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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Early Childhood Education · 200 Level
This is the complete lecture note for EEC 206 The early childhood curriculum, prepared for Early Childhood Education students at 200 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS COURSE CODE: EEC 206 COURSE TITLE: The early childhood curriculum COURSE CREDIT LOAD: 2 UNITS • Foundations of Early Childhood Curriculum • National Curriculum Framework by NERDC • Curriculum Development and Planning • Curriculum Materials and Resources • Hidden Curriculum and Emerging Issues Series 1: Foundations of Early Childhood Curriculum Series outline • Part 1: Concept of Curriculum o Definition and scope of curriculum o Importance of curriculum in early childhood education • Part 2: Approaches to Curriculum o Traditional approaches o Progressive approaches o Integrated approaches • Part 3: Curriculum Framework in Early Childhood Education o Elements of a curriculum framework o Application in early childhood settings • Part 4: Curriculum Issues in Early Childhood Education o Challenges in curriculum design and implementation o Emerging trends and debates
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Introduction Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, and the curriculum serves as the guiding framework through which children’s experiences are shaped. A well-structured curriculum ensures that children are exposed to meaningful activities that foster their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Understanding the foundations of curriculum is therefore essential for anyone preparing to work with young learners. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the fundamental concepts, approaches, and frameworks of curriculum in early childhood education, while also drawing attention to the issues that influence its development and implementation. We shall commence this Series by defining the concept of curriculum and examining its scope and importance. Next, we will explore different approaches to curriculum, highlighting how each shapes learning experiences. Following that, we will consider the curriculum framework in early childhood education and how it guides planning and practice. Finally, we will conclude by discussing curriculum issues, including challenges and emerging trends that affect early childhood education today. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the concept of curriculum and explain its scope in early childhood education, • SLO 1.2 analyse different approaches to curriculum and evaluate their relevance to early childhood education, • SLO 1.3 describe the key elements of a curriculum framework and demonstrate how it applies to early childhood settings, and • SLO 1.4 examine curriculum issues in early childhood education and assess their implications for practice. 1.1 Concept of Curriculum 1.1.1 Definition and scope of curriculum The term curriculum refers to the planned set of learning experiences, activities, and outcomes that guide the education of learners. In early childhood education, curriculum encompasses not only formal lessons but also play-based activities, routines, and interactions that contribute to holistic development. The scope of curriculum extends beyond academic subjects to include social, emotional, physical, and moral growth.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The curriculum is the planned set of __________ that guide the education of learners. Diagram showing the broad scope of curriculum in early childhood education. Figure 1.1: Scope of curriculum in early childhood education 1.1.2 Importance of curriculum in early childhood education The importance of curriculum lies in its ability to provide structure and direction for teaching and learning. A well-designed curriculum ensures that children are exposed to age-appropriate experiences that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. It also helps teachers plan systematically, align activities with developmental goals, and evaluate progress effectively.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Curriculum in early childhood education is particularly significant because it lays the foundation for lifelong learning. The experiences children gain at this stage influence their attitudes towards education, their ability to interact socially, and their readiness for future schooling. Fill in the blank: A well-designed curriculum ensures that children are exposed to __________ experiences that stimulate curiosity and creativity. Image of children engaged in structured play activities guided by a curriculum. Plate 1.2: Children learning through play-based curriculum activities
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS “ Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which term refers to the planned set of learning experiences and outcomes in education? 2. What are two non-academic aspects included in the scope of curriculum? 3. Why is curriculum considered important in early childhood education?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 4. Fill in the blank: Curriculum provides __________ and direction for teaching and learning. 5. How does curriculum influence lifelong learning? 1.2 Approaches to Curriculum 1.2.1 Traditional approaches The traditional approach to curriculum emphasises structured learning, subject-based content, and teacher-directed instruction. It often focuses on memorisation, repetition, and discipline. While this approach provides order and clarity, it may limit creativity and exploration in early childhood education. Fill in the blank: The traditional approach to curriculum emphasises __________ learning and teacher-directed instruction. Box 1.1: Key features of traditional curriculum approaches Feature Description Memorisation Emphasis on recalling facts, dates, and information. Repetition Frequent drills and practice to reinforce learning. Discipline Strict adherence to rules and routines, often teacher-centered. Subject-Based Learning organised into distinct subjects like math, science, history. Teacher-Centred Teacher is the primary source of knowledge and directs all activities. Assessment Often relies on tests and quizzes to measure knowledge retention.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Feature Description Textbook-Driven Curriculum content is primarily dictated by textbooks. 1.2.2 Progressive approaches The progressive approach to curriculum prioritises child-centred learning, exploration, and problem-solving. It encourages learners to engage actively with their environment, promoting creativity and critical thinking. Teachers act as facilitators rather than directors, guiding children through discovery-based activities. Fill in the blank: In the progressive approach, teachers act as __________ rather than directors. Image of children exploring materials with teacher guidance. Plate 1.3: Progressive curriculum in practice
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