EDF2011 · Contemporary child development theories and practices

Overview

In this unit you will develop understandings of a range of contemporary child development theories and discuss development as a cultural and social process whereby development is always positioned in relation to what the child can do collaboratively. You will explore how a diverse range of theoretical perspectives and theories, including developmental, sociocultural and post-structural, are applied to the provision of education and care for children from birth to eight years in their specific contexts. The unit explores new research in this field and you will critically reflect on current practices in light of this research in order to begin to develop your pedagogical leadership. You will apply your understanding of contemporary child development in early childhood settings to plan learning experiences, showing the nexus between theory, teaching and development strategies that reflect contemporary curriculum frameworks.

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. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories of child development for children’s learning
2. identify the application of key theoretical concepts within curricula frameworks across local, national and international contexts
3. critically select key theoretical concepts and apply them in practice to support high quality teaching and learning
4. engage in theory-practice discussion and decision making to show developing understanding and sensitivity in relation to children’s contextual learning and development

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: • 18 hours of scheduled learning delivered synchronously on campus and/or online via regular directed learning activities; • 6 hours of scheduled learning delivered online via synchronous and/or asynchronous 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.

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