By the end of this course, students will understand that contemporary educational programs and approaches prioritize active learning for children, role modeling for teachers, and the development of child initiative. These approaches, also known as alternative educational models, feature highly noteworthy and practical educational programs with hands-on learning processes. Therefore, this course aims to teach students about the goals, themes, learning and teaching processes, and assessment approaches of these currently popular and preferred educational approaches.

An overview of educational approaches is provided, including Waldorf schools, the Montessori approach, Highscope, the Bank Street approach, the Reggio Emilia approach, Jeneplan schools, the Pyramid approach, Forest schools, the Portage early education program, and the Respect for Differences program, all of which are childhood approaches.