Child-Centred Education
Reviving the Creative Tradition
—CHOICE
Against an increasingly authoritarian background of testing and instruction, concern is growing about disengagement and loss of depth and quality in education at all levels. Child Centred Education seeks to explore the role of elementary education within this debate.
This book inspires teachers seeking to make their practice more genuinely educational. Authors Christine Doddington and Mary Hilton capture the current opinion that elementary schools can begin to reclaim some of their autonomy, be innovative, and become more creative. Based on wide ranging research, the book sets out to revive the creative alternative to the rigid and impoverished learning experienced by too many elementary school children. The authors trace the origins and history of the child-centered tradition; set out its fundamental beliefs and values; and explore its place in education today.
This book is for teachers, school districts, undergraduate and graduate teacher education, and professional development courses.
'Teresa Cremin has described this book as a 'call to action'. It is certainly a wake-up call to all who are interested in nurturing childhood and who value children as individuals with infinite potential, given a suitable climate and context for growth and all round development. Educators who wish to do more than implement prescribed programmes and to respond naturally to children in authentic contexts will find this book a challenge, an affirmation, an inspiration and a genuine catalyst to change' - Literacy
'The book is brief, accessible, and inspiring. The authors' vision for educating children fully takes into consideration the experiences that children have with contemporary technology and media while also maintaining basic principles of children's development' - Choice Magazine
