Early Childhood Pre K-3: Inquiry-Based Pedagogy

Examines content/methods for designing, implementing, and evaluating inquiry-based curriculum that is authentic and meaningful to students' lives. Students will construct a shared vision for high quality instruction and explore how integrating Next Generation Science and C3 Framework for Social Studies can provide rich opportunities for engaging students in interdisciplinary, inquiry investigations. Prerequisites: EDEC 2130, EDEC 2510, or Instructor permission.

Prereqs enforced by the system: EDEC 2130 or EDEC 2510 OR Instructor Permission; Coreqs for EDEC students: EDEC 3560, 3790, 3820; Open to Degree and PACE students

An education rich in science and social studies has the potential to capture a student’s sense of wonder about the natural world and provide the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to investigate this world with others. Research suggests that personal interest, experience, and enthusiasm—critical to children’s learning at school or in other settings—may also be linked to later educational and career choices. In a similar manner, children need to be active members in their school community in order learn how to solve social problems and be engaged participants in civic life, key components of a social studies curriculum. Therefore, this course will focus on strategies for engaging young children in interdisciplinary inquiry investigations that are relevant to their lives, build conceptual understanding, and integrate content areas in meaningful ways. A shared vision for high quality instruction will be constructed through an analysis of our work in class as well as opportunities to discuss relevant readings and classroom observations. After completing this course, the student will be able to: 1) Determine and articulate the value of science and social studies education for K-3 students' learning and development; 2) Discuss the attributes and goals of various approaches to curriculum planning and how they engage children’s interest and promote learning; 3) Identify, discuss, and explain the best teaching strategies for helping children achieve learning and developmental goals; 4) Design learning opportunities that: are place-based, experiential, and authentic to children’s lives, integrate the central concepts and inquiry tools of different content areas (science, social studies, literacy, and mathematics, are developmentally appropriate (age-appropriate, individually appropriate, and culturally appropriate) for kindergarten through third grade students; 5) Create and discuss the merits of developmentally appropriate assessments

This course combines lecture and discussion formats. Students should expect to spend 4-6 hours a week on coursework and assignments outside of class. Students are expected to come to class prepared having completed assigned course readings and resources so in-class time can be devoted to answering questions and engaging in discussion, analyses, and demonstrating learning.

Grades are based on participation and assignments. Graded assignments to evaluate students’ content knowledge take a variety of formats, including creative products and short essays. Quizzes may be added if needed. Opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning will occur in and outside of class. Assignments can be completed individually, but many will include an option to complete them collaboratively.