Today I will talk about the education of preschool teachers in our college, Changsha Normal College in Hunan Province, China, with regard to the curricula and practices.
1. Clarify education objective according to market needs
By closely connecting the students' major to their future occupation, and analyzing the market trends together with organizations of preschool teachers, we set clear education objectives for our students: love children, master basic knowledge, apply theories flexibly, be skillful, and have strong teaching abilities.
2. Create good conditions to cultivate good preschool educators
To foster qualified preschool teachers who have theoretical knowledge and practical experience, we make an effort to create a good training environment for our students in terms of number, size and function.
observe children's activities from half-mirror
3. Provide diverse curricula for occupational competence training
In their specialized training in preschool education, students are required to take the following courses: liberal arts for preschool teachers, singing, musical performance, dance creation, preschool environment design, etc. Electives include Chinese chess, international chess, Orff-Schul-werk approach, sensory integration training, Montessori education, children's nurse training, etc.
dance lesson
4. Use different education methods depending on course
We adopt different education methods for each of the courses. In the theory of education course, every year we compile a teaching program that includes problems preschools should solve, engage in theoretical study, analyze case studies of preschools, and practice actual operation. Specifically, we have the students master the way of guiding practice with theory and solving problems through theoretical study. In the art course, we have adopted an experience-based method that teaches students how to express emotion in voice and gestures so that they can master professional skills within a short period of time.
lesson to put emotions into voice and gestures
5. Connect college to preschools to foster students' professional competences
In cooperation with preschools, we 1) establish training programs for preschool education experts, 2) research materials and teaching methods of the preschool course, 3) develop preschool-oriented teaching and research, and 4) train preschool teachers with theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
academic symposium
6. Construct a system to evaluate education quality both during and after college
In school, we establish tests of vocational skills and art skills. After a student has passed the required criteria, he/she can apply for further testing at a certain higher level according to his/her present ability. Meanwhile, as a means of evaluating students after they have completed their education, we stay in contact with graduates to follow up on their working situation through the alumni association or our cooperating preschools every year. Based on these evaluations, we adjust our present curricula and course content as needed.
