EEC 2300 - Developing Cognitive Activities for Young Children(Math, Lnge Arts, Science, Social Studies, Health)

College of Education

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Spring 2024 (630)

Course Description

This course focuses on developing appropriate cognitive teaching and learning strategies for children from infancy to age four. The student will examine methodological principles from the following curricula areas: mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, and health. (Note: This course requires 10 field experience hours in early childhood care and education settings.)

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will examine the major learning theories governing cognitive development by:
    1. identifying the major theories of cognitive development.
    2. comparing the major theories of cognitive development and their connection to teaching and learning.
    3. aligning the major theories of cognitive development to teaching and learning strategies.
  2. The student will examine the integrative relationship between the learning environment and cognitive development by:
    1. defining the following terms within a cognitive, teaching and learning model, and explaining how they are interrelated: cognition, play, learning environment, knowledge, developmental ages/stages, learning styles, curiosity, readiness, and problem solving.
    2. identifying the aspects of classroom environments that support cognitive development.
    3. determining contextual goals for young children in the development of written plans for the creation of classroom environments.
  3. The student will implement teaching strategies related to the major developmental stages of childhood from birth through age four focusing on optimal periods to introduce, develop, expand, and apply cognitive concepts by:
    1. identifying effective and appropriate teaching strategies for the different stages of child development.
    2. developing lesson plans that include developmentally appropriate content and teaching strategies to support diverse learners in a variety of settings.
    3. demonstrating effective use of developmentally appropriate teaching strategies during lesson delivery.
  4. The student will present appropriate lesson planning techniques which are designed to foster and enhance cognitive development in young children by:
    1. identifying milestones in cognitive development and that support cognitive development aligned with the Florida Birth - Four standards.
    2. discussing the importance of planning activities to foster and enhance cognitive development.
    3. implementing lessons which align with the Birth - Four standards.
  5. The student will discuss current research relative to cognitive learning/teaching styles for young children by:
    1. summarizing research articles relevant to cognitive development in young children.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 75% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual instructors.

History of Changes

Revised 9/13/83 Revised 8/84 Notation 4/7 C & I DBT 4/27/89 Effective Session 19883 C&I 9/15/92 Effective Session 19922 DBT 10/20/92 Effective Session 19922 C&I 11/21/95; DBT 12/19/95 Effective Session 19961 3 Year Review 2000. C&I 11/8/05, BOT 12/20/05, Effective 20052(0360): 2005 3-year review C&I Approval: 05/31/2013, BOT Approval: 08/05/2013, Effective Term: Spring 2014 (480).
C&I Approval: 07/21/2023, BOT Approval: 09/19/2023, Effective Term: Spring 2024 (630)

Related Programs

  1. Early Child Development (CHDEV-CT) (640) (Active)
  2. Preschool Specialization Certificate (PRSP-CT) (495) (Active)