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ECE113

Introduction To Philosophy Of Early Childhood Education

  • Education
  • 100 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 97 pages
  • 14 units

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.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
156 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

ECE113 · UNIT 1 MEANING AND DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy tops the hierarchy of all branches of knowledge. It is concerned with clear and meaningful expression. It is the study of that deals with the ultimate realities of the universe and the general courses and principles of those things that man observes and experiences (Farrant, 1982).

What you should be able to do

  1. Explain the meaning and importance of philosophy in early childhood education.
  2. Differentiate between various types of early childhood education programs.
  3. Identify the key roles and responsibilities of pre-primary school teachers.
  4. Analyze the historical development and challenges of pre-primary education in Nigeria.
  5. Evaluate the contributions of influential philosophers to the field of early childhood education.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Daycare Administrator
  • Curriculum Developer
Where it is applied
  • Education
  • Childcare Services
  • Educational Consulting

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

    Unit 1: Meaning and Definition of Philosophy

    Understanding the different branches of philosophy (epistemology, ethics, logic, metaphysics) and their specific applications requires abstract thinking.

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

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

    Synthesizing the diverse philosophical viewpoints of multiple historical figures and applying them to modern educational practices demands critical analysis.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
    • Unit 1: Meaning and Definition of Philosophy · 2 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..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
    • Unit 2: Philosophy of Early Childhood/Pre-Primary Education · 2 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..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
    • Unit 3: Concept and Types of Early Childhood Education · 2 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..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
    • Unit 4: The Role Expectation of the Pre-Primary School Teacher: Implication for Effective teaching & Learning · 2 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..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
    • Unit 5: Characteristics of Pre-Primary School Children and Their Implication to Teaching · 2 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..

  6. Week 6Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria
    • Unit 1: An Historical Perspective and Challenges · 2 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..

  7. Week 7Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria
    • Unit 2: Purpose and Needs of Pre-Primary Education · 2 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..

  8. Week 8Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria
    • Unit 3: Problems/Challenges of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria-A Way Forward · 2 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..

  9. Week 9Module 2: The Origin of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria
    • Unit 4: The Prospects of Pre-Primary Education In Nigeria · 2 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..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education
    • Unit 1: Jean Jaeques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) · 2 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..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education
    • Unit 2: John Amos Commenuis (1592-1670) · 2 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..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education
    • Unit 3: John Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827) & Montessori (1870-1952) · 2 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..

  13. Week 13Module 3: Contributions of Some Leading Philosophers to the Development of Pre-Primary Education
    • Unit 4: Frederich W Froebel (1782-1852) & John Dewey (1959-1952) · 2 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 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..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create a timeline of key events in the history of pre-primary education in Nigeria (Unit 1, Module 2).
  • Develop flashcards for key philosophical terms (e.g., epistemology, ethics, metaphysics) from Unit 1, Module 1.
  • Compare and contrast the educational philosophies of Rousseau, Commenuis, Pestalozzi, Montessori, Froebel, Dewey, Plato and Aristotle (Module 3).
  • Practice applying the principles of child-centered learning to hypothetical classroom scenarios (Units 4 & 5, Module 1).
  • Review the objectives and guidelines outlined in the National Policy on Education related to pre-primary education (Unit 2, Module 2).

Questions students ask about this course

What is ECE113 about?

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.

How many units does ECE113 have?

ECE113, Introduction To Philosophy Of Early Childhood Education, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 97 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is ECE113?

ECE113 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Education.

Is ECE113 hard?

ECE113 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.

How long does ECE113 take to study?

About 156 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.

How is ECE113 assessed?

ECE113 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with ECE113?

Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Teacher, Daycare Administrator and Curriculum Developer.

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