Contemporary Issues, Social Contexts of Learning and Social Justice

This unit explores the historical, philosophical and political structures that shape contemporary understandings of childhoods. By focusing on the forces that inform these structures, this unit provides pre-service teachers with the conceptual tools necessary to meaningfully situate themselves within discourses of childhoods and pedagogy and reflect on contemporary social justice issues. It examines past, present, and future notions of childhoods and the image of the teacher, and how politics, values, beliefs and culture shape these understandings and influence practice. The unit interrogates contemporary issues in relation to social justice, equity, diversity and intercultural relationships.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Critically review the influence of historical, philosophical, global, political and social factors on contemporary issues in early childhood education;
2. Critique how social, cultural and philosophical perspectives inform individual and collective understandings of childhoods and pedagogy, and shape professional practice and the role of the early childhood teacher;
3. Formulate critical actions that apply social justice principles to diverse early childhood contexts and situations.