ECE 1003 Studying Young Children

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
ECE1003107391, 2002EXTStudying Young Children1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOEDU
Academic Org:FOE004
HECS Band:1
ASCED Code:070101

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Heather Conroy
Moderator: Lyn Bower



RATIONALE:

Early childhood educators need to become astute observers (researchers) in order to understand the individual characters and developmental levels of each child. The information gained through skilful observation, recording and analysis form the basis for planning for the future strengths and abilities of each child, the setting of realistic goals and the implementation of appropriate practise.


SYNOPSIS:

This course will be a guide to observing (researching) and recording the behaviour of young children in many different settings. It focuses on how children develop and learn and gives clear explanations of how to observe and what to observe when working with young children. This course introduces students to many different observational techniques and also covers such topics as ethics and objectivity. Observation techniques as they relate to developmental theories are also explored.


OBJECTIVES:


On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • discuss and analyse developmental and other theories and how they relate to observation techniques;

  • demonstrate understanding of ethics and guidelines for observing children;

  • interpret and use methods of observation and recording;

  • demonstrate an ability to observe children birth-eight across a range of early childhood settings.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Overview of development theories
    		 10.00
    2. Guidelines for observing children
    		 10.00
    3. Methods, plans and contexts of observation
    		 10.00
    4. Introduction to observation and recording methods: * Running record * Time sampling * Event sampling * Anecdotal record * Annotated Checklist
    		 30.00
    5. Application and recording methods in action
    		 20.00
    6. Interpretation of observations and implementation of findings
    		 20.00

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    Martin, S. (1999). Take a look: Observation and portfolio assessment in early childhood., (2nd ed.). Canada: Addison Wesley.

    Veale, A. & Piscitelli, B. (1990). Observation and record keeping in early childhood programs., Canberra: AECA.




    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Dockett, S., Farmer, S. & Death, E. (1996). Programming and planning in early childhood settings, (2nd ed.). Harcourt Brace.

    Beaty, J.J. (1998). Observing development of the young child, (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.

    Bentzen, W.R. (1999). Seeing young children: A guide to observing and recording behavior, (4th ed.). New York: Delmar Publishers.

    Faragher, J. & MacNaughton, G. (1998). Working with young children: Guidelines for good practice, (2nd ed.). Melbourne: RMIT Publications.

    Feeney, S., Christensen, D. & Moravcik, E. )1996 ). Who am I in the lives of children: An introduction to teaching young children, (5th ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

    Genishi, C. (Ed.). (1992). Ways of assessing children and the curriculum, New York: Teachers College Press.

    Martin, S. (1994). Take a look: Observation and protfolio assessment in early childhood., Don Mills, Ont: Addison-Wesley.

    McAfee, O. & Leong, D. (1997). Assessing and guiding young children's development and learning, (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

    Puckett, M.B. & Black, J.K. (2000). Authentic assessment of the young child: Celebrating development and learning, (2nd ed.). New York: Macmillan College Publishing;, Sydney: Macmillan International.

    Veale, A. & Piscitelli, B. (1988). Observation and record keeping in early childhood programs, Canberra: AECA.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Assessment25
    Directed Study90
    Private Study50


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    OBSERVATION REPORT999.0040.00Y04 Mar 2002 (see note 1)
    OBSERVATION-APPLN, INTERPRET &999.0060.00Y04 Mar 2002 (see note 2)
    NOTES:
    1.
    Further details about the due dates are detailed in the assessment section of the Course Specifications.
    2.
    Further details about the due dates are detailed in the assessment section of the Course Specifications.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. When there is more than one marker for a single item of assessment, the distribution patterns and means for the different markers will be compared and marks adjusted if necessary.
    2. Marking criteria are provided in course material as mark sheets/guides or as part of assignment specifications.
    3. Summative assessment items will be given a numerical score.
    4. Course Grades will be calculated by aggregating the weighted result or numerical score for each summative assessment item.
    5. All assessment items must be submitted. Assessment items must be passed overall.
    6. If assignments are submitted after the due date without an approved extension of time, University penalties will apply.