Early Childhood Development Learning and Teaching

Unit code: ECE6009 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
Online Self-Paced
VU Brisbane
VU Sydney
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, students will be introduced to the major ideas, concepts and theories of Early Childhood Education. They will be introduced to the planning cycle to design curriculum that is responsive to infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and families. Connections will be made by illustrating contexts of education and caregiving. These include; vision, strategy, and innovation in curriculum planning, demonstrating practices and policy development reflective of all children as capable and competent. This unit will prepare students for placement but will not include any placement days. Students are also introduced to the application of academic integrity in this course and in Early Childhood more generally.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Interpret and evaluate major theories and their relevance to contemporary early childhood education.
  2. Analyse and advocate for principles of play-based learning and teaching in early childhood settings.
  3. Contextualise Early Childhood Education learning and teaching in Australia, foregrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives
  4. Critically reflect and examine the role of early childhood educators in supporting all children’s being, belonging and becoming.
  5. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Journal
|
Grade: 20%
A critical reflection on ECE theories and their relevance to contemporary early childhood education
Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 30%
A written exercise that demonstrates an understanding of the child as capable and competent.
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 50%
A report that examines the emerging teaching philosophy within the role of early childhood teacher plus a presentation session with Q&A
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

For students enrolled in the OSP mode, secure assessments will be conducted during OSP seminar hours.

Required reading

All readings with be available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
ETEC | Graduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 years
Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
EGEC | Graduate diploma | Duration: 1 year

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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