TEA 3103 Play-based pedagogies

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Contemporary discussion of integrative educational goals and practice recognises the integration of knowledge and experience in child- initiated learning. An increasing number of early childhood professionals and researchers are advocating for an integrated curriculum approach in the early childhood classroom. Recent conceptions of the 'integrated curriculum' and play based pedagogies encompass views that children derive multiple benefits from socially mediated learning; from engaging in play, problem-solving and projects that are contextualised in personally meaningful endeavours. It acknowledges that children have multiple pathways for learning, and that this learning occurs through a range of symbolic languages (verbal, written, graphic, musical and dramatic forms).

SYNOPSIS:

Play resides as a central theme within the course, and students examine the role of play as integrative in the curriculum. To this end, they are engaged in exploring children's thinking and communication, to develop in-depth skills in the documentation, and interpretation of play. Further to this, students explore how children's play can be scaffolded and evaluated within a play-based, integrated curriculum. Professional experiences will be in kindergartens and preschools. Models of curriculum are explored, particularly as they apply to the teaching of children aged 4 to 6 years. Students examine a range of curriculum traditions, and compare them to recent constructions of early childhood curriculum. In particular, the nature of the `integrated curriculum' is examined, both theoretically, and in its practical applications, both in Australia and internationally. 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. demonstrate an understanding of children's thinking and communication as it is expressed through play;
2. demonstrate an understanding of the role of play as integrative in the curriculum;
3. document and interpret children's play;
4. describe how children's play can be scaffolded and evaluated;
5. plan an integrated, play-based early childhood program;
6. demonstrate an understanding of traditional approaches to curriculum in early childhood;
7. demonstrate an understanding of recent constructions of early childhood curriculum;
8. describe the nature of the `integrated curriculum', and the theoretical foundations of integrated curriculum approaches;
9. demonstrate an understanding of the multiple symbolic forms of representation in young children.

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:

NOTES:

1.

Curriculum design project is due following professional experience. Interview date will be advised during lectures.

2.

Professional Experience dates as per Professional Experience timetable. A value of 1 indicates you have passed the Professional experience component. Zero indicates you have not passed the Professional Experience component. Due date for Professional Experience folder will be advised during semester.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   (b) 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 must complete 100 days of Professional Experience as partial fulfilment of the Board of Teacher Registration/Department of Families requirements for registration. To ensure that students can satisfy the objectives of the Professional Experience component of the course, attendance and active participation in lectures and tutorials in this course prior to undertaking Professional Experience is highly recommended.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   (a) To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If assignments are submitted after the due date without an approved extension of time, University penalties may be applied.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate that they have achieved the minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the Professional Experience; and (ii) satisfactorily completing the Professional Experience folder; and (iii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   (a) 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:
   (e) There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   (d) 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.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Results for this course will not be released until associated professional experience including professional experience folder has been successfully completed and documentation processed.
2. 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.