Homework: Exploring Current Issues and Trends within the Learning Environment
Current interest in the ramifications of positive and negative experiences during early childhood have increased research related to the types of learning experiences and environments that affect positive outcomes for young children and families. This research comes not only from the early childhood field, but also from the health community, public policy, and even economists. In other words, there are many issues and trends publicized in the news, through white papers, and, of course, in journals. Your evaluation of and reflection on these current issues and trends can help you create meaningful learning experiences and supportive environments for the children and families with whom you work.
For this Homework, you will research in the Walden Library a current trend or issue related to meaningful learning experiences and supportive environments. By exploring multiple perspectives, you will gain new insight on this issue or trend that will help shape your work with young children and their families.
To Prepare:
Review this module's Learning Resources and consider some of the issues and current trends related to fostering meaningful learning experiences in supportive early childhood environments that you might see evidenced in early childhood settings on a daily basis. Some examples may include: mandates regarding teaching to specific standards; incorporating project-based learning, integrating play throughout children's day in order to foster healthy development and learning. Select an issue or a trend (from this list or another that greatly interests you) that you believe impacts the quality of learning experiences and/or environments in early childhood settings. Consider how the issue or trend reflects or departs from the principles and guidelines of Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Research this issue or trend in depth. Draw on at least 5 current scholarly resources from the Walden Library or other resources that expand your knowledge in the area you have chosen.
Task
Based on your review of the research, complete the following:
A. Report your findings on this issues or trend, including a brief history and your analysis of why the issue or trend has emerged. Be sure to include multiple perspectives from a variety of resources.
B. Explain at least two ways the issue or trend may foster or undermine meaningful learning experiences in supportive early childhood environments.
C. Identify at least one potential research problem related to the issue or trend you selected. Explain why additional research may be needed to further illuminate this issue.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the homework, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.