Should Children Define the Curricululm

Should Children Define the Curricululm

1. Social Constructivist Theories

   • Vygotsky (1978)
     • Social Development Theory
     • ZPD/ MKO
     • Teacher is the faciliator
   • Lave and Wenger (1991)
     • Communities of practice
   • Dewey (1938)
     • Meaningful activities are useful for the learner, more enthusiastic

2. Studies

   • Chris Potter Study
     • Children were involved in the planning process and were motivated to do so. Effective outcomes. Small study - not valid.

3. Documentation

   • Welcome to Early Years (YEAR)
     • EYFS control their learning. Assemblies/ play learning.
   • Rose Review (YEAR)
     • Own learning = Effective learning

4. Steiner ideology (YEAR)

   • Children learn when they are ready
     • Unstructured Curriculum (Current)
       • Children need to start at 5
         • Finland start at 7.
           • Personalised school, year 1 - year 10.
         • 16 Curriculums in Germany
           • County ministers decide.

5. Shirley Clarke (YEAR)

   • Children to play an active role in moving teaching on.

6. Free Schools

7. NO!

   • Gillard (1995)
     • Exposes flaws of child centred learning
     • Life school education for children and adolescents (1994)
   • Children do not have the prior knowledge to make decisions in their education
     • May make uninformed decisions.

8. Emergent Curriculum Jones, E (YEAR)

   • Child interest and teachers interests are considered.
   • http://www.naeyc.org/yc/files/yc/file/201203/Heritage_v67n2_0312.pdf

9. Donaldson (YEAR) Adults are ecocentric and only look at the world from their own perspectives not realising how it may look from a child's perspectives. Therefore is it best they deisgn the curriculum?