Primary child care in Peoria IL offers a safe and friendly environment where your child can spend the day while you’re away at work. However, PALS Praise and Leadership Schools wants to throw that model out the window! Beyond safety and happiness, we strive to help your child develop and grow, even while you’re away. And one method we utilize to achieve this education growth is Brian Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning. Once you understand the program set forth by Cambourne, you’ll know why it’s so essential for the education of your child.
Who is Brian Cambourne?
Dr. Brian Cambourne is an associate professor and Principal Fellow at the University of Wollongong in NSW, Australia. Cambourne began his teaching career in 1956, and since then, has become one of Australia’s most eminent researchers of literacy and learning. Much of Cambourne’s research involves scholarship, learning and teaching. In 1988, he proposed the best conditions under which children should be taught, giving rise to Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning. Today, Cambourne’s Conditions are applied in classrooms throughout the world, PALS included.
What Are the Conditions of Learning?
There are seven primary parts to Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning. Those conditions include Immersion, Demonstration, Expectation, Responsibility, Approximation. Use and Response. Each contributes to teaching a child differently and presents a unique challenge to the teachers who wish to utilize these conditions.
Immersion
Immersion consists of placing a child in an environment where they are surrounded by learning materials and tools, such as books, educational videos, magazines and more. Additionally, keeping children involved in activities that continue to engage them in education matters will contribute to immersion.
Demonstration
When a teacher shows their students how something is written, said, completed, etc., it is considered a demonstration. Much of what a child learns, they will pick up from those around them. By reading aloud, writing notes, and making the information you convey visual, children can better grasp the meaning of it.
Expectation
Setting high expectations for students is key to helping them achieve greatness. Instructors must encourage children to meet their goals and provide the tools necessary to get there. The belief in one’s self is vital for individuals to strive for more.
Responsibility
Allowing children to make their own decisions will help emphasize how they learn. Making educational tools readily available for students will encourage them to pick what they’re most interested in. And with light guidance, children will set out a path for themselves where they are excited to learn.
Approximation
Children won’t always get something right on their first try. However, it’s important to accept any mistakes made and praise success when it occurs. This acceptance and praise will help children course correct on their own and begin to accomplish their goals more accurately.
Use
Practice makes perfect when it comes to developing the skills of young children. Continued interaction with an idea or ability will enable a child to come closer and closer to perfecting it. Additionally, introducing new ways to tackle a concept will allow students to grow further and adapt.
Response
The feedback loop helps children understand what they are doing right or wrong and how to correct their actions. Instructors giving answers to their students must be friendly and readily available. Children must never feel pressured, so they are always willing to receive help or constructive criticism.
The Goal of Engagement
Ultimately, the goal of Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning is to have children actively engage in the learning process. This connection begins with the confidence of children. When your child feels they are ready to demonstrate an ability or skill themselves, it shows they are beginning to grasp a concept and are excited to share their knowledge. Additionally, students should feel that continued engagement throughout all the Conditions of Learning will assist them in improving their ability. Even if the said ability is not immediately perfect, when you create a space where children can feel free to experiment, they will continually press to improve themselves and learn more.
Not Your Average Child Care in Peoria IL
It’s safe to say most child care in Peoria IL does not fit Brian Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning into their curriculum. With PALS Praise and Leadership Schools, however, we not only apply the Conditions of Learning, but we embrace multiple other proven studies and programs. Our goal is to ensure your child grows into a smart, successful and well-adjusted adult, starting at an early age. If you’d like to learn more about how we set out to achieve that goal, you can contact our downtown office at 309-247-1645 or our North Peoria office at 309-518-1768 to book a tour. We are located at 2327 W Willow Knolls Rd, Peoria, IL 61614, and 700 NE Greenleaf, Peoria, IL 61603.