DenmarkCore Course Week Study Tour | Child Development & Diversity Program

Core Course Week, including the short Study Tour, provides you with the opportunity to explore the field of early and elementary education in Denmark, and will form an integral part of the Child Development in Scandinavia curriculum.

The week is designed to introduce you to various elements of Danish pedagogy and educational philosophy, and help you develop skills and tools to compare these experiences to both your core course and practicum experiences. As you further your understanding of the Danish education system, you will be able to identify which approaches are unique to this small country and what concepts are more universally adapted.

By visiting childcare institutions and meeting with educational and psychological consultants, you will gain insight into ‘educare’ practices in Danish childrens’ institutions. You will examine the Nordic interpretation of care, learning, and curriculum planning in childcare organizations and institutions. Through these visits you will gain first-hand knowledge of the Danish perspective on child development, which will help you form a foundation for comparing the Danish, Finnish, and American approaches.

In addition, the study tour program is supplemented by cultural visits to help you learn more about Danish history and culture, and give you a more well-rounded understanding of the communities in which you are studying. In the past, cultural visits have included touring museums, visiting historical sites, and enjoying traditional Danish food.

Tour Objectives

  • Gain an introductory understanding of Danish pedagogy in child care organizations and institutions
  • Hypothesize connections between your experiences at your practicum site, and the programs and approaches you have observed
  • Investigate the challenges faced by practitioners working with children and families (politically, socially, and practically)

Possible Activities

  • Visit both typical and specialized child care institutions to learn about how these communities approach planning and programming for young children
  • Presentations by practitioners within Danish municipalities to discuss the variety of programs available to children ages 0-10 years old
  • Meet with community-based organizations that offer public services and activities to families