Early Childhood Studies: A social science perspective

Description

Early Childhood Studies: A Social Science Perspective explores key issues in early childhood studies from a variety of social science disciplines, including psychology, sociology, social policy and education. Each chapter considers a different social science discipline, identifying, analysing and critically assessing how that particular discipline enriches early years provision and research. User-friendly student features are included throughout, including: icebreakers introduce the main chapter themes objectives help readers to develop cognitive skills, moving from identifying to analysing to critically assessing formative activities encourage practical application of the content case-studies ground theory in practice research activities support those looking to take their understanding further self-assessment questions allow readers to test their knowledge further reading references and web links provide ideas for further exploration An essential course companion for all Early Childhood Studies undergraduate students. Cover HalfTitle Series Title Copyright Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Book structure Learning features Professional development and reflective practice 1 Psychology and Early Childhood Studies Introduction Defining the discipline of psychology Origins of psychology The schools of psychology Behaviourism Humanism Psychodynamic theory Cognitive theory Biological psychology Applying psychology to early years Psychological therapies and the early years 2 Sociology and Early Childhood Studies Defining sociology The sociological perspectives Functionalism Interactionism Conflict theory Applying sociology to early years Critical appraisal of how sociological theory can be used by early years Foucauldian shadows of power and oppression 3 Social Policy and Early Childhood Studies What is social policy? The social policy process The concept of partnership Historical factors influencing social policy The ‘partnership approach’ to social policy and early years 4 Pedagogy and Early Childhood Studies Introduction Educational psychology Theories of learning: behaviourism Cognitive learning theory Humanist pedagogical theory Learning theories, domains of learning and pedagogy Learning theories review Taxonomies of learning Good classroom communication skills 5 Enhancing Learning and Early Childhood Studies Introduction Defining the curriculum, widening participation and inclusion Curriculum design and implementation for inclusive practice Reviewing, evaluating and adapting the early years curriculum to promote inclusive practice Equality and diversity – ethical and legal issues and curriculum development for inclusive practice Appraising the curriculum 6 Research Methods and Early Childhood Studies Defining research The research process Competing perspectives Research methods Validity Reliability Triangulation Research ethics The research models The research methods Analysing data Critical appraisal of the research process Example research project in Early Childhood Studies Conclusion Book structure Chapter themes Answers References Index