EDF1067 · Introduction to early childhood

Overview

This unit provides a foundational overview of early childhood education that will enable you to understand the role of history in explaining and defining the present. It examines the theoretical perspectives that have contributed to the history and philosophy of early childhood education, including the emergence of the nursery and kindergarten movements in Australia. Investigating philosophies, sociological influences, theories and theorists this unit provides you with foundational knowledge of key informers of early childhood education and the changing social image of children and childhood over time.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. describe how early childhood education is governed and show familiarity with key policies, curriculum, and targeted programs and directions
2. discuss roles and responsibilities as a pre-service teacher of early childhood education and demonstrate a developing understanding of your professional, legal and ethical requirements
3. examine and research early childhood education’s history, philosophies and theories and how they have informed early childhood education today
4. critically discuss and define key concepts informing early childhood
5. make informed decisions about your own developing understandings of children, childhood and early childhood education pedagogy based on your understandings of the role of history in explaining and defining early childhood education in contemporary Australian society.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Usually, you can expect to engage with: • 24 hours* of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and • the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement. *Subject to variation due to professional experience requirements

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.