Another course offered by Dominion Learning Institute of Canada. This was challenging to create as the topic is so complex. Documenting to Link Pedagogy and Curriculum is the fourth course in a series of five. I invite you to join me on this journey of learning and to share any feedback you might have. It is my intention that this course will support you in your learning journey about the Reggio Emilia Approach with regards to documenting to link pedagogy and curriculum. Pedagogy and curriculum are words often spoken but in my experience rarely understood. According to Ontario’s pedagogical document for the early years, pedagogy is “the understanding of how learning takes place and the philosophy and practice that support that understanding of learning. Curriculum (the content of learning) and pedagogy (how learning happens) in early years settings are shaped by views about children, the role of educators and families, and relationships among them” (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014, p. 5).
Pedagogy is how learning happens and curriculum is the content of the learning. Decisions made about pedagogy and curriculum based on documentation demonstrates an authentic way to approach teaching and learning in the early years. Deeply listening is key. Pedagogical documentation is about moving beyond simply objectively reporting children’s behaviour. Pedagogical documentation helps to find meaning in what children do and what they experience. Pedagogical documentation is:
- a way to value children’s experiences and include their perspectives;
- a way to make children’s learning and understanding of the world around them visible to the children themselves;
- a process for educators to co-plan with children and with families;
- a means of sharing perspectives with parents and colleagues (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014, p. 21-22).
When families and others are invited to contribute to the documentation and share their own interpretations, it can provide even more insights. Pedagogical documentation is an ethical practice. Pedagogical documentation is an essential part of the practice of early childhood educators. The intention of pedagogical documentation is to make the thinking and learning of children visible. It also makes teaching visible. Pedagogical documentation at its core it is an ethical and democratic process that requires the amplification of voices. It requires that all are heard. It is not an easy process. There is not an easy button. The intention of this course is to provide you with a starting point in your journey. The first discussion forum is in the next lesson. It asks you to think about your own experience with voice – with being heard. Follow this link to register for the course.
Technology Rich Inquiry Based Research 