How children learn : educational theories and approaches : from Comenius the father of modern education to giants such as Piaget, Vygotsky and Malaguzzi

An ideal introduction to the pioneers of educational theory for anyone studying childcare, child development or education whether at further or higher education level. The first edition of this book has been a best-seller for almost a decade, identified as one of the top ten books for students of child development or early childhood care and education. In this new edition, there is an increased emphasis on both what practice based on particular theories of learning looks like and on criticisms of each theory: a new and improved edition; additional emphasis on what practice looks like; and common criticisms as well as the influence of each theory. A glossary is included in sections highlighting words and concepts particular to the theorist in question. Full-colour photographs are used to illustrate some aspects of each theory or approach. How Children Learn looks at a wide range of theorists who have influenced current understandings of how children learn and what this means for work with young children. The book summarises the findings and ideas of famous giants such as Montessori and Piaget as well as the more recent ideas of writers and thinkers such as Howard Gardner and Margaret Donaldson. It begins by looking at the work and life of Comenius who is widely described as the father of modern education and looks at the theory behind different approaches to early childhood care and education such as Steiner Waldorf education, HighScope and Te Whariki. You will find this book invaluable in giving you a clearer picture of how ideas about children s learning have developed over the past four centuries. An ideal introduction to the pioneers of educational theory for anyone studying childcare, child development or education – whether at further or higher education level. The first edition of this book has been a best-seller for almost a decade, identified as one of the top ten books for students of child development or early childhood care and education. In this new edition, there is an increased emphasis on both what practice based on particular theories of learning looks like and on criticisms of each theory. A glossary is included in sections highlighting words and concepts particular to the theorist in question. Full-colour photographs are used to illustrate some aspects of each theory or approach. How Children Learn looks at a wide range of theorists and practitioners who have influenced current understandings of how children learn and what this means for work with young children. The book summarises the findings and ideas of famous giants such as Montessori and Piaget as well as the more recent ideas of writers and thinkers such as Howard Gardner and Margaret Donaldson. It begins by looking at the work and life of Comenius who is widely described as the father of modern education and looks at the theory behind different approaches to early childhood care and education such as Steiner Waldorf education, HighScope and Te Whariki. You will find this book invaluable in giving you a clearer picture of how ideas about children's learning have developed over the past four centuries. Cover Contents How Children Learn Introduction John Comenius Jean-Jacques Rousseau Johann Pestalozzi Robert Owen Friedrich Froebel Sigmund Freud and psychoanalytic theories John Dewey Margaret McMillan Rudolf Steiner and Steiner Waldorf education Maria Montessori and the Montessori method Susan Isaacs Jean Piaget Lev Vygotsky Burrhus Skinner and behaviourist theories John Bowlby Jerome Bruner Chris Athey and schema theory Loris Malaguzzi and early education in Reggio Emilia Paulo Freire David Weikart and the HighScope approach Margaret Donaldson and post-Piagetian theories Howard Gardner and multiple intelligence theory Te Whariki Forest schools Learning through play Research into brain development Emotional intelligence Back matter References and where to find out more Index Acknowledgements How Children Learn This book summarises the ideas of educational theorists and psychologists of the last 60 years, from Elinor Goldschmied to Tina Bruce. It also looks at the important contemporary issues in early years education, from whether boys and girls learn differently to the role of the community in the early years setting.