Educational Theorists

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Hi,

Interesting question! Let's look at some of the theories for you to consider for your final discussion.

RESPONSE:

1. How do classical and contemporary educational theories impact the development of appropriate and quality early childhood curriculum? I need around 250 words please.

Kliebard (2004, as cited in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_theory) discusses four theories that have influence curriculum: humanist (or mental disciplinarians), social efficiency, developmentalist (or child study), and social meliorists. Schiro labels the philosophies of these groups the scholar academic ideology, social efficiency ideology, learner centered ideology, and social reconstruction ideology. For the development of appropriate and quality early childhood curriculum, it depends somewhat on what theory you hold as to what the role of the curriculum has on children. Some believe that the current American Educational system is primarily guided by the theories of the social efficiency movement or factory model with some influence of humanism. As we begin the 21st century the influence of all theories can be found in schools in addition to the Standards Movement and Social Justice educational philosophies. In other words, perhaps the best and appropriate early childhood curriculum is an integration of classical and contemporary theoretical components of theory that have stood the test of time (Kliebard, 2004 as cited in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_theory).

However, different people and schools incorporate different theoretical components depending on what theory they hold about the role of curriculum in the lives of children; however, most curriculum's are an integration of both classic and contemporary theories. And, as pointed out by Kliebard (2004), Humanism and its ideas are important in early childhood curriculum, as it suggests the importance of treating the ...