The 5 theories

of Early Years
Learning
Framework
Presented By Kirandeep K Deol
Nikki
Stephanie Limdsay
Tatum

Developmental theories
Developmental theory is based on age and stage development;
which means that at a certain age, a child has the potential to
reach certain developmental milestones. It looks at a childs
development over time.

that focus on describing and understanding the processes of

change in childrens learning and development over time
( EYLF 2009 )

This theory is used by theorist Piaget(1896- 1980) for his

theory on cognitive development.

Socio cultural theories

Sociocultural theory is based on the concept that children learn
within social settings (e.g.. community and families) and that
they use cultural tools from these settings to develop. These
tools can vary from things such as language and music, which
are symbolic cultural tools or physical tools, such as a
communities technology.
All of which influence a childs learning and development.

the importance of respectful relationships and provide insight

into social and cultural contexts of learning and development
( EYLF
2009 )
This theory is used by theorist Vygotsky (1896-1934) in his Social
Development Theory

Socio behaviourist theories

Socio-behaviourist theory is the idea that a child development is
based on knowledge acquired through repetitive social
behaviour, conditioning and experiences. Social situations have
the ability to provide stimuli which promote children to behave in
different ways.
focus on the role of experiences in shaping childrens
behaviour
( EYLF 2009 )
This theory is used by theorist George Mead (1863- 1931)

Critical theories
Critical theory is the school of thought based on critiquing and
bringing change to a whole society by asking the question why
and testing conventions.
challenge assumptions about curriculum, and consider how their
decisions may affect children differently
( EYLF 2009 )

This theory is used by theorist Anna Kilderry, 2004

Post-structuralist theories
Post-structural theory is a perspective that any event,
assessment or documentation can all hold contradictory
meanings. They are able to be deconstructed to provide
opportunities for learning.
Post-structural theory is based on issues revolving around power,
inclusion and exclusion in Early Childhood.
offer insights into issues of power, equity and social justice in
early childhood settings.
( EYLF 2009 )

This theory is used by theorist Michel Foucault (19261984)

References

Australia. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Council of Australian Goverments. (2009).
Belonging, Being & Becoming Early Years Learning Framework. Pg 11

Summaries of Learning Theories and Models. Retrieved 1:50pm March 4th 2014. From http://www.learning-theories.com /

Kendra Cherry. (2014). Child Development Theories Major Theories of Child Development. Retrieved 2:00pm March 4th
2014. From http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/a/childdevtheory.htm

Kendra Cherry. (2014). What Is Sociocultural Theory?. Retrieved 2:10pm March 4th 2014. From http://
psychology.about.com/od/developmentecourse/f/sociocultural-theory.htm

Sarah Scott & Annemarie Palincsar. (Jul 15, 2013). Sociocultural Theory. Retrieved 2:15pm March 4th 2014. From
http://www.education.com/reference/article/sociocultural-theory /

(2007). Freechild Reading List on Critical Theory and Young People. Retrieved 2:20pm March 4th 2014. From http://
www.freechild.org/ReadingList/critical.htm

Mead. Retrieved 8:00pm March 9th 2014. From https

://www.boundless.com/sociology/socialization/theories-of-socialization/mead /

Anna Kilderry. (2004). PDF. Teacher decision making in early childhood education. Retrieved 8:10pm March 9th 2014.
From http://www.google.com.au/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F
%2Feprints.qut.edu.au
%2F53196%2F1%2FAnna_Kilderry_Thesis.pdf&ei=VVEcU4PmKcSVkwXwx4CAAQ&usg=AFQjCNG9X9kKVAvtBWYd8QbwlTe
btod9NA&sig2=QxofRR0g5Zqv6CnFx08MBQ&bvm=bv.62578216,d.dGI

Liu Wanli. (10/12/1998). Power and Discourse: Michel Foucault and his Theories. Retrieved 8:20pm March 9th 2014. From
http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/Literary_Criticism/postmodernism/Foucault_general.html

City of Casey early childhood collective. (2012). Media and external relations, Australian Catholic university, Melbourne.
In Practice and in theory: a booklet about the five learning outcomes and the early years framework.