EDF1068 · Contemporary approaches to learning for young children: Theories and practices

Overview

This unit involves you in the exploration of contemporary theories informing understandings of children’s holistic learning and development. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of various theoretical perspectives and apply and evaluate their use in practice. You will demonstrate the importance of using theory in ways that are responsive to children’s interests, and their unique learning and developmental trajectories. The unit builds your understanding of new and emerging research on child development and learning, emphasising the significance of integrating theory and practice nexus to create, implement and deliver high-quality teaching programs and pedagogical approaches.

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

Learning outcomes

1. develop and demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of contemporary child development theories related to children’s learning and how educators support learning and development through relational and responsive care practices
2. identify the application of key theoretical concepts within mandatory curricula frameworks across local, national and international contexts
3. develop the ability to critically select key theoretical concepts and apply them in practice to support high-quality teaching and learning
4. engage in rigorous discussion and decision making about the theory-practice nexus to demonstrate a developing understanding and sensitivity to children’s learning and development in context.

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.