Early-Childhood Schooling

Preschool can be an academic and social benefit to children. Around the world, increasing numbers of children are enrolled in early childhood education. Programs are described as “teacher-directed” or “child-centered,” but in reality, most teachers’ styles reflect a combination of both approaches. Some students benefit more from the order and structure of a teacher-directed classroom, while others work better in a more collaborative and creative environment.

Programs

Teacher-directed approach

Focused on Getting Preschoolers Ready to Learn.

• Direct instruction
• Teacher as formal authority
• Students learn by listening
• Classroom is orderly and quiet
• Teacher fully manages lessons
• Rewards individual achievement
• Encourages academics
• Students learn from teacher

Child-Centered Approach

Focused on Individual Development and Growth.

• Teacher as facilitator
• Teacher as delegator
• Students learn actively
• Classroom is designed for collaborative work
• Students influence content
• Rewards collaboration among students
• Encourages artistic expression
• Students learn from each other

Different students, different teachers

There is clearly no “one right way” to teach children. Each approach has potential benefits and pitfalls. A classroom full of creative, self-motivated students can thrive when a gifted teacher acts as a competent facilitator. But students who are distracted or annoyed by noise, or who are shy or intimidated by other children, can blossom under an engaging and encouraging teacher in a more traditional environment.

The text is followed by two continuums. The data from the continuums are as follows. The vertical axis goes from “Done Well” at the top to “Done Poorly” at the bottom. The horizontal axis goes from teacher-directed on the left to child-centered on the right. There are four quadrants with characteristics listed. From top-left going clockwise:

Teacher-Directed and Done Well Quadrant

• engaging teacher
• clear, consistent assessment
• reading and math skills emphasized
• quiet, orderly classroom
• all students treated equally

Child-Centered and Done Well Quadrant

• emphasizes social skills and emotion regulation
• encourages critical thinking
• builds communication skills
• fosters individual achievement
• encourages creativity and curiosity

Child-Centered and Done Poorly Quadrant

• chaotic or noisy classrooms
• students may miss important knowledge and skills
• inconclusive assessment of student progress
• some students may dominate others

Teacher-Directed and Done Poorly Quadrant

• bored students
• passive learning
• less independent, critical thinking
• teacher may dominate