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ECE113Education2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Philosophy Of Early Childhood Education

This course introduces the philosophy of early childhood education, exploring its meaning and significance. It covers definitions and types of early childhood education, the purposes of pre-primary education, and the implementation of pre-primary education in Nigeria according to the National Policy. The course also examines the contributions of influential philosophers to the field of pre-primary education.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
PhilosophyEarly ChildhoodPre-Primary EducationNigeriaPhilosophers

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Meaning of Philosophy

2

Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

3

Types of Early Childhood Education

4

Role of the Pre-Primary School Teacher

5

Characteristics of Pre-Primary School Children

6

Origin of Pre-Primary Education in Nigeria

7

Contributions of Philosophers to Pre-Primary Education

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Early Childhood Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Preschool Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Daycare Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Curriculum Developer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationChildcare ServicesEducational Consulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Definition of Philosophy

2 study hours
  • Read the introduction to philosophy and its relevance to education.
  • Define philosophy and differentiate it from philosophy of education.
  • Identify and describe the four main branches of philosophy: epistemology, ethics, logic, and metaphysics.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

2h

Unit 2: Philosophy of Early Childhood/Pre-Primary Education

2 study hours
  • Understand the concept of education and its aims.
  • Explore the concept of childhood and its importance.
  • Explain the philosophical foundations of early childhood education, focusing on its goals and principles.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

2h

Unit 3: Concept and Types of Early Childhood Education

2 study hours
  • Define early childhood education and differentiate its types.
  • Distinguish between nursery, kindergarten, and daycare programs.
  • Understand the characteristics of pre-primary school children and their educational needs.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

2h

Unit 4: The Role Expectation of the Pre-Primary School Teacher: Implication for Effective teaching & Learning

2 study hours
  • Identify the role expectations of a pre-primary school teacher.
  • Understand the implications of effective teaching and learning strategies.
  • Discuss the importance of creating a conducive learning environment for young children.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

2h

Unit 5: Characteristics of Pre-Primary School Children and Their Implication to Teaching

2 study hours
  • Examine the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual characteristics of pre-primary school children.
  • Analyze the implications of these characteristics for effective teaching and learning.
  • Develop strategies to address the diverse needs of young learners.
Week
6

Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria

2h

Unit 1: An Historical Perspective and Challenges

2 study hours
  • Trace the historical development of pre-primary education in Nigeria.
  • Identify the challenges faced in the early stages of pre-primary education.
  • Discuss the importance of pre-primary education in the Nigerian context.
Week
7

Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria

2h

Unit 2: Purpose and Needs of Pre-Primary Education

2 study hours
  • Understand the purposes and needs of pre-primary education in Nigeria.
  • Analyze the philosophical basis for early childhood education.
  • Examine the basic outlines of the National Policy on the implementation of pre-primary education.
Week
8

Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria

2h

Unit 3: Problems/Challenges of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria-A Way Forward

2 study hours
  • Identify the problems and challenges facing pre-primary education in Nigeria.
  • Propose solutions and strategies for improving the quality of pre-primary education.
  • Discuss the current status and achievements in pre-primary education.
Week
9

Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria

2h

Unit 4: The Prospects of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria

2 study hours
  • Explore the future prospects of pre-primary education in Nigeria.
  • Understand the mission and vision for pre-primary education.
  • Discuss the importance of ethical curriculum, computer facilities, and improved supervision.
Week
10

Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education

2h

Unit 1: Jean Jaeques Rousseau (1712 – 1778)

2 study hours
  • Study the life and educational contributions of Jean Jaeques Rousseau.
  • Understand his emphasis on naturalism and child-centered education.
  • Analyze the implications of Rousseau's ideas for effective teaching and learning.
Week
11

Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education

2h

Unit 2: John Amos Commenuis (1592-1670)

2 study hours
  • Study the life and educational contributions of John Amos Commenuis.
  • Understand his guidelines for teachers and emphasis on sensory training.
  • Analyze the implications of Commenius' ideas for effective teaching and learning.
Week
12

Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education

2h

Unit 3: John Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827) & Montessori (1870-1952)

2 study hours
  • Study the lives and educational contributions of John Heinrich Pestalozzi and Maria Montessori.
  • Understand their emphasis on child-centered education and enriched environments.
  • Analyze the implications of their ideas for effective teaching and learning.
Week
13

Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education

4h

Unit 4: Frederich W Froebel (1782-1852) & John Dewey (1959-1952)

2 study hours
  • Study the lives and educational contributions of Frederich W Froebel and John Dewey.
  • Understand their emphasis on play-based learning and practical application.
  • Analyze the implications of their ideas for effective teaching and learning.

Unit 5: Plato (427-348 BC) & Aristotle (384-322 BC)

2 study hours
  • Study the lives and educational contributions of Plato and Aristotle.
  • Understand their emphasis on character development and holistic education.
  • Analyze the implications of their ideas for effective teaching and learning.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events in the history of pre-primary education in Nigeria (Unit 1, Module 2).

2

Develop flashcards for key philosophical terms (e.g., epistemology, ethics, metaphysics) from Unit 1, Module 1.

3

Compare and contrast the educational philosophies of Rousseau, Commenuis, Pestalozzi, Montessori, Froebel, Dewey, Plato and Aristotle (Module 3).

4

Practice applying the principles of child-centered learning to hypothetical classroom scenarios (Units 4 & 5, Module 1).

5

Review the objectives and guidelines outlined in the National Policy on Education related to pre-primary education (Unit 2, Module 2).

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