Abstract
This paper discusses the possible contribution that the various aspects of active play can have on a child's progression towards a mature state. the paper defines play as any activity that is engaged in for the enjoyment it gives, without consideration of an end result such as winning or beating someone. According to the paper, play is entered into voluntarily and lacks in external factors, meaning it is not compulsory or forced upon a young person.

From the Paper
"Music is a popular pastime of many a young person. Enjoyment comes when children produce their own music through either singing or playing an instrument. Dancing is a further branch of active play related to music. Children often make up their own moves to fit the beat or reproduce a pre-choreographed routine that they have been taught or learned through an agent of mass media. Music is an easily accessible form of play. Singing, for example, requires no technical training or equipment whatsoever."

Tags:spontaneous, curiosity, challenge, skills, confidence

Abstract
The author of this paper demonstrates his reflective practice in the role as a teacher advisor, providing professional development for teachers in a government school in the UAE. The paper sets the background and describes parts of an ongoing action research project, introducing co-teaching methodology, noting how his self reflective practice aids in making this work as effective as possible.

Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of co-teaching models
Strategies of action research
Peer Observation
Reflective Journal
Findings & analysis
Feedback from stakeholders
Conclusions & recommendations

From the Paper
''Upon learning this I was very disheartened and felt a little overwhelmed and had subtle doubts about my ability to cope with this. I have never encountered an education system so far removed from models that I have previously worked with nor a body of teachers with an educational philosophy so far removed from my own. I had been warned to quickly establish warm professional and personal relationships. Without this I was told, I would not be able to motivate any teacher to move their position.''

Tags:teaching, relationships, research

Abstract
This paper shows how art is an important part of education that is dying in many public schools. The writer examines how budget cuts often shift priorities to basic subjects leaving children without a formal art education. The paper states that art is a valuable tool that teaches children to communicate and also augments the learning process in subjects such as mathematics and language. Many studies have found that when children are exposed to art, it has valuable effects on their learning process.

From the Paper
"When implemented in public schools, art helps raise self-confidence while creating problem solving skills and communication. Unlike math and reading, when children create art they are always successful because there is no right or wrong in art. This gives a child a sense of achievement and success, raising their academic self-confidence. Art also helps children figure out how they want to express themselves, thus building problem-solving skills. Art focuses on making your internal thoughts external images or sounds creating a superior way for children to learn to communicate effectively. When you take all of these factors and apply them to a child s education the result is obvious. Studies show that the cognitive skills and spatial reasoning that art offers are essential for math. The communication of art often helps children become more successful in language classes. When a student becomes involved in an art program, the drop out rate dramatically decreases. Art is an exciting and fun way for students to feel more successful in school."

Tags:academic, art, confidence, education, school, self

Abstract
This paper discusses certain research methods and types of research and the importance of ethics in research. The author feels that when carrying out research it is extremely important that the research is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. He feels that researchers must ensure that the rights of the research subjects are not violated in any way. This paper contains excerpts from studies on the matter and their conclusions.

From the Paper
" "Educational researchers have good intentions, but if they are not careful, their studies can place individuals in situations that involve risk" (Gall, 1996). Data collection, and analysis, subject selection, research procedure, credibility of the researcher and the worth of the study are all ethical issues that those wishing to perform a study face. Often researchers are the victims of poor planning or inexperience and their subjects suffer for it. "

Tags:educational, ethical, ethics, research, technology, data, collection, analysis

Abstract
This paper looks at the work of Maria Montessori as discussed in her book 'The Absorbent Mind'. The author of this paper discusses the structure of the absorbent mind and the elements that govern the growth and development of the child.

From the Paper
"In 1949 Maria Montessori published a book entitled 'The Absorbent Mind' which was "an analysis of the physical and psychological aspects of a child's growth during the most significant period of life." Within this essay I will discuss the structure of the absorbent mind, as described by Maria Montessori, and the elements that govern the growth and development of the child.
"The period of the absorbent mind is mainly from birth to age 6, which covers the first two planes of the child's development. During the first plane, birth to 3 years, the child's absorbent mind stores all the information it absorbs into the unconscious memory, also referred to as the 'mneme'. The child is governed by an inherited ability that is pre-determined, an inbred natural instinct which steers their development and leads them to spontaneous activity. This is called the 'horme', "horme belongs to life in general, to what might be called the divine urge, the source of all evolution." . After the age of three, the child's unconscious memory comes into the conscious stage of thinking and now, in their second stage, they are aware of their learning."

Tags:education, birth, mind

Abstract
This research paper focuses on the suggestion that play in the foundation stage contributes to children's learning in all subject areas. The writer relates that he previously believed play to be used wholly for social development and was not fully aware of the ways in which play can be used to develop children's intellectual skills, particularly within the areas of literacy and numeracy. The paper notes that, since the introduction of" The Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage", play became recognized as being the main medium for teaching and learning in the early years, and has since been at the forefront of educational debate. This paper acknowledges play as being an integral part of younger children's education. Furthermoer, the key findings from this report show the increasing emphasis on the importance of play, and would suggest the need for better transition in relation to this from the foundation stage to year one.

Outline:
Abstract
Context and Design
Analysis of Findings
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Many case studies have been dedicated to the subject on the effects of taking on a play-based learning approach. Maria Montessori's theory on learning through free-play was adopted in a tough inner city primary school, Gorton Mount in Manchester. As the school came close to special measures in 2004, Head Teacher, Carol Powell introduced her own brand of 'emotional literacy and development'. By the 2007 Ofsted inspection the school was graded 2 (good) in all areas, and remains above the Manchester national average for the Foundation Stage. Powell believes that giving the children the opportunity to learn through free-play has improved their performance and behaviour as she comments: "The children are much more confident, more able to concentrate because they're motivated, and playground behaviour has improved immensely."

Tags:experiential, learning, effects, play-based, learning, Montessori

Abstract
In this article, the writer analyzes two pupils and looks at their different learning needs. Through a series of questions, the writer looks in depth at the learner's background and learning needs and styles of the respective individuals. The writer notes that when looking at language as a social instrument it is necessary to consider the different social groups and what a person's speech can reveal about their circumstances and individuality and the way that communicative events accomplish their objectives. The writer concludes that assessing learners' styles is central to ensuring individuals may learn quickly and efficiently. The paper is written from a personal point of view.

Outline:
How Information is Gathered, Equal Opportunities and Potential Disabilities
Impact of Literacy and Numeracy on Learners
Methods used to Obtain the Information
What are we trying to achieve?
What do you find easy?
What do you find difficult?
Do you have any learning difficulties that you are aware of?
How the Information is used to Develop the Group's Learning

From the Paper
"There are a number of common misconceptions related to number associated difficulties. Family attitudes and peer group pressure can be negative simply because some see it as socially acceptable to have low numeracy skills. Being that numeracy is also often viewed as difficult or boring; it may be assumed that those with difficulties are simply being lazy or idle."
"Limited number attainment can however, seriously restrict individuals within the community. They may experience difficulties such as telling the time, calculating prices and handling change and estimating and measuring such things as car speeds.Those with limited number attainment may also find it hard to remember telephone numbers or use telephone books for example."

Tags:language, skills, tasks, pupil

Abstract
This paper analyses aspects of continuity and change with regards to the question of youth. It first asseses the issue in the context of previous theories regarding 'youth culture' and asks whether such ideas remain relevant in an era of high modernity, 'individualization' and 'risk society'. It further relates these arguments to aspects of continuity seen most clearly in continued social class reproduction.

From the Paper
"The concept of "youth" could be viewed simply as an age category (usually between thirteen and twenty five). In some ways, viewing youth in this way is a useful starting point as it immediately provokes the concept of a heterogeneous group of people bound together only by their age. Thus, as Jones has noted; it is "misleading to emphasize the qualities or otherwise of "youth" per se, since the young are neither a homogenous group nor a static one". Youth must therefore be conceptualized not in terms of the inherent characteristics of young people themselves, but in terms of the construction of youth through social processes such as schooling, family and the labor market which is inextricably linked to the specific ways in which young people engage with these institutions in relation to their circumstances."

Tags:beck, class, culture, giddens, individualization, social

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that there are a variety of methods and contexts through which children can absorb learning material and intellectually progress through the learning process. Traditionally, it has often been the case that the emphasis be placed on repetitive learning on an individual basis. However, from the turn of the last century and continuing up to the present day, there have been a number of ideas and methods that have challenged this way of doing things. In this piece, the writer focuses on two, both of which attempt to move away from the formal basis of child education. Firstly, the Montessori Method, developed by Maria Montessori during the early years of the twentieth century and focusing on a kind of informal education where the teacher stands on the side line and observes the tasks undertaken by the children. Secondly, the writer looks at a school of childcare thought that holds that children are natural learners and therefore often fail to come to terms with traditional classroom based learning. The writer concludes that the two learning methods both provide a unique answer to the question of how children should learn and understand in the education process.

From the Paper
" It is suggested that systemic approaches to learning allow children to develop a greater sense of identity and solidarity with their fellow children. Furthermore, this process results in a reduction in incidents of aggressive and disruptive behaviour amongst the children to which it is subjected. For practical reasons the process can only be employed through the classroom avenue, however, the positive feelings that are initially forged in the family environment are then built upon as a learning method that allow children intellectually develop at a consistent rate. This then results in new working relationships being forged between those who are teaching and those being taught, whilst at the same time establishing a strong link between the classroom and the home. Furthermore, this method is argued to the particularly effective with children who are suffering difficulties in their learning and understanding process. As the techniques employed foster a strong sense of collective identity, underachieving children feel there is a collective answer to their difficulties."

Tags:learning, process, approach, Montessori

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Piaget was renowned for his work within the field of cognitive development, particularly child development. The writer points out that he dedicated most of his time looking into how children's minds develop throughout their childhood. The writer discusses that Piaget's theory is based upon four stages, which he argued the child will go through in a systematic orderly way. The writer maintains that although there have been some psychologists who have criticised his work, it still provides some vital information and understanding into how children's minds develop. The writer concludes that overall, Piaget has provided today's society with a greater understanding within the field of child development.

From the Paper
"Once a child reaches the age of 7-11 years old, Piaget believed that they progress into the concrete operational stage. In this stage children are able to complete conservation tasks. As well as this, they are also less egotistical, and are able to look at more than there own point of view; this was demonstrated by correctly completing the mountain task. Piaget also looked at transitivity tasks. For example, looking at if A is bigger than B, and B is bigger than C, then A must be larger than C. He found that children in this stage were only able to complete this task successfully, if the objects were present.
"One part of Piaget's theory that he did not seem to consider, was the universal aspect. Not all of his theory can be applied to all countries and cultures."

Tags:awareness, self, senses, reflexes