Perspectives on Early Childhood Education: Contemporary Research.PERSPECTIVES ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: Contemporary Research. Kath Hirst and Cathy Nutbrown (Editors). Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England/ Sterling, Virginia Sterling, Virginia is an unincorporated Washington, D.C. suburb, northwest of Herndon, east of Ashburn, and west of Reston, close to Dulles International Airport in Loudoun County. , USA: Trentham Books Limited, 2005. 187 pp. Paper-back, $26.95. Perspectives on Early Childhood Education: Contemporary Research (also known as Perspectives on Early Childhood Education: Essays on Contemporary Research) addresses the most prominent and challenging issues today in British early childhood education settings. Surprisingly, the topics parallel controversial issues encountered in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , such as the increasing emphasis on literacy and numeracy numeracy Mathematical literacy Neurology The ability to understand mathematical concepts, perform calculations and interpret and use statistical information. Cf Acalculia. and the de-emphasis on social interactions and play. Rosemary Physick, one of 15 authors who contributed research studies to the book, writes that "This is an exciting time of change and development in early education provision." This timely and well-organized book has three main sections. Section One highlights children's rights The opportunity for children to participate in political and legal decisions that affect them; in a broad sense, the rights of children to live free from hunger, abuse, neglect, and other inhumane conditions. , early childhood education legislation, and communication among preschool and kindergarten teachers. Section Two focuses on gender and inclusion, including the role of men in the early childhood education profession, perceptions of differences and similarities between boys and girls boys and girls mercurialisannua. , and inclusion versus integration. The last section discusses the influence of adults on children's learning, early literacy through drawings, favorite book choices, the role of play beyond the preschool age, support for higher-order thinking Higher-order thinking is a fundamental concept of Education reform based on Bloom's Taxonomy. Rather than simply teaching recall of facts, students will be taught reasoning and processes, and be better lifelong learners. skills, and reflective practice. The editors use a conversational tone and provide an easy-to-read text that suits both students and practitioners who want to keep abreast of current issues in early childhood education. The book is a good starting point from which further studies can be conducted and provides suggestions and insights that can help practitioners navigate through the challenges faced today in the field. Reviewed by Froilan N. Mendoza, Director of Extended Educational Programs, Baldwin Park Unified School District A unified school district is a school district which includes both primary school (kindergarten through middle school or junior high) and high school (grades 9-12). In Illinois, these districts are called unit school districts. , Baldwin Park, CA |
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