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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
MSC Begins New Year with New Focus
For teachers and students alike, a new school year is an exciting time. Over the summer, Mailman Segal Center (MSC) teachers, aides and administrators participated in special training to officially launch an innovative, constructivist early childhood curriculum.
“Rather than children passively receiving information, this philosophy focuses on the idea that learning occurs when children are actively involved in the process of meaning-making and knowledge construction,” Roni Leiderman, Ph.D., dean of MSC, explained.
In the constructivist classroom, according to Leiderman, children have the opportunity to explore and create with a variety of open-ended but purposefully and intentionally introduced materials in a beautiful and creative environment.
MSC staff will be encouraging children to think deeply and test theories as they coach, mediate, prompt, and support students to develop their understanding of the world around them. Students will work both independently and in small and large groups as they naturally become excited about learning and acquire important skills and knowledge.
“Constructivism allows teachers to come alongside children and co-construct knowledge,” said Lorraine Breffni, Ed,D., executive director of Early Learning Programs. “It’s important that teachers slow down and notice that they are not just teaching children skills. They are teaching them to wonder about their world, ask questions, and nurture curiosity. The teachers at MSC teach children to think, an essential skill for a purposeful life.”
The Mailman Segal Center for Human Development offers programs for children ages six weeks through six years old, including parent-child classes, parent coaching, early learning programs and family support. Clinical services include assessment, challenging behavior and feeding clinics. A preschool program directed at supporting children with behavioral challenges will be open this fall. For more information, contact Rebecca Reese at 954-262-7212 or at rsalgado@nova.edu or go to www.nova.edu/humandevelopment/.
