Which approach is a developmental, child-centered program that emphasizes social context and peer interactions?

Which approach is a developmental, child-centered program that emphasizes social context and peer interactions?

• A. Montessori
• B. Creative Curriculum
• C. High/Scope Curriculum
• D. Developmental Interaction Approach / Bank Street

Answer: (D)

Learning happens best when children grow through social contexts and peer interactions. The Developmental Interaction Approach, developed at Bank Street, treats learning as a social, relational process where children develop in relationship with peers and adults within meaningful, everyday tasks. The teacher acts as a facilitator and mediator, guiding conversations, collaborative play, and problem-solving in authentic contexts, rather than delivering isolated instruction. This emphasis on social development and learning through interaction sets it apart from other approaches. For example, Montessori focuses on independent, self-paced work in a prepared environment; Creative Curriculum blends thematic units with teacher-planned activities; and High/Scope centers on active participation and a consistent daily routine, but none place peer relationships and social context at the heart of development in the same explicit way.

Learning happens best when children grow through social contexts and peer interactions. The Developmental Interaction Approach, developed at Bank Street, treats learning as a social, relational process where children develop in relationship with peers and adults within meaningful, everyday tasks. The teacher acts as a facilitator and mediator, guiding conversations, collaborative play, and problem-solving in authentic contexts, rather than delivering isolated instruction. This emphasis on social development and learning through interaction sets it apart from other approaches. For example, Montessori focuses on independent, self-paced work in a prepared environment; Creative Curriculum blends thematic units with teacher-planned activities; and High/Scope centers on active participation and a consistent daily routine, but none place peer relationships and social context at the heart of development in the same explicit way.