Educational Theorists InfoQuest

Introduction

Throughout the history of schooling, many scholars and teachers have put forward their own theories on the practice of education.  Some of these theories have stood the test of time, creating a place in history.  In this InfoQuest, you will be introduced to some theorists and their teachings.  You will research a past and modern historical educational figure.  You will choose an approved activity from the list provided below and present it to the class.

The Task

You will have to complete the following tasks:

• Research :

Students will work in pairs and sign up for and research one past historical figure and one modern historical figure from the lists below.  You may use Web sites and/or print materials to learn about the figures.  Be sure to go to the LRC for advice on finding the best resources.  (Ext. 5860)

• Write essays:

  You will take the information that you find on the theorists and type a one page explanation for each theorist (one past and one modern historical figure, for a total, therefore, of two pages).

   

• Oral Presentation :

  You will  choose one of the activities listed below to present information on your theorists to the class.  Sign up for this choice.

  No duplicate presentation activities will be allowed - each student will choose a different method of presentation.

  Each presentation should be 10-15 minutes long. 

The Process

Research Component:

You will research the theorists.  You may use web sites and/or print materials to learn about the figures.  The LRC has listed several sites below that you may find useful.

Written Component:

You will take the information that you find on the theorists and type a one page explanation for each theorist (one past and one modern historical figure, for a total, therefore, of two pages). Each page is to include the following information:
 

1. Name of the Theorist

2. Time they lived. Include several important events that took place during that time period in history

3. Place they lived. Include information about this geographic location during that time period in history.

4. Describe their theory concerning children and learning.

5. List two (2) things the theorist contributed to Early Childhood Education.

6. Describe how you will use this information in the future.

Oral Component:

You will choose one of the following activities to present your theorist to the class:

1. Play “What’s My Line?” -- One group member will be the MC, and each of the others will assume the identity of an educational theorist to make up the panel of "celebrities."  Your classmates will ask yes and no questions of the "panelists" in order to guess who each of them is.  Click here for more info.

2. Create limericks (a light humorous or nonsensical verse of five anapestic lines usually with the rhyme scheme) about key historical figures.  

3. Debate important issues and decisions from the past involving these theorists.  Click here for info on debates.

4. Compare and contrast theorists from different historical periods. Consider developing a Venn Diagram to illustrate similarities and differences between theorists.

5. Create a time sequence chart with titles for major theorists. Predict what the next decade will be like based on patterns of the past.  

6. Have imaginary talks/interviews with these Historical Figures from the past.  

7. Make a flow chart of historical facts of the two theorists you have chosen.  Click here for more info on Flow Charts.

8. Create/perform a drama from one of the theorist/s' time.  

9. Play “great Moments from the Past” charades.  Click here to find out how to play Charades.

10. Create a series of key dates in history “raps”.  

11. Describe what kind of sounds would be the classroom of one of these theorists.  

12. Create analogies between historical events & events in nature.  (analogies: correspondence in some respects between things otherwise dissimilar)  

13. Discuss the impact of key historical figures decisions on today’s early childhood world.  

14. Reflect and describe “If I could be any historical figure, who would I be and why.”  

15. Write/read an essay on: “Mistakes from the past I won’t repeat.”  

16. Imagine historical figures from the past giving you advice for living today.  

Evaluation: 

You will be evaluated on successfully completing all aspects of this assignment, written and oral.

Conclusion:  

Why is the educational historical past important for those working in the early childhood field?  Because:

• We as professionals are inspired by past research, theories, and practices.

• We build on those dreams of the past.

• We implement these theories and ideas into current practices, and

• We are empowered as professionals to clarify and articulate what we do in helping children and their families.