analyse how Montessori and Play based approaches have informed early childhood education and practice both historically and in current times: Early Childhood Education, Essay , DCU, Ireland 

Learning outcomes:

1. Explore and evaluate a Montessori and Play based pedagogies and related curricula, philosophies and practices of early childhood education in Ireland and internationally.
2. Examine and critically evaluate the principles underpinning Montessori practice and Play based practice that is highly responsive to individual children’s strengths, interests and needs.
3.  Explain and analyse how Montessori and Play based approaches have informed early childhood education and practice both historically and in current times.
4.  Critically examine their own values and philosophies of early childhood education, in light of the distinctive approaches explored in the module. For example, small comparison with all the other approaches in the module that are, High scope, Steiner Waldorf, Reggio Emilia.
5. Compare and evaluate current practice to the historical underpinnings and philosophies of education.