Guiding Teaching in Preschool: The Teacher’s Role in the Discovery Curriculum
In preschool education, a teacher is not merely an information provider but a guide who supports children's exploration and learning processes. In the Discovery Curriculum, teachers are positioned as facilitators who nurture children's curiosity and help them develop their individual potential.
The Importance of Guiding Teaching in Preschool
✔ Supports children's independent learning processes.
✔ Helps them build self-confidence.
✔ Contributes to the development of problem-solving skills.
✔ Encourages critical and creative thinking.
✔ Enhances children's curiosity, making learning an enjoyable process.
The Role of Teachers in the Discovery Curriculum
✔ Acting as a Guide: Instead of delivering direct information, teachers should support children's self-directed learning journeys.
✔ Encouraging Inquiry: Asking open-ended questions helps develop children's thinking skills.
✔ Providing a Flexible Learning Environment: A classroom setting where children can learn at their own pace should be established.
✔ Organizing Exploration-Based Activities: Activities that support children's individual curiosity should be planned.
✔ Supporting Emotional and Social Development: Teachers should create an environment that encourages children to express their emotions.
Effective Methods for Teachers
✔ Experience-Based Learning: Providing children with materials they can touch and observe enhances hands-on learning.
✔ Project-Based Work: Encouraging children to engage in long-term projects fosters deeper exploration.
✔ Learning Through Play: Utilizing play-based methods helps children develop their cognitive and social skills.
✔ Providing Feedback and Support: Offering individualized feedback to acknowledge children's efforts and guide their learning.
✔ Encouraging Parental Involvement: Collaborating with parents to ensure children's discovery processes continue at home.
