ECE 1001 Child Studies I

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
ECE1001207351, 2003EXTChild Studies I1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOEDU
Academic Org:FOE004
HECS Band:1
ASCED Code:070101

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Di Small
Moderator: Anne Petriwskyj



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:

  • be familiar with developmental theories and how they relate to observation techniques.

  • demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the ethics and guidelines for observing children.

  • interpret and use methods of observation and recording.

  • clearly demonstrate their ability to observe babies, toddlers and preschool children and children in lower primary settings.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Overview of Developmental Theories
    		 10.00
    2. Guidelines for and ethics of observing children (researching)
    		 10.00
    3. Methods, plans and contexts of observation
    		 15.00
    4. Introduction to observation and recording methods: - Anecdotal record - Checklist - Diary description - Event sampling - Frequency counts - Specimen record - Time sampling
    		 25.00
    5. Application and recording methods in action
    		 20.00
    6. Interpretation of observations, implementation of findings and evaluation.
    		 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 edition, Addison-Wesley Publishers, Don Mills Ontario.

    Veale, A. & Piscitelli, B 1990, Observation and Record Keeping in Early Childhood Programs, AECA, Canberra.




    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 edition, Harcourt Brace.

    Beaty, J.J 1998, Observing Development of the Young Child, 4th edition, Prentice Hall, NJ.

    Bentzen, W.R 1999, Seeing Young Children: A Guide to Observing and Recording Behaviour, 4th edition, Delmar Publishers.

    Charlesworth, R 2001, Understanding Child Development, 5th edition, Albany NY.

    Feeney, S., Christenson, D. & Moravcik, E 2001, Who am I in the Lives of Children, 6th edition, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

    Genishi, C. (ed) 1992, Ways of Assessing Children and the Curriculum: Stories of Early Childhood Practice, Teachers College Press, New York.

    Hutchins, T & Simms, M 1999, Program Planning for Infants and Toddlers: An Ecological Approach, Prentice Hall, Sydney.

    McAfee, O. & Leong, D 1997, Assessing and Guiding Young Children's Development and Learning, 2nd edition, Allyn and Bacon, Boston.

    Puckett, M.B. & Black, J.K 2000, Authentic Assessment of the Young Child: Celebrating Development and Learning, 2nd edition, New York: Macmillan College Publishing, Sydney: Macmillan International.

    Vialle, W., Lausaght, P. & Verenikina, I 2000, Handbook on Child Development, Social Science Press, Katoomba, NSW.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Assessment30
    Directed Study90
    Private Study45


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    OBSERVATION REPORT40.0040.00Y14 Apr 2003
    PLANNING FROM OBSERVATION60.0060.00Y26 May 2003

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. Summative assessment items will be given a numerical score.
    2. Course Grades will be calculated by aggregating the weighted result or numerical score for each summative assessment item.
    3. All assessment items must be submitted and passed overall.
    4. If assignments are submitted after the due date without an approved extension of time, University penalties may be applied.