Course Resources Archive

Within today's international society it is important for those working in early years to be aware of and understand events, practices and research that emanates from other countries. This module enables students to review critically research and first hand evidence about the effects of one particular approach with an aim to review their own understanding of the practice that they value. The following issues will be addressed: the history, philosophy and politics of models of early childhood, philosophical and ideological starting points, pedagogical approaches, views of the learner and learning, the role of the family in care and education, social policy and training requirements. An active learning approach is encouraged through the visit to another country's settings.

i. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module students should be able to:
a) Demonstrate a critical understanding of comparative studies and its value to the field of early years;
b) Critically examine how early years education and care in a specific country is affected by political and economic factors;
c) Articulate with confidence the conceptual differences in the way early years education and care in England compares with those in another country;
d) Engage critically with the concept of the family and community in another country and how this impacts on education and care practices for early years children
e) Reflect critically on own practice and how this is / may be affected by knowledge from international comparisons

ii. Skills
By the end of the module students should have developed skills in:
a) Critically analysing literature and information from a variety of sources
b) Engaging in informed academic debate
c) Reflective practice
d) Evaluating active learning personally and professionally

Staff student contact 20% (to include: 5 day educational visit, placement, lectures, group work, group tutorials, individual tutorial)
Student independent study 80%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.