Pre-Primary Education (BEd, 4 Years)

Program Overview

The Pre-Primary Education program prepares future teachers to foster the holistic development of preschool children through play-based learning. Graduates gain expertise in social, emotional, psychomotor, and moral development, equipping them to create 21st-century learning environments that meet the unique needs of young learners. The program culminates in a Bachelor of Education degree, opening doors to careers in kindergarten teaching, early childhood education, and related fields.

Program Outline

Pre-Primary Education (BEd, 4 Years)

Degree Overview:

General Aim:

• Prepare pre-primary teachers for students aged 3 to 6.
• Develop graduates with the skills and knowledge to create 21st-century learning environments enhancing students' holistic development.
• Equip graduates to meet the needs of preschool children in a play-based learning environment.

Focus:

• Holistic development of students through play-based learning.
• Social, emotional, psychomotor, and moral development of students.
• Reflective educators able to evaluate their teaching and pedagogical decisions.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates:

• Establish their own kindergarten schools.
• Work in educational environments and related social care settings.

Access to Further Studies:

• Graduates can be accepted into Second Cycle degree programs (Master's Degree).

Outline:

Course Content:

• Education Sciences: Pedagogy, Educational research, Inclusive education, Educational psychology, Philosophy of education, Organization and operation of kindergarten, Early childhood pedagogy, Historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives on teaching and learning.
• Content Studies: Language and literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Art education, Dance education, Music education, Children's literature, Health and physical education.
• Teaching Methodology and School Experience: Theory and methodology of teaching, Educational technology and robotics, Inclusive teaching practices, Drama in education, Design of activities in kindergarten, School experience, Practical approach to teaching various subjects.
• General Interest Courses: Academic literacy, History of Cyprus, Ethics, Philosophy, Forms of special educational needs, Speech therapy, Topics of intercultural education, Learning and behavior problems, Analysis of artworks, Practical dance.

Course Schedule:

• Semester 1: Introduction to Education Sciences, Developmental Psychology, Modern Greek Language I, Introduction to Computer Science, English Language I, Academic Literacy.
• Semester 2: Organization and Operation of Kindergarten, Early Childhood Pedagogy, Theory of Language, Mathematical Concepts in Kindergarten, Dance in Kindergarten, English Language II.
• Semester 3: Visual Arts Education in Kindergarten, Music Education in Kindergarten, Children's Literature in Kindergarten, Experimental Study of Natural Sciences in Kindergarten, School Experience I.
• Semester 4: Introduction to Educational Research, Language Education in Kindergarten, Basic Concepts of Natural Sciences in Kindergarten, Educational Technology and Robotics, School Experience I.
• Semester 5: Statistics in Education, Introduction to Special/Inclusive Education, Comparative Religion and Interfaith Education, Physical Education in Kindergarten, School Experience II.
• Semester 6: Philosophy of Education, Inclusive Teaching Practices, Drama in Education, Teaching Mathematics in Kindergarten, Teaching Natural Sciences in Kindergarten.
• Semester 7: Environmental Education in Kindergarten, Teaching Social Issues in Kindergarten, Teaching Visual Arts in Kindergarten, Cognitive Psychology and Development, Theater Education and Theater Play.
• Semester 8: School Experience III, Curriculum and School Textbooks, Creative Approaches to Literature Teaching, Learning and Behavior Problems.

Assessment:

• Comprehensive final exam.
• Continuous assessment through mid-term exams, projects, and class participation.
• Letter grades based on the weight of the final exam and continuous assessment.
• Semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 required for graduation.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Interactive, student-centered, research-based.
• Faculty: Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Lecturers, Adjunct Faculty.
• Unique approaches: Emphasis on reflection, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Kindergarten teacher.
• Early childhood educator.
• Special education teacher.
• Curriculum developer.
• Educational researcher.

Career Opportunities:

• Public and private schools.
• Educational centers.
• Non-governmental organizations.
• Research institutions.

Other:

• Program length: 4 years.
• Degree awarded: Bachelor of Education in Pre-Primary Education (BEd).
• Mode of study: Full-time or part-time.
• Minimum ECTS credits: 240.
• Language of instruction: Greek.