ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ECCD PROGRAMMES

Lesson 11: Curriculum Models and Approaches in ECCE

Open structures integrated learning approach (Fortson & Reiff, 1995)

This approach holds the belief that human beings, whether adults or children function at their best when their behavior is creative and responsible. It holds the conviction that children should be given the freedom, encouragement and guidance necessary for emergency and reinforcement of their creative and problem solving responses.

The overriding feature of this approach is to build feelings of competence and eagerness for learning in each child. It is based on theories and educational philosophies of Bruner, Dewey, Erikson, Maslow, Piaget, Vygotsky and others. Open structures refer to intentional structuring of activities so children can use concrete materials to be active learners.

Activities are developed with the following purposes in mind:

• To elicit original thought, effort, problem solving behavior and personalized responses from children.
  
• To develop innovative teaching and learning methods and motivational techniques in areas where more effective methods and materials are needed.

The open structures include learning opportunities through the arts, music, games, experiments word play and concept development. Blocks and musical activities are some of the methods suggested to promote mathematical concepts.