Practical Transformations and Transformational Practices: Globalization, Postmodernism, and Early Childhood Education (Advances in Early Education and ... (Advances in Early Education & Day Care)

Both traditional and progressive curricula are inadequate for the task of responding to the economic, political, social, and cultural changes that have occurred as a result of globalization. This book documents some of the ongoing work occurring in early childhood settings that is aimed at improving, and ultimately transforming, early childhood practice in these changed and changing times. The authors do not simply critique developmental approaches or the increasing standardization of the field. Instead, they describe how they are playing around with postmodern ideas in practice and developing unique approaches to the diverse educational circumstances that confront early childhood educators. Whether it is preparing teachers, using materials, or developing policies, each chapter provides readers with possibilities for enacting pedagogies that are responsive to the contemporary circumstances shaping the lives of young children. Introduction / Stuart Reifel -- Pt. 1. Early Childhood Education, Globalization, And Postmodernity -- Transforming Ideas And Practices / Susan Grieshaber And Sharon Ryan -- Voices At The Table: An Analysis Of Collaboration In The Policy Process For A Local Preschool Initiative / Lucinda G. Heimer -- Pt. Ii. Diversity And Difference In Early Childhood Classrooms -- (de) Centering The Kindergarten Prototype In The Child-centered Classroom / Elizabeth Graue -- Teaching Notes / Felicity Mcardle -- The Amorphous Pretend Play Curriculum: Theorizing Embodied Synthetic Multicultural Props / Richard Johnson -- Implementing Te Wháriki As Postmodernist Practice: A Perspective From Aotearoa / New Zealand / Jenny Ritchtie -- Pt. Iii. Teacher Education And Professional Development -- Postcolonial Theory And The Practice Of Teacher Education / Radhika Viruru -- Becoming Early Childhood Teachers: Linking Action Research And Postmodern Theory In A Language And Literacy Course / Celia Genishi ... [et Al.] -- Putting Postmodern Theories Into Practice In Early Childhood Teacher Education / Jennifer Sumsion -- Challenging The Culture Of Expertise: Moving Beyond Training The Always, Already Failing Early Childhood Educator / Sue Novinger, Leigh O'brien And Lou Sweigman -- Improvisation: Postmodern Play For Early Childhood Teachers / Carrie Lobman. Edited By Sharon Ryan, Susan Grieshaber. Includes Bibliographical References. Documents some of the ongoing work occurring in early childhood settings that is aimed at improving, and transforming, early childhood practice in these changed and changing times. This book provides readers with possibilities for enacting pedagogies that are responsive to the contemporary circumstances shaping the lives of young children. In this volume the contributors describe their work and research into developing new approaches to the diverse educational circumstances now facing early childhood educators