Applied Early Childhood Pedagogy – Practicum
Course Code (in greek): ΑΣ003
ECTS Units: 5
Semester: 7
Professor: Adjunct Professor
Course description
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to contemporary educational approaches and practices regarding the design and development of pedagogical programs for early childhood education. The goal is to empower students in: (a) designing educational activities with reference to early childhood education curricula, such as the Cross-Thematic Integration Framework for Kindergarten (Pedagogical Institute, 2003), the Kindergarten Curriculum (IEP, 2014), as well as the Early Childhood Education Curriculum (IEP, 2021/2023), (b) reflecting on, evaluating, and assessing, both individually and in groups, the pedagogical programs they design and develop, and (c) redesigning educational activities through collaborative processes aimed at their improvement and more effective implementation within educational practice. Additionally, the course develops Initial Teacher Education (ITE) eTwinning programs to enhance collaborative learning environments.
Learning outcomes
Students are expected to be able to perceive the importance of selecting appropriate teaching methods and techniques when designing educational activities. They should be capable of clarifying the role they are called to play in the kindergarten, integrating assessment into educational planning, and understanding its application as a tool for their professional development. Furthermore, they are expected to interact with the complexity of the educational process through the design, reflection, and redesign of educational programs.
Assessment
The course follows a combined assessment model, which may include (but is not limited to) written or oral examinations, group projects implemented in phases throughout the semester, short individual assignments, student participation in laboratory classes, and presentations of material and projects.
Teaching methods
Theoretical lectures, laboratory sessions, group work, individual work. The seminar format of the course requires active student participation in all course activities.
Course Website
An electronic course page will be created on the e-class platform of the University of Thessaly.
