Faculty of Education · Pre-School Teaching · Undergraduate
Course Objective
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of early childhood education, its historical and theoretical foundations, and its applications in Turkey and globally. It also aims to help students understand the developmental characteristics of children, grasp the role of the teacher, and gain awareness of program-family collaboration and evaluation processes.
Course Content
This course will cover the definition, importance, scope, and principles of early childhood education; the perspectives that form the basis of the field; the historical development of early childhood education in Turkey and around the world; the developmental characteristics and needs of the child; the characteristics of the preschool teacher; the types of preschool educational institutions and the characteristics of the educational environment; different educational models; early childhood education program and activity planning; family-school collaboration; evaluation and documentation methods; the use of technology and the inclusive approach.
Required Resources
Seven, S. (Ed.) (2022). Erken Çocukluk Eğitimine Giriş (6. Baskı). PEGEM Yayıncılık, Ankara.
Yılmaz, E. (Ed.) (2020). Erken Çocukluk Eğitimine Giriş. Eğiten Kitap Yayıncılık.
Ulutaş, İ. ve Demiriz, S. (2018). Erken Çocukluk Eğitimine Giriş. Pegem Akademi Yayıncılık.
Aktan Acar, E. (Ed.) (2022). Erken Çocukluk Eğitimine Giriş. Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
Recommended Resources
Oktay, A. (2008). Yaşamın Sihirli Yılları - Okul Öncesi Eğitim. Epsilon Yayıncılık, Ankara.
Explanations
In addition to theoretical lectures, the course will include in-class discussions, group work, and practical activities.
Students are expected to follow the course syllabus weekly, complete the preparatory work, and actively participate in class.
Student performance will be assessed through midterm exams, midterm assignments, and a final exam. Class participation throughout the semester will also be included in the assessment.
Rules
Regular attendance is mandatory in accordance with university regulations.
Assignments must be submitted on the specified dates.
Academic integrity must be maintained in assignments. Sources used in assignments must be properly cited.
Course-related announcements will be made via official student email addresses and/or the established Teams team. Students are required to monitor these channels regularly.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Explain the definition, scope, purpose, importance and principles of early childhood education.
- Describe the developmental characteristics and needs of children in early childhood.
- Evaluate the characteristics, competencies and roles of a qualified preschool teacher.
- Explains the basic characteristics of the early childhood education program.
- Compare different early childhood education models.
- Understands the role of the family in early childhood education and the importance of family-school collaboration.
- Evaluates evaluation and documentation methods in early childhood education.
Core Area Distribution
Teaching Methods
Assessment & Evaluation
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Midterm | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignment | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Practice | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Final | 1 | 15 | 15 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction and introduction to the course | Examining the course syllabus |
| 2 | Definition, scope, importance and principles of early childhood education | Reading the first chapter of the source book |
| 3 | Views that form the basis of early childhood education | Reading the second chapter of the source book |
| 4 | Historical development of early childhood education in Turkey and the world | Reading the 3rd and 4th chapters of the source book |
| 5 | Developmental characteristics and needs of the child | Reading chapter 5 of the source book |
| 6 | Preschool teacher characteristics, competencies and professional ethics | Reading chapter 8 of the source book |
| 7 | Types of preschool education institutions and educational environment characteristics | Reading chapter 9 of the source book |
| 8 | Midterm | Midterm |
| 9 | Alternative approaches in early childhood education | Reading the 6th chapter of the source book |
| 10 | Alternative approaches in early childhood education | Prepare a report paper examining one of the early childhood education approaches and come to class prepared for discussion. |
| 11 | Early childhood education program and plan preparation | Examining the Türkiye Century Maarif Model preschool education program |
| 12 | The importance of family and family-school collaboration in early childhood education | Reading chapter 10 of the source book |
| 13 | Documentation and asessment in early childhood education | Prepare the Portfolio/Documentation Review assignment and come to class prepared for discussion. |
| 14 | Inclusiveness in early childhood education and overall evaluation of the course | Reading chapter 7 of the source book |
| 15 | Technology in early childhood education | Reading the 18th chapter of the source book |
| 16 | Final exam | Final exam |