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ERIC Number: ED187468
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-Jan
Pages: 12
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
An Attempt to Bridge the Gap Between Theory and Practice in Early Childhood Teacher Education.
Harrison, George
Dissatisfaction with existing preschool teacher training programs, which overemphasize educational theory and neglect practice teaching, led to the development of the preschool teacher training program described in this paper. Initial activities of the program involve group dynamics principles and human relations training to assist students to develop self-evaluation skills. Once students are competent at analyzing their own actions and those of their group they are considered able to understand the kinds of situations and problems which occur in the typical nursery school. A simulated nursery school was created to provide experience with the varied issues of early childhood education. This setting, which includes children, permits tutors and students to discuss practical matters affecting the children, the school as a social organism, home and society, the educational system, and professional roles. Written materials, slide-tape programs, role playing, and taped interviews with parents and staff are used to supplement this practical training. (In this document, a vignette of a training activity is provided and pertinent educational, developmental, and organizational issues are commented upon within the activity. Other learning activities are described.) (Author/DB)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A