Modern Problems of Preschool Education

Pre-requisites: -

Course objectives: Critical review of key aspects and dilemmas in the theory, the practice and the policy of early education.

Course description: Theoretical-epistemological perspectives: modernity and postmodernity: construction of early childhood in the context of these perspectives. Psychologization of childhood and pedagogization of child’s play. Institutionalization of early childhood: construction and deconstruction of preschool institution (from network of institutions to networking of “teaching organizations“).The possibilities of scientific founding of preschool education practice: the relation between theory and practice, programme and curriculum. Teacher as a reflective practitioner: partnership in co-construction of curriculum. Educational projects and childhood practice in family, local and institutional contexts: political, ethical and ethnic aspects.

Learning Outcomes: Student understands the modern courses and dilemmas in the theory, the practice and the policy of preschool education; is able to critically read and analyse the scientific literature and educational documents; knows to problematize the particular practice or policy matter of preschool education.

Literature/Reading:

• Anning, A., Cullen,J., Fleer, M., (eds), Early Childhood Education: Society and Culture, London, Sage publ.
• Kennedy, D., 2006, The well of Being, State University of New York Press, Albany
• Dahlberg, G, Moss, P., Pence, A., 1999, Beyond Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care:Postmodern Perspectives, London, The Falmer Press
• Dalberg, G., Moss, P., 2005, Ethics and Politics in Early Chidhood Education, London, Routledge
• Pešić, M., 2001, Teorija i praksa predškolskog vaspitanja i obrazovanja u SRJ, u: Pešić i dr. Predškolsko vaspitanje i obrazovanje SR Jugoslaviji , Beograd, Čigoja
• Rinaldi, C., 2005, In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia, London, Routledge
• Siraj-Blatchford, I., 2000, Early Childhood Pedagogy: Practices, Principles and Research, u: Mortimore, P., ed., Understanding Pedagogy, London, Paul Chapman
• Suransky, V. 1982, The Erosion of Childhood, Chicago, Chicago University Press