Characteristics of Effective Learning in Early Years (the EYFS)

Welcome to the channel How to open a nursery with myself Curtly Ania, where I help you to open, grow and run your nursery or any other type of childcare business.

In this video we looking at a key area of the EYFS, that often gets overlooked, which is the characteristics of effective learning.

Which is all about how children learn. 

Every child is different and every child learns differently, so it’s important to know how are child or children best learn.

COEL in early years is based on three areas, which we will get into shortly.

Today, in each section I will start of by giving a little summary so you get an idea of what that area is about and help you to understand it better, then I will give a more detailed explanation of it.

In early childhood education, there are three crucial characteristics of effective learning that play an essential role in aiding children’s development and achieving successful learning outcomes.

The first being…

Playing and exploring (Engagement)

Summary

Playing and exploring involves three aspects:

Finding out and exploring – this involves showing curiosity about objects, events and people; using senses to explore the world around them; engaging in open-ended activities and showing particular interests.

Playing with what they know – this involves pretending objects are things from their experience; representing their experiences in play; taking on a role in their play and acting out experiences with other people.

Being willing to have a go – this involves initiating activities; seeking a challenge; showing a ‘can do’ attitude and taking a risk, engaging in new experiences and learning by trial and error.

Full Explanation

Playing and exploring is a fundamental aspect of effective learning that emphasises engagement. When children are engaged in their learning, they are more likely to retain and comprehend what they have learned. This is because they are actively involved in the learning process rather than passively receiving information. Playing and exploring provides children with opportunities to explore and experiment with their environment, which helps to stimulate their curiosity and creativity.

Engagement can be promoted through various methods. One way is by providing open-ended activities (like junk modelling or loose parts play) that enable children to explore and experiment in their own way. This encourages children to use their imagination and creativity, while also developing problem-solving skills. Creating a safe and supportive learning environment where children feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes is also essential for promoting engagement. When children feel secure and valued, they are more likely to take risks and participate in their learning.

Using a variety of resources and materials that cater to different learning styles and preferences can also promote engagement. This could include providing sensory materials, such as sand or water, or using technology to enhance learning experiences. By offering a range of resources, educators can help children to engage with their learning in a way that suits their individual needs and interests.

Active Learning (Motivation)

Summary

Active learning involves three aspects:

Being involved and concentrating – this involves maintaining focus on their activity for a period of time; showing high levels of energy and fascination; not easily distracted; paying attention to details.

Keep on trying – this involves persisting with activities when challenges occur; showing belief that more or a different approach will pay off; bouncing back after difficulties.

Enjoying achieving what they set out to do – showing satisfaction in meeting their own goals; being proud of how they accomplished something – not just the end result; enjoying meeting challenges for their own sake rather than external rewards or praise.

Full Explanation

Active learning is another crucial characteristic of effective learning that focuses on motivation. When children are motivated to learn, they are more likely to participate actively and engage in the learning process. Active learning involves providing opportunities for children to learn in a hands-on and experiential manner. This can be achieved by using various teaching methods, such as play-based learning, Playing and Learning, and inquiry-based learning.

Positive feedback and praise can help to promote active learning, as can setting realistic and achievable learning objectives. This can help children to feel a sense of accomplishment as they progress through their learning. Providing opportunities for children to reflect on their learning and set their own goals is also important for promoting active learning. When children take ownership of their learning, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged.

By fostering active learning, educators can help children to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are vital for success in both academic and non-academic settings. Active learning also helps to create a sense of excitement and enjoyment around learning, which can be a powerful motivator for children.

Creating and Thinking Critically (Thinking)

Summary

Creating and thinking critically involves three aspects:

Having their own ideas – this involves thinking of ideas; finding ways to solve problems; finding new ways to do things.

Making links – this involves making links and noticing patterns in their experience; making predictions; testing their ideas; developing ideas of grouping, sequences, cause and effect.

Choosing ways to do things – this involves planning, making decisions about how to approach a task, solve a problem and reach a goal; checking how well their activities are going; changing strategy when needed; reviewing how well the approach worked .

Full Explanation

Creating and thinking critically is the third characteristic of effective learning that emphasises thinking. This involves providing opportunities for children to develop their creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills. This can be achieved by using open-ended questioning, problem-solving activities, and opportunities for children to express their ideas and opinions.

Promoting creating and thinking critically involves providing a range of resources and materials that allow children to explore and experiment with their environment. This could include providing art materials, such as paint or clay, or offering opportunities for children to use technology to express their ideas. Encouraging children to express their ideas and opinions is also vital for promoting critical thinking. This could involve asking open-ended questions, such as “What do you think?” or “How do you feel about that?”, and creating opportunities for discussion and debate.

Working collaboratively on projects and tasks can also promote critical thinking. This allows children to share ideas, learn from each other, and develop teamwork skills. Additionally, providing problem-solving activities can help children to develop their critical thinking skills. This could involve offering puzzles or challenges that require children to use their problem-solving skills to find a solution.

CONCLUSION

Those are the three COEL,  use them and their explanation to better understand how your child/ ren if you’re a parent or how your children at your setting learn.

The more we can understand this, the better we can support our children to learn and develop.  Which is why characteristics of effective learning is so important.

Now, you can hopefully put what you’ve learnt into practice.

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But, before you go, as always I wish you all the best.

God bless