Introduction
Child development explores the growth of a child through physical, emotional,and psychological stages as they learn to go from being dependent to independent. The main theories in child development range from language, social and emotional, cognitive,and physical aspects. Each theory breaks down how a child learns, grows, understands,and communicate with the world around them. Therefore, the theories are small buildings blocks that shape the child’s mind throughout their lifetime.This collaborative WebQuest will guide you through the research and application of this information.
Task
In order to complete the WebQuest successfully students will need to review, research and present early childhood theorist and their beliefs and theories on early childhood education.
Process
Step 1
You will research a theorist most important events, beliefs, and theories that have had an impact on early childhood education.
Below are the theorist you can chose from.
- Martin Luther
- John Amos Comenius
- John Locke
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- Johann Pestalozzi
- Robert Owen
- Friedrich Froebel
- Maria Montessori
- John Dewey
- Jean Piaget
- Lev Vygotsky
- Abraham Maslow
- Erik Erikson
- Urie Bronfenbrenner
- Howard Gardner
Step 2
You will share your findings with an assigned partner. After sharing, your findings both you and your partner should have an understanding of both theorist.
Step 3
Both you and your partner will then , decide which theorist you would like to present to the class based on which one you feel has the biggest impact on you today as an early childhood educator.
Step 4
You and your partner will create a presentation (powerpoint, prezi etc ) to inform the class on what you learned. This presentation must include a handout with a summary of the information presented on the theorist as well as a well-planned out activity/lesson plan that can be implemented in a preschool class today using the theorists beliefs and understanding of development. Please be sure to specify which age group your activity is planned for.
Evaluation
Below is the grading rubric for the WebQuest assignment
| # | 5 points | 10 points | 15 points | 20 points | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research | Links are utilized, some questions are answered, basic understanding of content | Links are utilized, all questions are answered, basic understanding of content | Links are utilized, all questions are answered, understanding of content is evident | Links are utilized, further research is evident, all questions are answered, understanding of content is evident | /20 |
| Presentation | Presentation complete,grammatical errors, most information is accurate, handout present, activity complete. | Easy to follow presentation, few grammatical errors, all information is accurate, handout contains main ideas, activity follows theorists beliefs/ideas. | Easy to follow presentation. few grammatical errors, all information is accurate, handout contains main ideas, activity is age appropriate and follows theorists beliefs/ideas. | Easy to follow presentation. free of grammatical errors, all information is thorough and accurate, handout is well thought out and contains main ideas, activity is age appropriate and follows theorists beliefs/ideas | /20 |
| Handout | Handout is present, grammatical errors, provides few of the theorists main ideas | Handout is organized, few grammatical errors, provides some of the theorists main ideas and contributions to the field | Handout is well organized, few grammatical errors, provides theorists main ideas and contributions to the field | Handout is well organized, free of grammatical errors, provides theorists main ideas and contributions to the field | /20 |
| Activity/Lesson Plan | Activity is present, age appropriate and has ideas from theorists beliefs | Activity is planned out, inclusive for most children, age appropriate and includes theorists ideas/beliefs | Activity is well planned out, inclusive for most children, age appropriate, engaging and based on theorists ideas/beliefs | Activity is well planned out, inclusive for all children, age appropriate, easily implemented, engaging and based on theorists ideas/beliefs | /20 |
|
Total Score: /80 |
Conclusion
You have now reviewed, researched and presented early childhood theories in a hands on way to better your understanding of early education. Becoming familiar with the theorist and theories that shape what we do is important to have a strong foundation in the teaching career.
Thank you!
Credits
Morrison, G. S. (2014). Fundamentals of early childhood education. (7th edition). Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson.
WebQuest was created and retrieved from https://createwebquest.com/
Teacher Page
To Whom it May Concern,
It was my honor to present to you this webquest on the early childhood theorists. This topic was an important topic due to the theorists and their beliefs on early childhood education.
Standards
Early childhood education theories and theorists