Learning objectives
The course is designed to promote knowledge of the different theoretical perspectives to analyzed of the contexts of early childhood, the relationships among peers, between children and adults and between adults. In particular, it will provide some tools for assess the socio-emotional-relational abilities of preschool children. Students will, in particular, learn the method of observation in educational context and acquire the knowledge with respect to certain methods of intervention in these areas. Finally, the course aims to foster students' independent judgment with respect to theoretical and methodological issues studied and improve their ability to communicate about the aspects they have investigated and learned.
Prerequisites
Advanced knowledge of developmental psychology and the basic knowledge of the observational method.
Course unit content
The course aims to analyze some topics related to psychological processes and the types of psychological intervention that characterize the community for early childhood, especially daycares and preschools. Specifically, in the course the following topics will be discussed: the method of observation in education, the assessment of social and emotional abilities of preschool children, the typologies of individualized and group intervention, the methods of research action in the educational context.
Full programme
In the initial part of the course are presented the theoretical perspectives for the analysis of communities for early childhood, particularly nursery and kindergarten: by psychodynamic approaches to those constructivists. After some relational critical processes such as the “welcome” and the “reunification” will be treated.
Moreover, the course propose the observational method in the fields of education, with a specific attention to some operational tools.
The second part of the course will be dedicated to some instruments of psychological assessment of social and emotional abilities of preschool children. Will be treated also some methods of intervention in the communities for early childhood, with the presentation of specific and different intervention projects aimed at children or adults: individualized intervention, group intervention, action research and training programs.
Bibliography
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Teaching methods
Lectures and individual study will be proposed in order to facilitate the acquisition of theoretical knowledge. Group work, video viewing, exercises, seminars with professional psychologists, discussions and oral presentations in the classroom will be offered to encourage the acquisition of the ability to apply this knowledge in real life, independent judgment and communication skills.
Assessment methods and criteria
Examinations will be both written and oral. The written examination consists of open-ended and closed questions designed to assess the knowledge and skills acquired. The oral examination will assess students’ independent judgment, their ability to communicate and to apply those skills to reality. Students will be admitted to the oral examination if they get at least the minimum score in the written examination.
Other information
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