Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

Please note that there may be some modifications to the assessment schedule promoted in Handbook for Semester 1 2023 Units. All assessment changes will be published by 20th February 2023. All students are reminded to check the handbook at the beginning of semester to ensure they have the correct outline.

• Unit Title

  The Art of Early Childhood Pedagogy

• Unit Code

  ECE6260

• Year

  2023

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Kay Elizabeth AYRE

Description

This unit explores the specialised knowledge and skills related to effective teaching and learning of young children and the effective planning, implementation and the assessment of inclusive and socially just curriculum. The students will revisit the historical and comparative perspectives of early childhood education and link these theoretical frames to the practice of educating young children. The unit will also explore the essential skills to plan and implement effective learning programs that utilise contemporary, play-based pedagogies. This unit will include professional experience days as applicable to the course registration requirements. Designated Unit: This professional experience unit is deemed to be a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the Progression Panel. Failure to pass these units may result in exclusion from the course.

Prerequisite Rule

Must have passed ECE6230 and ECE6240

Co-Requisite Rule

Can be done alongside ECE6150 or ECE6250

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded ECE6160

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse theories and models of effective early childhood pedagogy.
2. Examine and implement effective practice for creating inclusive and differentiated curriculum for children while on practicum.
3. Critically analyse strategies for working with families and community partners and assisting with the transition and continuity of children's learning.
4. Analyse effective teaching and learning strategies for the inclusion of children from diverse cultural and developmental backgrounds including Aboriginal children.
5. Explore strategies to establish communities of practice, action research and reflective practice to continually improve practice.
6. Critically examine contextual factors of their practicum setting that will influence the planning, implementation and evaluation of effective ethical programs for young children.
7. Independently develop, implement and assess early childhood programs while on professional experience.

Unit Content

1. Theories and models of effective early childhood pedagogy.
2. Attributes of effective practice for creating inclusive and differentiated curriculum for children.
3. Strategies for engaging families and communities and the transition and continuity of young children's learning.
4. Effective teaching and learning strategies for the inclusion of children from diverse cultural and developmental backgrounds including Aboriginal children.
5. Strategies to establish communities of practice, action research and reflective practice to continually improve practice.
6. Contextual analysis; planning & evaluation of programs; ECA Code of Ethics.
7. Practicum guidelines.

Learning Experience

Students will engage in learning experiences via ECU’s LMS as well as additional ECU learning technologies

Additional Learning Experience Information

The teaching and learning processes in this unit model participatory and co-operative learning strategies used by effective learners. Students are expected to participate in all lectures, workshops, tutorials and/or online teaching and learning processes. During the professional experience, it is imperative that students demonstrate professionalism and respect for industry partners at all times. Students must abide by the professional standards set out in the ECU Student Code of Conduct and comply with the applicable University policies and rules. All Pre-Service Teachers 18 years of age and over will be required to have a current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a current Working with Children Check, or the equivalent clearance issued by the relevant State authority before commencing this professional experience. The host School/Centre has absolute discretion to terminate the Student's professional experience prior to completion of the placement. Situations where this discretion has been exercised are typically where the School/Centre has had concerns about the Student's conduct or performance. ECU may also withdraw a Student from professional experience in certain circumstances. Early termination or withdrawal from the professional experience may result in a Fail grade for this unit. The professional experience requirement will be dictated by course enrolment. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE (S74) Students are required to complete 5 planning days and a 6 week block placement in a 3-5 years setting and a 4 week block placement in a 5-8 years setting.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit information may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

^ Mandatory to Pass