HED2601 Assignment 2 2025: Complete
Verified Answers with Detailed
Explanations | Due 30 July 2025 History of
Education in Foundation Phase University of South Africa Department
of Early Childhood Education and Development Submission Date: 30 July 2025
, Section A: Theoretical Foundations of Early Childhood Edu-
cation
1.1 Who are three influential theorists in Early Childhood Education (ECE)?
(3 marks)
Answer: Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Maria Montessori. Explanation: These theorists
have shaped ECE through their foundational work on cognitive development, social learning,
and child-centered education, influencing global and South African educational practices.
1.2 Summarize each theorists contribution to ECE in one or two sentences.
(6 marks)
Answer: - Jean Piaget: Piagets cognitive development theory describes four stages of learn-
ing, emphasizing childrens active construction of knowledge through exploration. - Lev Vy-
gotsky: Vygotskys sociocultural theory highlights social interactions and the Zone of Proximal
Development (ZPD) as key to cognitive growth. - Maria Montessori: Montessoris method
promotes self-directed learning in a prepared environment, fostering independence and holistic
development. Explanation: Piaget focuses on individual cognitive stages, Vygotsky on social
influences, and Montessori on autonomy, providing diverse frameworks for ECE.
1.3 Explain one principle from Montessoris approach and provide a prac-
tical classroom example. (4 marks)
Answer: Principle: Prepared Environment Montessori emphasizes a structured setting with
accessible materials to promote independent learning. Example: In a Grade R classroom, a
teacher sets up a shelf with sensory bins (e.g., rice or beads) for children to explore indepen-
dently, enhancing fine motor skills. Explanation: The prepared environment supports auton-
omy, aligning with Montessoris philosophy of fostering self-confidence and skill development.
1.4 Construct a table comparing Vygotskys and Piagets approaches, high-
lighting two similarities and two differences. (8 marks)
Answer: Explanation: The table highlights shared constructivist principles but contrasts Vy-
gotskys social focus with Piagets individual stage-based approach.
1.5 Why is the HED2601 module critical for Foundation Phase teachers?
(3 marks)
Answer: HED2601 provides historical and theoretical insights, enabling teachers to design
inclusive, developmentally appropriate strategies for South Africas diverse classrooms. Ex-
planation: Understanding ECEs evolution equips teachers to address historical inequities and
modern educational needs effectively.
1
Verified Answers with Detailed
Explanations | Due 30 July 2025 History of
Education in Foundation Phase University of South Africa Department
of Early Childhood Education and Development Submission Date: 30 July 2025
, Section A: Theoretical Foundations of Early Childhood Edu-
cation
1.1 Who are three influential theorists in Early Childhood Education (ECE)?
(3 marks)
Answer: Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Maria Montessori. Explanation: These theorists
have shaped ECE through their foundational work on cognitive development, social learning,
and child-centered education, influencing global and South African educational practices.
1.2 Summarize each theorists contribution to ECE in one or two sentences.
(6 marks)
Answer: - Jean Piaget: Piagets cognitive development theory describes four stages of learn-
ing, emphasizing childrens active construction of knowledge through exploration. - Lev Vy-
gotsky: Vygotskys sociocultural theory highlights social interactions and the Zone of Proximal
Development (ZPD) as key to cognitive growth. - Maria Montessori: Montessoris method
promotes self-directed learning in a prepared environment, fostering independence and holistic
development. Explanation: Piaget focuses on individual cognitive stages, Vygotsky on social
influences, and Montessori on autonomy, providing diverse frameworks for ECE.
1.3 Explain one principle from Montessoris approach and provide a prac-
tical classroom example. (4 marks)
Answer: Principle: Prepared Environment Montessori emphasizes a structured setting with
accessible materials to promote independent learning. Example: In a Grade R classroom, a
teacher sets up a shelf with sensory bins (e.g., rice or beads) for children to explore indepen-
dently, enhancing fine motor skills. Explanation: The prepared environment supports auton-
omy, aligning with Montessoris philosophy of fostering self-confidence and skill development.
1.4 Construct a table comparing Vygotskys and Piagets approaches, high-
lighting two similarities and two differences. (8 marks)
Answer: Explanation: The table highlights shared constructivist principles but contrasts Vy-
gotskys social focus with Piagets individual stage-based approach.
1.5 Why is the HED2601 module critical for Foundation Phase teachers?
(3 marks)
Answer: HED2601 provides historical and theoretical insights, enabling teachers to design
inclusive, developmentally appropriate strategies for South Africas diverse classrooms. Ex-
planation: Understanding ECEs evolution equips teachers to address historical inequities and
modern educational needs effectively.
1
