GPE 1002 Professional Experience 2

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Since the learning environment in early childhood programs is a core element of curriculum, the organization and educational purpose of child-responsive environment is foundational knowledge for early childhood educators. They must be conscious of the impact of changes in the immediate human, physical and time environments and aware of influences in the external sociopolitical and community context. These issues are of particular significance in programs for very young children as atmosphere or climate exerts a marked influence on children's personal comfort, health and safety, interpersonal behaviour and their responsiveness to learning experiences. Similarly, an understanding of how child-centred curriculum decision making can be enacted in the early years of school, taking cognizance of schools' focus on curriculum document frameworks is also essential. While such guidelines and syllabus documents provide direction about what to teach, to construct curriculum effectively early childhood teachers need to take into account the knowledge, interests and experiences that each child brings into the early childhood classroom and be aware of their own prior knowledge and personal experience.

SYNOPSIS:

This professional experience has two components. Each builds on the in depth study of curriculum design and pedagogy and the development of positive learning environments for young children. Together they cover the age range birth to eight years. The sequential organisation that allows students to move from a focus on educare programs for children under four years of age to consideration of effective and meaningful curriculum design and pedagogy for children in the early years of school (P-3). Emphasis will be placed on the development of integrated and holistic programs and assessment with a strong focus on incorporating early childhood philosophy and pedagogical approaches in the early years of school. It is acknowledged that effective learning environments for young children are characterised by flexibility and responsiveness to children and are planned in relation to a range of ecological and educational considerations. It is also imperative that the organisation of a learning environment, including not only physical issues but also time and interpersonal issues, is modified regularly in response to the current interests and progress of children and the needs of staff and parents. Students undertaking this course are required to complete 30 days of professional experience in an approved education setting. IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the State of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the State of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.

OBJECTIVES:

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

1. apply the tools of child study in an integrated way, to facilitate their understanding of the developmental needs of the whole child in the 0-8 age range
2. plan, organise, create and modify responsive early childhood learning environments
3. design and teach motivating, challenging and creative early learning programs
4. develop and implement integrated curriculum programs utilising the P-3 curriculum documents
5. critically reflect on their own professional development in teaching young children and working as a team member
6. present all professional documentation in a correct form and with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.

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: