EDUC4035

Inquiry into Early Childhood Philosophy and Practices

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Education

10 Units 4000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1
Ourimbah	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011

This course enables students to analyse current practice within changing socio-cultural, philosophical, political and educational contexts. Students will identify and position themselves in current approaches and debates regarding pedagogy, curriculum and professional issues. Students will develop a critical framework for planning, implementing and evaluating early childhood education programs for their own practice and/or research.
Key to the course is the development of a critically reflective orientation that aims to position students as 'teacher researchers' in the field of early childhood education.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be expected to:
1. understand and critically evaluate early childhood practice
2. understand current trends in approaches, pedagogy, curriculum and professional issues in early childhood education
3. develop a critical framework for their planning, implementing and evaluating early childhood programs
4. understand their practice as under continuous enquiry/research

Content

This course introduces students to:
1. socio-cultural, philosophical, political and educational contexts and their influence on theory and practice
2. current approaches and debates regarding pedagogy, curriculum and professional issues
3. to inquiry and research to understand and continuously improve their practice
4. a critically reflective orientation

Replacing Course(s)

Not Applicable.

Transition

Not Applicable.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

Nil

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments	25% - Essay/Written assignment involving analysis and critical discussion of selected literature
Essays / Written Assignments	40% - Essay/Written Assignment involving the development of an individual and inquiry driven framework for planning, implementation and evaluation
Case Scenario/PBL exercises	35% - Case Scenario/PBL exercise involving the discussion and critique of an approach to early childhood education

Contact Hours

Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 13 weeks
Tutorial: for 12 hour(s) per Term for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)/Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Timetables