Objectives

At the end of this section, you will be able to:

• recognise a range of teaching approaches

• demonstrate the need to scaffold a child's explorations and how this can be achieved

• be able to use effective questioning for focusing and enhancing children's learning

• be able to describe ways that educators can enhance learning through targeted exploration

• recognise the skills, processes and knowledges that can be acquired by very young children.

Overview

This chapter links theory with practice by discussing the range of teaching approaches that can be used with young children to enhance their learning. It discusses the interactivity of the approach the educator uses with the child and the settings. Whether it is through the processes of science, such as the development of observation, or through the skilful questioning of the educator, the approach used should enhance children's learning.

From theory to practice

Considering the range of learning theories presented in the earlier chapters of this book, how does a practitioner make sense of the multitude of theoretical perspectives available and translate these into a practice that aids children's learning? One way is to consider the strong messages coming from all theories: children construct their own understanding, learning is enhanced through social interaction and the practitioner is pivotal to children's learning.