HighScope Curriculum

Definition

The HighScope Curriculum is a comprehensive educational framework designed for early childhood education that emphasizes active learning, child-initiated activities, and a supportive environment. It encourages children to take charge of their own learning through hands-on experiences and interaction with materials, peers, and teachers. This approach aligns with the principles of developmentally appropriate practice by recognizing that children learn best when they are engaged and motivated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The HighScope Curriculum is built around the 'plan-do-review' process, which helps children learn to set goals, carry out their plans, and reflect on their experiences.
2. Teachers play a vital role in the HighScope approach by facilitating children's learning rather than directing it, allowing kids to make choices and decisions.
3. This curriculum is based on decades of research demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting positive developmental outcomes for young children.
4. HighScope classrooms are designed with well-defined learning areas that provide rich opportunities for exploration and discovery across different domains.
5. The curriculum encourages collaboration among children and promotes social skills by allowing them to work together on projects and problem-solving activities.

Review Questions

• How does the HighScope Curriculum promote active learning among young children?
  • The HighScope Curriculum promotes active learning by encouraging children to engage directly with materials, make choices about their activities, and participate in hands-on experiences. Through the 'plan-do-review' process, children learn to set goals for their play, execute those plans, and reflect on what they learned. This method not only enhances cognitive skills but also fosters independence and self-regulation as children navigate their own learning paths.
• Discuss how the principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) are integrated into the HighScope Curriculum.
  • The HighScope Curriculum embodies the principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice by recognizing children's individual developmental stages and providing activities that are tailored to meet their needs. It emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment where children can explore at their own pace. Additionally, the curriculum allows for flexible interactions between teachers and students, ensuring that instruction aligns with children's interests and developmental readiness.
• Evaluate the impact of the 'plan-do-review' process in HighScope on children's learning outcomes.
  • The 'plan-do-review' process is crucial in shaping children's learning outcomes within the HighScope framework. By planning their activities, executing those plans, and reviewing their experiences afterward, children develop critical thinking skills and self-assessment capabilities. This structured reflection not only reinforces what they have learned but also builds a sense of responsibility and ownership over their education. Research has shown that children who participate in this reflective practice demonstrate higher levels of engagement and better academic performance as they progress in school.

Related terms

Active Learning: A teaching method that engages students in the learning process by encouraging them to participate actively in their education through exploration and discovery.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP): An educational approach that is grounded in the understanding of child development and focuses on meeting children where they are in their learning journey.

Key Experiences: Specific areas of focus in the HighScope Curriculum that guide teachers in providing meaningful learning opportunities for children, including social, physical, and cognitive development.