Critical Analysis of learning and teaching in the early years linked to 1. Biblical principles 2. Constructivism, Humanism or Post-Modernism and its impact on early childhood teaching and learning 3....

Learning and teaching in the early years
Early years are the crucial years of learning for children. Even though these years do not contribute towards the grades of students in their later years, the foundational skills that children learn early on are pivotal in creating their learning and social skills later on in life. That is why it is extremely important that proper learning principles and criteria are created and implemented during the foundational years of a child’s education.
Characteristics of effective teaching in early years
Some characteristics of effective early years teaching are as follows-
1- The early learning experience is relevant and meaning to children
2- The learning environment is child directed and not teacher-directed
3- Focus is more on individual than group teaching so that each child receives proper attention and care.
4- Children learn through both theoretical and practical means in order to foster better understanding of concepts and ideas.
5- The more the teacher is trained in teaching children, the better the children learn. So, highly qualified teachers who have spent greater time under training are in employment.
6- There is progressive use of technology and interaction in explaining children complex ideas and concepts.
It can thus be observed that teaching and learning in early years must be tailored to create the most efficient learning experience for children based on their age and intelligence. It must be relevant, challenging, and meaningful and engaging as well as created in a context familiar to children. In relation to creating such learning for children, various theories and styles have been developed. Among these are those based on biblical principles, Constructivism, Humanism, Post-Modernism, Developmental characteristics and Learning connected to the brain’s learning processes.
This paper discusses some of these aspects in details along with the presentation of a concise analysis and critique on them.
1. Biblical principles
The biblical principles focus on the concept of God and children as images of God in fostering understanding, moral conduct and cultural development. The educators using Biblical principles for teaching focus on using a holistic approach to teaching and learning that are narrowly focused around the bible. They foster the creation of biblical worldview in children and engage in teaching that embraces discipleship and personal and professional growth.
The primary focus is to base the teaching on God’s word, the Bible. The class environment, instruction mode and developmental practices are all aligned to meet this idea.
The main principles that inform Biblical teaching practices are
1- The Christian Philosophy
Based on the Bible, the early development of children is done in relation to teaching the messages relayed throughout the Bible, through stories and principal moral messages mentioned in the Bible. The aim is to teach children the love of God and create an attachment between the word of God and the children early on in their lives (Firmin & Castle, 2008).
2- Early Childhood Development
Biblically-based research informed practices are adopted that are both focussed and age-appropriate. These practices include developmental domain in relation to the spiritual, physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of the child.
The early childhood development practice is so developed that it keeps into consideration the ability, personality and culture of each child individually while holding them as images of God who need to be valued and respected.
3- Activities
Playtime and activities are also necessary in early learning. So focussing on play that helps educate young children to develop experience with regards to the word of God and learn how to regulate and manage their behaviour in relation to biblical teachings is adopted. A range of differentiated learning opportunities is adopted based on a child’s individual development. Techniques like scaffolding and repetition is used to ensure proper learning experience of children.
Discussion
So the focus of Biblical principles is mainly using the word of God in creating an informed mind within children. While this kind of focus on developing children in mind and body may seem healthy, it ignores certain important aspect of development. It restricts in children the understanding regarding other religions and the world. In addition, the scientific aspect of things is also ignored which is very crucial in today’s competitive environment. Therefore, biblical principles, even though doing greatly on the moral side of education, lack openness and interactional aspects of learning vital to the early years. A bit more open and interactive form of early learning is better for the overall development of children during early years.
2. Constructivism, Humanism
Constructivism and Humanism in...