published: Minneapolis, Minnesota: Lerner Publications, 1996

ISBN: 0-8225-4952-2