Author Question: Discuss the major theoretical differences between child-centered and teacher-directed early ... (Read 146 times)

geoffrey · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Discuss the major theoretical differences between child-centered and teacher-directed early childhood education programs. What theories underlie child-centered programs? What theories underlie teacher-directed programs?

What does each type of program emphasize in its work with young children?

Question 2

Discuss the concept of language shift in bilingualism. What is it? How do young children exhibit it? How does their cognitive development contribute to it?

What will be an ideal response?

ngr69 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Child-centered programs tend to reflect the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Montessori,
and the Reggio Emilia approach, stressing play and individual interest as impetus
for learning. Teacher-directed programs tend to be more behavioristic in approach,
structured on a basis of reward and punishment, and focused on school readiness.

Answer to Question 2

Language shift in bilingualism refers to the tendency of children to become more
fluent in their new language than in their home language. Some children exhibit a
language shift by refusing to speak their home language, thus shifting to the new
language. Because young children are egocentric, they center on immediate
appearances and parents often want their children to learn the new language: thus,
they focus on the new language to the exclusion of the home language.