Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development

What are the risks and benefits of non-parental care for young children? What are the short- and long-term effects of academically vs. play-focused environments for learning? How and when should we teach reading? Should educators attempt to foster the development of children’s imagination? Psychologists and researchers have not reached a consensus about some of the most pressing questions facing educators and parents. Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development is a unique resource and reference work that brings together leading international researchers and thinkers, with divergent points of view, to discuss contemporary problems and questions in childhood education and developmental psychology. Its aim is to inform readers of both sides of a variety of issues, and in the process encourage constructive communication and fresh approaches. Importantly, this book adopts an innovative format similar to a debate, whereby leading scholars with different viewpoints will be asked to write a contribution on each topic, spanning a broad spectrum of contemporary issues affecting child development. Areas covered include:- Phonic and whole language reading approaches The developmental effect of non-parental childcare The value of pre-school academic skill acquisition Standardized assessment – does it work? The role of electronic media and technology The pedagogical value of homework Year round schooling for struggling pupils The value of parents reading to children. This book combines breadth of vision with the cutting edge of research and is a ‘must have’ resource for researchers, students and policy makers in the fields of education and child development.