Educational objectives of the school Single channel

Chair (Coordinator) and Rapporteur: PATRIZIA SPOSETTI

Module 1: Educational objectives of the school for children

Activity type
Didattica e pedagogia speciale
SSD
PAED-02/A
Year
1st year
Semester
1st semester
CFU
6
Hours distribution
48 classroom hours
Lecturers
ANNA SALERNI

Module 2: Educational objectives of primary school

Activity type
Didattica e pedagogia speciale
SSD
PAED-02/A
Year
1st year
Semester
1st semester
CFU
6
Hours distribution
48 classroom hours
Lecturers
PATRIZIA SPOSETTI

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the educational purposes of preschool and primary school within the current context and in relation to the framework of key competences for lifelong learning, as defined by European institutions.
They will also acquire a basic knowledge of children’s emotional and cognitive needs, the role of preschool and primary school teachers, the importance of families as educational partners, best practices for inclusion and adaptation, and how to organize the learning environment in relation to space, time, and materials. Furthermore, they will understand the importance of relationships in emotional and cognitive development, as well as the role of experience in learning. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the tools and professional competencies of teachers. [Dublin Descriptor no. 1]

The competences acquired will include the ability to work with children within their zone of proximal development, promoting the growth of identity, autonomy, competences, and social citizenship, helping them learn how to live well with others.
Students will also be encouraged to interact positively with colleagues to create stimulating learning environments, and to build alliances with families, fostering a network of positive and meaningful relationships that support each child’s emotional and cognitive development. In particular, in-depth study will allow for an understanding of the functioning of preschool education, the teacher’s role in this context, and best practices in early childhood education. [Dublin Descriptor no. 2]

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the educational purposes of preschool and primary school within the current context and in relation to the framework of key competences for lifelong learning, as defined by European institutions.
They will also acquire a basic knowledge of children’s emotional and cognitive needs, the role of preschool and primary school teachers, the importance of families as educational partners, best practices for inclusion and adaptation, and how to organize the learning environment in relation to space, time, and materials. Furthermore, they will understand the importance of relationships in emotional and cognitive development, as well as the role of experience in learning. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the tools and professional competences of teachers. [Dublin Descriptor no. 1]

The competences acquired will include the ability to work with children within their zone of proximal development, promoting the growth of identity, autonomy, competences, and social citizenship, helping them learn how to live well with others.
Students will also be encouraged to interact positively with colleagues to create stimulating learning environments, and to build alliances with families, fostering a network of positive and meaningful relationships that support each child’s emotional and cognitive development. In particular, in-depth study will allow for an understanding of the functioning of preschool education, the teacher’s role in this context, and best practices in early childhood education. [Dublin Descriptor no. 2]

Prerequisites

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children
N/D
Module: Educational objectives of primary school

Basic skills and research skills , knowledge of multimedia tools .

Programme

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children
The course introduces the theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations of teaching, with particular reference to primary education. It presents education as an intentional, reflective, and inclusive practice aimed at fostering personal development and creating democratic and participatory learning environments.
The first thematic unit will focus on the analysis of the Italian National Guidelines for the Curriculum, exploring the educational aims of the school system, the student profile, competence development targets, and learning objectives. The principles of educational continuity, interdisciplinarity, citizenship, inclusion, and personalisation will also be examined (10 hours).
Drawing on Paulo Freire’s pedagogical thought, the course will explore the relationship between education, autonomy, responsibility, and teacher professionalism. Particular attention will be paid to the value of dialogue, respect for pupils’ knowledge and experiences, the relationship between teaching and research, and critical reflection on educational practice (15 hours).
A further unit will examine the relationship between emotions, motivation, and learning, focusing particularly on the role of mistakes, expectations, self-efficacy, and the educational relationship (10 hours).
Finally, the main pedagogical and educational principles of the Montessori method and their application in primary schools will be presented. The course will explore the concepts of autonomy, responsible freedom, the prepared environment, self-education, observation, and the individualisation of learning, together with the educational function of materials, the organisation of space and time, and the teacher’s role as a guide (13 hours).
From a methodological perspective, the course will combine interactive lectures, the reading and discussion of texts, case studies, workshops, and individual and group activities, both in person and online through Moodle. These activities are intended to develop students’ ability to connect theoretical frameworks with teaching choices and to adopt a critical, reflective, and responsible approach to their future teaching profession.




Module: Educational objectives of primary school
The course aims to introduce the general themes and issues of the subject, starting from the analysis of the relevant regulations.
Specifically, the new regulations and the guiding documents for early childhood education will be the subject of in-depth analysis and discussion.
The following topics will then be explored in greater detail:
a. Planning the educational day in the 0–6 age range
b. Observation in educational settings
c. Development of an educational project for the 0–6 age range


Books

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children
Modulo: OBIETTIVI FORMATIVI DELLA SCUOLA PRIMARIA
• Bianconi A.M., D’Antonis Onofri F., Del Vecchio R., Zinno S. (2025) Tutti in classe con Montessori. Proposte didattiche per la scuola primaria, Milano-Torino:Sanoma. • Freire P. (2014). Pedagogia dell’autonomia. Torino: Edizioni Gruppo Abele.
• Lucangeli, D. (2019). Cinque lezioni leggere sull’emozione di apprendere. Trento: Erikson.
• MIM (2025) Indicazioni Nazionali per il curricolo - Scuola dell’infanzia e Scuole del Primo ciclo di istruzione

The course syllabus for non-attending students remains unchanged.




Module: Educational objectives of primary school

Paradiso L. (2023). Progettare la giornata educativa nello 0-6. Tra routine, circle time, Laboratori. Milano: Mondadori Università
SPOSETTI P. (in corso di stampa). Documentare per valutare l’agire educativo. In Szpunar G. (ed.), Progettare e valutare a scuola Strumenti per l’infanzia e la primaria, Roma: Carocci, pp. 103-132.
MIUR (2018). Indicazioni nazionali e Nuovi scenari. https://www.miur.gov.it/documents/20182/0/Indicazioni+nazionali+e+nuovi+scenari/.


Ministero dell’Istruzione (2021). Linee pedagogiche per il sistema integrato zerosei.

https://www.miur.gov.it/documents/20182/5385739/Decreto+ministeriale+n.+334+del+22+novembre+2021.pdf/e2b021b5-4bb5-90fd-e17a-6b3af7fc3b6f?version=1.0&t=1640603375461.


Ministero dell’Istruzione (2021). Orientamenti nazionali per i servizi educativi per

l’infanzia. https://www.miur.gov.it/documents/20182/6735034/Decreto+Ministeriale+

n.+43+del+24+febbraio+2021.pdf/33a0ba6d-6f99-b116-6ef7-f6a417e0dabe?t=1648550954343


Dispensa a cura della docente



Bibliography

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children
N/D
Module: Educational objectives of primary school
N/D

Lessons mode

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children
N/D
Module: Educational objectives of primary school
The course includes: lessons for the study of the texts in the program; seminars dedicated to the themes of educational documentation and observation in training contexts; working group to write an educational project. Students will have to prepare short lessons ; students who do not present the lessons, will prepare the questions on the topics covered by the lesson.
To facilitate the achievement of the expected training objectives and expected learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, the following will be used: lessons (frontal and participatory); presentation of texts and preparation of questions; seminars with researchers.
To facilitate the achievement of the expected training objectives and expected skills and abilities: group exercises;acse study; seminars with experts in the field of education.


Frequency

Students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in classroom exercises and make use of the material and information available online.

Exam mode

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children
N/D
Module: Educational objectives of primary school
For attending students, the assessment methods include:
a) evaluation of participation in class activities (short presentations);
b) a written exam on the topics covered during lectures and included in the study materials. During the oral exam, the presentation of the project, in relation to the reference texts, will also be assessed;
c) an oral exam on the topics covered during lectures and included in the study materials. During the oral exam, the oral presentation of the project, in relation to the reference texts, will also be assessed.

For attending students, the assessment methods include: point b), point c), and the reading of supplementary materials.
Students who are unable to attend classes are invited to contact the instructor to define the supplementary study materials.


Example exam questions

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children
N/D
Module: Educational objectives of primary school
Description of the Integrated Education and Care System for Children Aged 0 to 6 Years
Key Features of an Educational Project for the 0–6 Age Group

Arguments

Module: Educational objectives of the school for children



Module: Educational objectives of primary school


Sustainability goals

  • Goal15
  • Goal16
  • Goal17
  • Academic year2026/2027
  • Degree program to which the course belongsPrimary teacher education
  • Mandatory presenceYes
  • Languageita
  • CFU12 CFU, distributed among 2 integrated didactic modules
  • Total duration96 hours