Child-Centered Education

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In this assignment I will distinguish distinct features of child centred education, explore its origin and exemplify the positive contributions it can make to pupils’ education. I will show my personal interpretation of this value and its effect within the educational setting. Consideration of others notions of this value will be explored, parallel to some tensions or possible challenges that may become apparent when upholding and promoting this value. Finally I will appraise the connotations child centred education has upon education and what effect it may have upon my future practice as a teacher.
A value can be defined as an important and lasting belief that influences our long term views. We use these principles or morals to moderate ideas or actions and they have a major influence on a person’s attitude and behaviour (UNESCO 2010). Our personal values provide the criteria by which we decide if something is good or bad, right or wrong; they are an inherent part of teaching practice and this is emulated in what is taught, how it is taught and also the interaction with pupils (Arthur et al 2005). Values are an inherent part of teaching practice emulated in what is taught, how it is taught and also the interaction with pupils. The relationship between values, aims and practice is exemplified by Métais (2004) cited by Arthur & Cremin (2010) as the cycle of educational values (see appendix 1). The cycle demonstrates how values influence our aims, which, in turn, influence every aspect of the education we offer our pupils.
Teachers values, specifically in our class room, guide our practice and form the principles upon which we make decisions: how we organise our classrooms; the resources we make available; how we listen and respond...

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