Learning Theories in Childhood [Hardcover]

Colette Gray (Author), Sean MacBlain (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 1993

By focusing on the early philosophies of learning and the key behavioural, cognitive and social theorists, this book provides a comprehensive overview of children's learning. The authors discuss the key learning theories, highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and encourage reflection on how different approaches impact on the learning environment. The discussion finishes with an exploration of the new sociology of childhood. Examples are drawn from practice to highlight key concepts, and to make vital links between theory and practice.

Theorists considered include:

- Locke

- Rousseau

- Montessori

- Piaget

- Vygotsky

- Bandura

- Bronfenbrenner

- Bruner

Accessibly written, with key questions and recommended reading included, this book is essential reading for all those studying on child development, early childhood and childhood studies courses, and for anyone interested in understanding more about how children learn and think.

Colette Gray is Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Stranmillis University.

Dr Sean MacBlain is Reader in Child Development and Disability at University College Plymouth, St. Mark & St. John.

'It gives the reader food for thought and questions personal understanding as to how we recognise that children have learnt something, but more importantly than that challenges our own confidence and ability to explain the process they moved though took to reach that final point' - Denise Chadwick, Course Leader BA Early Childhood Studies, University of Huddersfield

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd (September 27, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857021452
• ISBN-13: 978-1857021455
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,209,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karen Armstrong is the author of numerous other books on religious affairs-including A History of God, The Battle for God, Holy War, Islam, Buddha, and The Great Transformation-and two memoirs, Through the Narrow Gate and The Spiral Staircase. Her work has been translated into forty-five languages. She has addressed members of the U.S. Congress on three occasions; lectured to policy makers at the U.S. State Department; participated in the World Economic Forum in New York, Jordan, and Davos; addressed the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington and New York; is increasingly invited to speak in Muslim countries; and is now an ambassador for the UN Alliance of Civilizations. In February 2008 she was awarded the TED Prize and is currently working with TED on a major international project to launch and propagate a Charter for Compassion, created online by the general public and crafted by leading thinkers in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, to be signed in the fall of 2009 by a thousand religious and secular leaders. She lives in London.