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Information
| Unit | FACULTY OF EDUCATION |
| PRE-SCHOOL TEACHING PR. | |
| Code | OKLS310 |
| Name | Developmentally Appropriate Practice |
| Term | 2026-2027 Academic Year |
| Semester | 6. Semester |
| Duration (T+A) | 2-0 (T-A) (17 Week) |
| ECTS | 4 ECTS |
| National Credit | 2 National Credit |
| Teaching Language | Türkçe |
| Level | Belirsiz |
| Type | Normal |
| Label | E Elective |
| Mode of study | Yüz Yüze Öğretim |
| Catalog Information Coordinator | Prof. Dr. DURMUŞ ASLAN |
| Course Instructor |
The current term course schedule has not been prepared yet.
|
Course Goal / Objective
This course aims to comprehensively examine the Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) approach, which is grounded in structuring learning processes in early childhood education according to children’s developmental characteristics, individual differences, and socio-cultural contexts. The course conceptualizes educational processes as dynamic experiences that support children’s active participation, meaningful learning, and holistic development. Within the scope of the course, the core principles of developmentally appropriate practices are explored along three main dimensions: age appropriateness, responsiveness to individual differences, and alignment with cultural and social contexts. It is expected that students will be able to analyze, adapt, and redesign classroom practices in line with these principles. In addition, learning environment design, teacher–child interactions, play-based learning, and inclusive education approaches are addressed from a developmentally appropriate perspective.
Course Content
This course content addresses the developmental and learning characteristics of children aged 0–8 through an integrated approach that takes into account cultural and individual differences. Within the scope of the course, emphasis is placed on how early childhood educators can design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities; additionally, it examines how educational programs can be adapted according to children’s individual differences.
Course Precondition
None.
Resources
Kostelnik, M. J., Soderman, A. K., Whiren, A. P., & Rupiper, M. L. (2018). Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: Best Practices in Early Childhood Education (7th ed.). Pearson Education. Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2009). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Bredekamp, S. (2014). Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education Gestwicki, C. (2016). Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Curriculum and Development in Early Education
Notes
NAEYC. (2020). Gelişime Uygun Uygulamalar Pozisyon Bildirisi.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Order | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| LO01 | Explains the concept and core principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP). |
| LO02 | Develops and implements activity plans based on principles of developmental appropriateness. |
| LO03 | Facilitates teacher-child interactions using supportive and guiding strategies. |
| LO04 | Adapts activities for children with diverse developmental characteristics within an inclusive education approach. |
| LO05 | Critically analyzes inappropriate practices and proposes alternative solutions. |
Relation with Program Learning Outcome
| Order | Type | Program Learning Outcomes | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLO01 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Explains the theories of development, learning, and education related to pre-school children. | 3 |
| PLO02 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Explains regulations, principles and education program about early childhood education. | |
| PLO03 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Explains basic concepts related to Science and Mathematics. | |
| PLO04 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Prepares an annual/daily plan by considering pre-school children´s developmental characteristics, individual differences, and their interests and needs. | 5 |
| PLO05 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Uses family involvement strategies actively. | |
| PLO06 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Plans and conducts a scientific project , and do necessary analysis by using scientific research methodology . | |
| PLO07 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Designs and organizes educational environments in accordance with children´s developmental needs, physical conditions and principles of effective classroom management. | 4 |
| PLO08 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Does multifaceted assessment and evaluation to support children´s development and provide long lasting educational effects. | |
| PLO09 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Applies appropriate methods and techniques to support children´s development from all perspectives. | 5 |
| PLO10 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Chooses, prepares and uses materials appropriate for children´s developmental level and individual characteristics. | 4 |
| PLO11 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Modifies education settings to accommodate children with special needs and applies an inclusive education. | 5 |
| PLO12 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Uses information technology effectively to reach educational goals. | |
| PLO13 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Considers issues related to educational settings and daily life based on historical, philosophical and sociological perspectives. | |
| PLO14 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Takes an active role in individual and group activities and successfully finish the tasks. | |
| PLO15 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Has the ability to search, discover, create alternative solutions, reach information, think critically and engages in productive discussions for personal and professional improvement. | |
| PLO16 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Has the skills of active listening, empathy, self-expression, and use of communication technology for effective interpersonal communication. | |
| PLO17 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Improves him-/herself continuously in scientific, social, cultural and athletic field besides professional development. | |
| PLO18 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Has necessary skills and knowledge in the fields of music, games and drama. | |
| PLO19 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Shows critical, creative and independent thinking abilities and posseses a multi dimensional perspective on professional, social and cultural issues. | 2 |
| PLO20 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Uses her/his knowledge in professional and daily life in accordance with social responsibility and ethics. |
Week Plan
| Week | Topic | Preparation | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Basic Concepts and Principles | Reading related resources. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 2 | Developmental Appropriateness: Education According to Age and Developmental Level | Reading related resources 2. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 3 | Individual Differences and Differentiated Instruction | Reading related resources 3. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 4 | Socio-Cultural Context and Cultural Responsiveness | Reading related resources 4. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 5 | Organization of Learning Environments (Physical and Social Contexts) | Reading related resources. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 6 | Teacher–Child Interaction and Guidance | Reading related resources 6. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 7 | Play-Based Learning and Exploration Processes | Reading related resources 7. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma |
| 8 | Mid-Term Exam | Reviewing lecture notes | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Yazılı Sınav |
| 9 | Open-Ended Questioning and Guidance | Reading related resources 8. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Grup Çalışması |
| 10 | Observation and Assessment: Understanding the Child | Reading related resources 9. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Grup Çalışması |
| 11 | Activity Design: Developmentally Appropriate Planning | Reading related resources 10. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Grup Çalışması, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 12 | Activity Adaptation: Addressing Different Ages and Needs | Reading related resources 11. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Grup Çalışması, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 13 | Inclusive Education and Responding to Diverse Needs | Reading related resources 12. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Alıştırma ve Uygulama |
| 14 | Analysis of Inappropriate Practices (Non-DAP) | Reading related resources 13. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 15 | Practice Workshop: Activity Development and Presentation | Presentation preparation | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Bireysel Çalışma |
| 16 | Term Exams | Project Presentations and Overall Evaluation | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Ödev |
| 17 | Term Exams | Project Presentations and Overall Evaluation | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Ödev |
Student Workload - ECTS
| Works | Number | Time (Hour) | Workload (Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Related Works | |||
| Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Assesment Related Works | |||
| Homeworks, Projects, Others | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) | 1 | 22 | 22 |
| Final Exam | 1 | 36 | 36 |
| Total Workload (Hour) | 100 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 (h) | 4,00 | ||
| ECTS | 4 ECTS | ||