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.

• Unit Title

  Play and Pedagogy

• Unit Code

  ECS2245

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit examines the role of play in childrens development and learning. In particular, students will critique play as a pedagogical tool, and investigate the ways in which play-based learning can be assessed and evaluated. Students will also make a thorough examination of the characteristics of play, models of play-based curriculum from around the world, and the theoretical and practical understandings of play as a process for inquiry and learning.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded ECS1111

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse theories and perspectives of play.
2. Discuss the role of play in early childhood and connection to early childhood pedagogy.
3. Discuss the utilisation of play as a pedagogical principle and process in the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum.
4. Examine diverse models of play-based curriculum.
5. Examine documentation, assessment and evaluation of play and learning as a basis for future planning.
6. Explain the design elements of effective early childhood learning environments.
7. Explain the teacher's role in play.
8. Work collaboratively to review the technology process, digital play with techno toys.

Unit Content

1. Documentation, assessment and evaluation of play.
2. E-portfolio.
3. Early Years Learning Framework, Australian Curriculum and the National Quality Standard.
4. Effective early learning environments.
5. Models of play based curriculum.
6. Play as a pedagogical tool and its relation to early childhood pedagogy.
7. Teacher's role in play.
8. Technology process and digital toys.
9. Theories and perspectives of play and the influence of contemporary society on pedagogy.

Additional Learning Experience Information

May include, lectures, tutorials, collaborative group work, and online components.

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 Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Walker, K. (2007). Play matters: Engaging children in learning: The Australian developmental curriculum: A play and project based philosophy. Victoria: Australia: ACER Press.
• Van Hoorn, J., Nourot, P. M., Scales, B., & Alward, K. R. (2011). Play at the center of the curriculum. (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
• Koralek, D. (Eds.). (2004). Spotlight on young children and play. USA: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• Frost, J. L., Wortham, S., & Reifel, S. (2001). Play and child development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice-Hall, Inc.
• Dockett, S., & Fleer, M. (1999). Play and pedagogy in early childhood: Bending the rules. Marrickville, Australia: Harcourt Brace & Company, Australia.
• Curtis, D., & Carter, M. (2003). Designs for living and learning: Transforming early childhood environments. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
• Crowther, I. (2003). Creating effective learning environments. (1st ed.). Canada: Thomson Nelson.
• Brock, A., Dodds, S., Jarvis, P., & Olusoga, Y. (2009). Perspectives on play: Learning for life. United Kingdom: Pearson Longman.

Website References

• TBA

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Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• plagiarism;
• unauthorised collaboration;
• cheating in examinations;
• theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

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