ECE 2010 Learning Through Play

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Play is considered one of the most important vehicles for learning for young children. Play is intrinsically motivated, an end in itself. It is through play that physical development, social development, intellectual development and emotional development are nurtured and fostered. With the increased awareness of the need for child responsive practice in programming for young children, play comes into its own as the most appropriate practice.

SYNOPSIS:

This course will introduce play as a vehicle for learning and seeks to introduce students to appropriate practice in programming in child care centres. This course considers play in a developmental perspective and investigates types of play, general patterns of play, general characteristics of play and appropriate play materials. The course also considers the creation of motivating and challenging play environments and the way that creativity and the growth of children's art develops through play. Aspects such as gender differences, play therapy and play in special populations are also considered.

OBJECTIVES:

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

1. Understand the relationship between play and development in young children.
2. Appreciate play as a vehicle for learning.
3. Understand the relationship between play and children's development in the arts.
4. Be capable of providing suitable play experiences for children with diverse abilities.
5. Be able to plan appropriate programs for children 0-6 based on play as a vehicle for learning.
6. Use written communication effectively and appropriately.
7. Write clearly, grammatically correctly and with accurate spelling and punctuation.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. Students should demonstrate a professional attitude and commitment by attendance at and participation in at least 80% of scheduled classes.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item. To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must demonstrate their ability to clearly, grammatically correctly and with accurate spelling and punctuation.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.