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

  Creative Early Childhood Environments

• Unit Code

  ECS4320

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

Description

This unit offers insights into how creative environments can promote and nurture young children's learning in a range of contexts. Pre-service teachers will examine current research into creative environments with an emphasis on constructivist theory and contemporary practice. They will investigate ways of utilising divergent and creative thinking and problem solving as a means of giving young children opportunities to express their own thoughts, feelings and perceptions. Pre-service teachers will undertake an in-depth exploration of the flexible use of space and resources and examine pedagogies that are play-based, authentic and appropriate.

Prerequisite Rule

MUE2240, ECS2245, AED3245

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Articulate the significance of creative educational contexts and their influence on young children's learning.
2. Identify key findings and implications from current research about effective creative early childhood environments.
3. Design and develop creative educational environments that explore a range of pedagogical practices to mediate authentic and play-based learning.
4. Design and develop creative educational environments that explore a range of pedagogical practices to mediate authentic and play-based learning.
5. Advocate and promote creative educational approaches in early childhood.

Unit Content

1. Research on creative early childhood environments.
2. Safe, nurturing and inclusive environments.
3. Learning through investigation, problem solving and communication.
4. Play and creative environments.
5. Indoor and outdoor environments.
6. Planning, implementing and evaluating creative learning environments.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Workshops. Individual and group work, Project design and development, Guest speakers, Videos.

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

• ^ Curtis, D., & Carter, M. (2015). Designs for living and learning: Transforming early childhood environments. (2^nd ed.). St Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
• Banning, W., & Sullivan, G. (2011). Lens on outdoor learning. St Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
• Bullard, J. (2014). Creating environments for learning: Birth to age eight. (2^nd ed.). Australia: Pearson Education.
• Crowther, I. (2011). Creating effective learning environments. (3^rd ed.). USA: Nelson Education.
• DeViney, J., Harris, S., Rody, M., & Rosenberry, L. (2010). Inspiring spaces for young children. St Paul, MN: Gryphon House.
• Nelson, E.M. (2012). Cultivating outdoor classrooms: Designing and implementing child-centered learning environments. St Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
• Shipley, D. (2013). Empowering young children: Play based curriculum for lifelong    learning. USA: Nelson Publishing.

Journal References

• Early Childhood Research and Practice
• Australasian Journal of Early Childhood  (AJEC)
• The Online Journal of International Research in Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education Journal
• http://theconversation.com ">http://theconversation.com">http://theconversation.com

^ Mandatory reference