Making Sense of Theory and Practice in Early Childhood : The Power of Ideas

Tim Waller

ISBN 10: 0335242464 / ISBN 13: 9780335242467

Published by Mcgraw-Hill Publishing Company Mär 2011, 2011

About this Item

Neuware - This accessible book demystifies the links between theory and practice for those studying in the field of early childhood. The book encourages those new to research to develop their investigations as straightforward narrative accounts of the phenomenon that they are investigating.Throughout the book the authors demonstrate the influence of theoretical perspectives on their own practice and research. They articulate how this adds depth to their studies by linking into wider and more enduring themes.

Seller Inventory # 9780335242467

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Making Sense of Theory and Practice in Early Childhood : The Power of Ideas
• Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill Publishing Company Mär 2011
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0335242464
• ISBN 13: 9780335242467
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 231W x 154H x 14D millimeters 231 millimeters width by 154 millimeters height by 14 millimeters depth
• Weight: 287 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This accessible book demystifies the links between theory and practice for those studying in the field of early childhood. The book encourages those new to research to develop their investigations as straightforward narrative accounts of the phenomenon that they are investigating.

Throughout the book the authors demonstrate the influence of theoretical perspectives on their own practice and research. They articulate how this adds depth to their studies by linking into wider and more enduring themes.

The book is divided into two parts; part one looks at 'Community, interaction and identity' and addresses several different aspects of social constructivist theory. Each author explores, less familiar, but increasingly influential ideas emanating from Vygotskian theory.

Part two explores 'Structure, power and knowledge' which includes a wider range of theoretical perspectives, that tell a more 'critical' story about how the way society is structured, influences power, institutions and individuals. These theories help the authors to describe how working practices serve some groups and disadvantage others.

Each chapter includes:

• Theoretical concepts, which are related to practice and/or research
• Case studies
• Examples from research practice enabling readers to explore the practical application of the 'big ideas'
• Further reading appropriate to the theoretical construct

This book is essential reading for undergraduate students and trainee teachers.

Contributors: Tony Bertram, Angeliki Bitou, Liz Brooker, Sue Fawson, Rohan Jowallah, Maggie Leese, Martin Needham, Jane O’Connor, Chris Pascal, Lynn Richards, Faye Stanley, Jo Winwood, Gill Woods, Jenny Worsley - all at University of Wolverhampton except Liz Brooker, who is at the Institute of Education in London.

About the Author

Dr Tim Waller is Reader in Early Years Education at the University of Wolverhampton, UK and is leader of the Childhood Research cluster.

Dr Judy Whitmarsh is Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for the Development of Applied Research in Education, University of Wolverhampton, UK.

Karen Clarke is Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning in the School of Education at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.