EDUC6264

Inquiry in Early Childhood Philosophy and Practices

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1
WebLearn GradSchool Semester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011

This course enables participants to analyse current practices within changing socio-cultural, philosophical, political and educational contexts. Participants will identify and position themselves in current approaches and debates regarding pedagogy, curriculum, growing children and professional issues through the application of a number of theoretical lenses. Participants will develop a critical framework to research policy, growing children and their learning, curriculum and pedagogy.
Key to the course is the development of a critically reflective orientation that aims to position participants as 'teacher researchers' in the field of early childhood education.

Objectives This course provides students with the opportunity to:
1. understand and critically evaluate early childhood contexts and practices from different theoretical perspectives;
2. develop a critical framework for researching an issue of choice;
3. understand their practices as under continuous inquiry/research; and
4. develop competencies to sustain reflective practice through research.
Content The following list indicates indicative course content:
- Particular global and local contexts and discourses that shape the broad field of early childhood education and practices.
- Theories to analyse issues in early childhood education.
- Develop skills for critical examination, analysis and reflection to challenge and extend participants' own thinking and practices.
Replacing Course(s) NA
Transition NA
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge NA
Modes of Delivery Distance Learning : IT Based
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Email Discussion Group
Seminar
Tutorial
Workshop
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments 60%
Review of literature in relation to a topic of research selected by the participant.
Journal 40%
Option 1: Participation in online discussions that critically engages with the literature assigned for the course in a reflective manner in regards to the individual's context and practices as an early childhood professional.
Option 2: Annotated bibliography with critical reflection of 10 journal articles in relation to a self-selected topic of the participant.
Contact Hours Workshop: for 5 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Lecture: for 7 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Tutorial: for 14 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for EDUC6264