This book provides a comprehensive introduction to theories of development and learning in early childhood and primary education.

Marilyn Fleer is the Foundation Chair of Early Childhood Education at Monash University, Victoria.

Part I. The Need for Theory: Understanding the Different Contexts of Child Development: 1. Introduction: starting your journey; 2. Understanding and using theory in educational settings; 3. Observing children and using theory to analyse learning and development; Part II. Using Child Development Theory: What Does Theory Allow Us to See?: 4. Using constructivist theory for analysing learning and development; 5. Using a bioecological model for analysing learning and development; 6. Using cultural-historical theory for analysing learning and development; 7. Children and families in Australia as agents of their own development; 8. Ways of knowing, ways of being and ways of doing; Part III. Critiquing Theory: Thinking Critically about Child Development: 9. How do theories position children, families and communities?; 10. Future directions: how theories support ongoing change.