Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
2EC518 --  -3+0+03808.10.2026
Course Details
Language of Instruction English
Level of Course Unit Master's Degree
Department / Program Preschool Education (With Thesis)
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course The aim of this course is to enable teacher candidates to develop fundamental knowledge and understanding of the concept of family, the historical development of the family, and different family structures; to recognize the characteristics and needs of families in special circumstances; and to gain knowledge about family education programs implemented in Türkiye and around the world. The course also addresses the importance and benefits of family involvement in early childhood education, barriers to family involvement, family-school communication, and family involvement strategies. It aims to equip teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills to plan, implement, and evaluate family involvement practices and to develop appropriate communication and involvement strategies by taking into account the diverse characteristics and needs of families.
Course Content The concept of family and fundamental concepts related to the family; the historical development of the family and different family structures; characteristics and needs of families; working with families in special circumstances and disadvantaged families; the scope and fundamental principles of family education; family education programs implemented in Türkiye and around the world; the importance, benefits, and fundamental principles of family involvement in early childhood education; factors affecting family involvement and barriers to participation; family-school communication and collaboration; family involvement strategies and examples of practices in early childhood education; planning, implementing, and evaluating family involvement; and developing family involvement practices that address diverse family structures and needs.
Course Methods and Techniques The course will employ methods and techniques such as lecturing, question-and-answer, discussion, case study, problem solving, cooperative learning, group work, brainstorming, role-playing, and drama. Teacher candidates will examine family involvement practices, develop solutions for diverse family structures, prepare family involvement activities and communication plans, and gain practical experience through classroom-based activities.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Prof.Dr. Yaşare Aktaş Arnas yasare.aktas@hku.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Aktaş Arnas, Y. (2018). Aile Eğitimi ve Okul Öncesinde Aile Katılımı (Family Education and Family Involvement in Preschool). Vize Yayıncılık.
Güler, T. (2010). Anne Baba Eğitimi (Parent Education). Pegem Akademi.
Temel, F. (2010). Aile Eğitimi ve Erken Çocukluk Eğitiminde Aile Katılım Çalışmaları (Family Education and Family Involvement Studies in Early Childhood Education). Anı Yayıncılık.
Obader, M.E.B. (2013). Okul Öncesi Eğitim Programı ile Bütünleştirilmiş Aile Destek Eğitim Rehberi (Family Support Education Guide Integrated with the Preschool Education Program).
https://www.acev.org/kutuphane/arastirma-ve-yayinlarimiz/erken-cocukluk-ve-aile-egitimleri/


Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Final examination 1 % 100
Total
1
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 3 42
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 14 3 42
Assignments 6 8 48
Presentation 1 18 18
Project 1 90 90
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 8 240

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Explains the basic concepts related to family and family education.
2 Comprehends the change of the family throughout history.
3 Knows the practices of family-centered early education and support programs in Türkiye and abroad.
4 Can prepare family involvement activities in early childhood education.
5 Knows the practices aimed at families in special circumstances.
6 Knows the methods of working with difficult parents.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introductions; Explanation of the course syllabus
2 Definition of the Family, Basic Concepts Related to the Family What is a family? What are the basic concepts related to the family?
3 Historical Development of the Family and Types of Families How has the concept of family changed throughout history? What are the types of families?
4 Importance and Benefits of Family Involvement in Preschool and Barriers to Family Involvement Why is family involvement important in preschool? What are the benefits of family involvement? What are the barriers to family involvement?
5 Family Education Programs Implemented in Türkiye and in Different Countries What are the family education programs implemented in Türkiye? What are the family education programs implemented in different countries?
6 School-Family Communication in Preschool What interpersonal skills are required to work with parents? Who are difficult parents and how can we work with them?
7 Family Involvement Strategies in Preschool How should family education be carried out? What methods can be used? What techniques can be used? What can be the purposes of using these methods and techniques? What are the advantages/disadvantages of these methods and techniques?
8 Family Involvement Strategies in Preschool How should family education be carried out? What methods can be used? What techniques can be used? What can be the purposes of using these methods and techniques? What are the advantages/disadvantages of these methods and techniques?
9 Midterm Exams
10 Families in Special Circumstances What are the characteristics of families in special circumstances? How do families ` special circumstances affect the child and education?
11 Working with Families of Children with Special Needs What are the characteristics of families with special needs? How do the child ` s special circumstances affect the family, the child and education?
12 Working with Families from Different Cultural Backgrounds What are the principles of working with families from different cultures? What strategies will we use when working with families who speak different languages?
13 Working with Families of Abused and Neglected Children What are the types of neglect and abuse? What are the causes of neglect and abuse? What are the principles of working with children who have been neglected and abused?
14 Ensuring Fathers ` Involvement in Early Childhood Education What is the place and importance of the father in child development? How can we ensure father involvement in preschool?
15 Planning and Increasing Family Involvement How should we plan family involvement? How can we increase family involvement?

 
Sustainable Development Goals
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10
C1 2 2 5 4 4 2 3 3 3 2
C2 2 3 4 3 3 2 2 3 3 2
C3 3 4 5 5 4 2 3 4 5 3
C4 2 3 4 5 5 3 4 5 5 4
C5 2 3 5 4 4 2 4 5 4 3
C6 2 3 4 4 5 3 4 5 4 3

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant