Fall 2000

Distance Education Delivery
(IUPUI, IUB, IU East, and University of Southern Indiana)

E506 Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (3 semester credit hours): Planning the curriculum and selecting and evaluating learning experiences for children ages three through eight years with reference to relevant research. Organizing the classroom to provide maximum integration among experiences in different academic areas. As we explore curriculum together, think of these graphics and prepare for a paradigm shift:

Curriculum exploration requires involving the whole person -- mind, body, heart, and soul.

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

The purpose of this course is to investigate the nature of curriculum in early childhood education. We will explore how a variety of historical, cultural, sociological, philosophical, and psychological factors influence curriculum development. From this review we will see how these influences lead to the development of a variety of curriculum models which have shaped present curricula in early childhood education. Following a review of the major models we will examine in detail several constructivist models. The specific course objectives are:

1. To identify significant historical, cultural, sociological, philosophical, and psychological factors that have influenced curriculum development in early childhood education.
2. To review curricular models that have been used in a variety of early childhood programs.
3. To generate curricular experiences and teaching strategies that foster growth and development of the whole child using a constructivist approach.
4. To discuss how a broader view of literacy, which incorporates the understanding and use of many sign systems, can be an essential part of early childhood curriculum.
5. To write (construct or clarify) a philosophy of early childhood education.
6. To identify and pursue a curricular inquiry study project.
7. To construct an understanding of early childhood education in the broader educational continuum (life-long learning).

Ayers, W. (1993). To Teach. NY: Teachers College Press.

Bredekamp, Sue and Copple, Carol (Editors). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs. Washington: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Roopnarine, Jaipaul and Johnson, James E. (2000). Approaches to Early Childhood Education. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Merrill (ISBN: 013-085246.

1. Read the required textbooks and supplement with outside readings.
2. Actively participate in class discussions and share your readings.
3. Regularly attend class.
4. Complete and deliver assignments by due dates.**
   **Assignments must be postmarked by due date for non-IUPUI students.
5. Become acquainted with resources of the university library and your local public library.
6. Interact with the instructor via e-mail for journal entries.
7. Explore the new uses of technology for professional and personal development.

As an experiment and new approach to providing instruction for Early Childhood Education classes, the IUPUI campus of Indiana University will link with other Indiana University campuses and the University of Southern Indiana via distance learning (video-conferencing = interactive two- way video and audio). This technology will allow students from many campuses to share common experiences and become a part of the new type of classroom.