Pedagogy
Pedagogy is the foundation of the Early Care and Education Department. I demonstrate the art of teaching with my students by modeling effective teaching strategies and techniques, coaching and guiding as students experiment with new concepts, and extend student thinking through connections, analysis, and reflection. By actively engaging students in collaborative and cooperative learning, I provide multiple opportunities to connect educational theory to classroom practice. I plan each class so students are immersed in the process of teaching and learning thus embracing our department mission to prepare knowledgeable, confident, and capable early childhood professionals to care for, educate, and support diverse young children and families in their communities.
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Active involvement, interaction and open dialogue to construct meaning
In ECD 133 Science and Math Concepts, students learn how to promote content learning using open-ended materials like water. Extending children's thinking and learning beyond open exploration, students create plans to reveal properties of water including flow, shape, and buoyancy.
In ECD 133 Science and Math Concepts, students learn how to promote content learning using open-ended materials like water. Extending children's thinking and learning beyond open exploration, students create plans to reveal properties of water including flow, shape, and buoyancy.
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Authentic contexts for learning
In ECD 135 Health, Safety and Nutrition, students learn movement concepts and skills then put them into practice by demonstrating a 30 minute movement plan. Growing concerns about childhood obesity call for teachers to support children in learning how to be active and healthy.
In ECD 135 Health, Safety and Nutrition, students learn movement concepts and skills then put them into practice by demonstrating a 30 minute movement plan. Growing concerns about childhood obesity call for teachers to support children in learning how to be active and healthy.
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Connect theory to practice through presentation and demonstration
In various classes, students present their knowledge and understanding of development and learning. This example from ECD 105 Guidance and Classroom Management shows how students integrate literacy to support children and families in crisis.
In various classes, students present their knowledge and understanding of development and learning. This example from ECD 105 Guidance and Classroom Management shows how students integrate literacy to support children and families in crisis.
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Embed learning in rich, authentic environments
The classroom environment either supports or inhibits children's development and learning. Providing examples of appropriate learning environments and materials allows students to have direct experience and connect theory to practice.
The classroom environment either supports or inhibits children's development and learning. Providing examples of appropriate learning environments and materials allows students to have direct experience and connect theory to practice.
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Share ideas and receive feedback
Demonstrating a self-serve snack, students share their understanding of nutrition, independence and literacy. Students gain confidence in their knowledge and make adjustments according to feedback they receive from classmates.
Demonstrating a self-serve snack, students share their understanding of nutrition, independence and literacy. Students gain confidence in their knowledge and make adjustments according to feedback they receive from classmates.
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Reflect on learning to make connections and apply knowledge
Reflection is a component of all ECD classes. When students reflect on their thinking and learning, they can make new goals and celebrate accomplishments.
Reflection is a component of all ECD classes. When students reflect on their thinking and learning, they can make new goals and celebrate accomplishments.