In Bruce's 2004 book, Carr identifies five learning dispositions that should be developed in preschool children. These dispositions or attitudes refer to the natural inclinations or tendencies that children have towards learning. They are considered important as they lay the foundation for lifelong learning and acquisition of essential skills.
1. Curiosity: This refers to an inherent desire to explore, discover, and seek knowledge about the world around them. Curiosity prompts children to ask questions, investigate, and engage in problem-solving activities. It is important because it motivates children to actively participate in their own learning, leading to a deeper understanding of concepts and fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity that can benefit them throughout their lives (Bruce, 2004).
2. Engagement: Engagement refers to the level of involvement and enthusiasm a child demonstrates while participating in learning activities. When children are engaged, they are fully attentive, focused, and actively involved in the learning process. This disposition is important as it enhances children's motivation, concentration, and perseverance, which are crucial for developing essential skills and achieving academic success (Bruce, 2004).
3. Perseverance: Perseverance refers to the ability to persist and not give up when faced with challenges or setbacks. It involves maintaining effort and staying focused on a task despite difficulties. This disposition is important because it teaches children resilience, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. It helps them develop a growth mindset, where they believe that their abilities can be improved through effort and practice (Bruce, 2004).
4. Reflection: Reflection refers to the ability to think about and evaluate one's own learning experiences. It involves internalizing and making sense of what has been learned. This disposition is important as it promotes metacognition, enabling children to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Reflection encourages children to become independent learners, to think critically about their own learning, and to set goals for further development (Bruce, 2004).
5. Imaginative play: Imaginative play refers to the child's capacity to create, invent, and explore different scenarios and roles through pretend play. It involves using imagination and creativity to foster cognitive, emotional, and social development. This disposition is important as it enhances children's communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence. Imaginative play provides a safe space for children to experiment, take risks, and learn about themselves and the world around them (Bruce, 2004).
Overall, these learning dispositions are crucial in preschool years as they promote the development of essential skills such as curiosity, engagement, perseverance, reflection, and imaginative play. They lay a strong foundation for children's lifelong learning journey, fostering a love for learning, critical thinking abilities, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Reference:
Bruce, T. (2004). Early Childhood Education. Hodder & Stoughton.
Carr (in Bruce 2004)has identified five learning dispositions that should be developed in preschool children. What do you think each of these dispositions or attitudes refer to and WHY do you think each one is important?(with references)
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