Contemporary Perspectives on Early Childhood Development and Diversity

Unit code: ECE7003 | Study level: Postgraduate

Credit points

(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

City Campus

Online Self-Paced

VU Brisbane

VU Sydney

Prerequisites

ECE6009 - Early Childhood Development Learning and Teaching; and

ECE6010 - Place, Play and the Languages of Science; and

ECE6011 - Languages of Children; and

ECE6012 - Professional Practice 1; and

ECE6003 - Contemporary Issues, Social Contexts of Learning and Social Justice; and

ECE6008 - Inclusive Practice in Education; and

ECE6014 - Professional Practice 3

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)

Co-requisites

(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

Students will learn how to source evidence-based information about the stages of early childhood development, and how this information can help inform early childhood pedagogy. They will also learn to critique the sources and assumptions of child development statements, and be exposed to issues of normativity. Areas covered will include contemporary developments in neuroscience, the contextualisation of learning, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. There will be a particular focus on infant and toddler development and learning.

Learning Outcomes

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

Authenticate evidence of common patterns of learning and development in early childhood;
Critique normative paradigms of early childhood development, including considering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives;
Design pedagogical interventions that respond to common and diverse patterns of child development; and
Advocate for transformative approaches to pedagogy that account for the impacts of neurodiversity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Literature Review

Grade: 15%

Paper analysis

Assessment type: Journal

Grade: 50%

Following submission of the reflective journal (Open component), the student participates in an individual live conversation with the assessor, based on their journal entries, including Q&A.

Assessment type: Presentation

Grade: 35%

Infant-Toddler Program Plan

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

Required reading

Readings will be available via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

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

Master of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

EMEC | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

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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