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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Optional Courses - Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

Length:

 45 hours (15 weeks).

Dates:
September 2005 - Present.
Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: brainstorm ideas about curriculum development; list relevant ideas and develop a theme; research and create materials which are age appropriate for preschool children; field test materials with preschool children and describe their reactions and conversation regarding the materials; summarize the steps taken in the creation of the project and present a project that introduces, presents, and displays the thematic materials that have been developed.

Instruction:

This course prepares students to brainstorm and choose relevant ideas illustrating concepts in developing a theme. Students analyze topics and design and gather a sequence of materials from across the discipline areas which they can expand into a learning module; research and create materials which are age-appropriate for preschool children; create a journal which traces the steps taken in creating the project; field test the materials, create a report which introduces and displays the thematic materials that have been created, and present their findings to the class. NOTE: Students who do not possess an undergraduate degree, enroll in the 425 section and complete assignments as described above. For those who already possess an undergraduate degree and who wish to benefit from the graduate credit recommendation, the course requirements, include those listed above, as well as additional activities. These students enroll in 525 and develop a learning module, prepare and present the module to age appropriate children, and prepare and conduct a workshop for other teachers using the learning module. The workshop materials include the focus and agenda, expected outcomes, handouts, and any other materials that encourage other teachers to integrate the learning module into their classroom. Students must be prepared to discuss the sequencing of materials, their purpose, and adaptation of material for children of different ages and/or disabilities. The workshop includes a participant evaluation. Following the workshop, students write a short paper reflecting upon the experience. Direct observation by supervisor and/or video taping is also required.

Credit recommendation:

Course 425: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Montessori Education (8/06) (11/11 revalidation) (11/16 revalidation). Course 525: In the graduate degree category, 3 semester hours in Montessori Education (8/06) (11/11 revalidation) (11/16 revalidation).

Length:
45 hours (15 weeks).
Dates:
September 2005 - Present.
Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: choose relevant ideas from the five theorists and apply them in the preschool Montessori classroom; identify classroom presentations that illustrate ideas such as scaffolding and zone of proximal development; recognize which children are still in Piaget's preoperational stage and adjust presentations accordingly; dialogue with children in exploring causality and create presentations of materials which further knowledge; observe the learning processes of social interaction involved in play; record learning outcomes in social, emotional, physical and cognitive areas using theories of development found in the ideas of the five theorists; and plan changes in the learning environment which best serve developing needs.

Instruction:

This course explores the ideas of five theorists associated with early childhood practices through readings, discussions, and comparison of ideas. Students examine cognitive and social development and the role of play in a child's development. Students explore the ideas of Montessori along with those of the other prominent Early Childhood Theorists examining cognitive and social development and the role of play in child development; compare the theorists approaches to life and human development by considering the value of learning through experiences upon the environment and the effect of social community upon the emotional growth of children; observe children in a classroom setting and discuss children's learning processes and social interactions;  field test the approaches of theorists, such as Piaget's conservation and correspondence of quantity and conservation of length and ideas about causality with four and five year olds. Students also compare recent studies of the developing brain in infants and toddlers with ideas expressed by the theorists.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Education, Sociology, Human Services, Early Childhood, Psychology or Montessori Education (8/06) (11/11 revalidation) (11/16 revalidation).

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