Information Package / Course Catalogue
Learning Approaches and Practices in Early Childhood
Course Code: OÖÖ448
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to introduce learning approaches appropriate to the developmental characteristics of children in early childhood; to comprehend the theoretical foundations, application forms and teacher roles of these approaches; to gain the ability to adapt learning approaches to early childhood education.

Course Content

In this course, basic theoretical approaches and application models that support learning in early childhood are discussed. In addition, teacher roles in early childhood education, organization of learning environments, evaluation methods, family involvement are included. Students develop appropriate designs for learning environments using the theoretical knowledge they have acquired.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Knows the theoretical foundations of learning approaches specific to early childhood.
2.Knows the role of individual differences in the learning process in early childhood.
3.Develops the ability to prepare alternative learning environments (nature, digital, out-of-class, etc.).
4.Knows alternative methods for assessing learning in early childhood.
5.Prepares content appropriate to the developmental characteristics and learning needs of children in early childhood.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Ulutaş, N., & Kızıltepe, Z. (Edt) (2022). Early childhood education approaches. Anı Publishing.
2.Bredekamp, S. (2015). Effective practices in early childhood education. H. Z. Inan & T. Inan (Çev. Edt.). Nobel Publishing.
3.Pekdoğan, S., & Gözün Kahraman, Ö. (Eds.). (2020). Learning approaches in early childhood: Education program, learning environment and practices from the perspective. Eğitimen Kitabevi.
4.Atış Akyol, N., & Aşkar, N. (2022). 21st Century Skills in Early Childhood. Gazi University Gazi Faculty of Education Journal, 42(3), 2597-2629. https://doi.org/10.17152/gefad.1081472
5.Mercan, Z. (2022). 21st century skills in early childhood. Journal of Muallim Rıfat Faculty of Education, 4(2), 87-105.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
What is learning? The relationship between learning and development
Week 2 - Theoretical
Learning theories and approaches: Behavioral theory, cognitive theory, humanistic approach
Week 3 - Theoretical
Learning approaches in early childhood: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, High Scope
Week 4 - Theoretical
Approaches to learning in early childhood: Waldorf, Bank Street, Head Start
Week 5 - Theoretical
Play-based learning in early childhood
Week 6 - Theoretical
Learning in nature in early childhood
Week 7 - Theoretical
Learning through art and creativity in early childhood
Week 8 - Theoretical
Technology-supported learning in early childhood
Week 9 - Theoretical
Observing and assessing the learning process in early childhood: alternative tools
Week 10 - Theoretical
Observing and assessing the learning process in early childhood: individual differences
Week 11 - Theoretical
The guiding role of the teacher in the learning process in early childhood and cooperation with the family
Week 12 - Preparation Work
Content preparation
Week 12 - Theoretical & Practice
Student practices
Week 13 - Preparation Work
Content preparation
Week 13 - Theoretical & Practice
Student practices
Week 14 - Preparation Work
Content preparation
Week 14 - Theoretical & Practice
Student practices
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142256
Assignment1426
Individual Work36224
Midterm Examination1617
Final Examination110111
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)104
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
OÇ-1
4
4
4
4
3
3
5
3
3
5
OÇ-2
4
4
4
5
5
4
5
3
5
4
OÇ-3
5
4
5
5
5
3
4
3
3
4
OÇ-4
5
4
4
5
5
5
5
3
3
4
OÇ-5
5
4
4
5
5
5
5
3
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026