EDF5820 · Theories of child development and learning

Overview

This unit provides you with introductory knowledge of child development and learning research and theories. It examines the development and learning of children from birth to 5 years, including physical, cognitive and social/emotional development. You will research and critique a range of child development theories and apply them to understand learning across infancy through to 5 years of age. In particular, you will explore some of the ways development is influenced by the experiences children have of particular events in their lives. You will gain skills and knowledge of pedagogical strategies that promote positive learning and developmental trajectories from birth – 5 years of age. This includes using knowledge of child development and learning theories to recognise early indicators of developmental vulnerability and to inform timely, developmentally appropriate pedagogical responses.

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. understand the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children from birth – 5 years
2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of multiple theoretical perspectives that underpin child development and learning
3. analyse specific factors contributing to each form of development in infants and children
4. identify strategies to support children’s progress in relation to their development and learning
5. design learning programs to respond to and promote learning and development in infants and children in a range of educational settings.

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.