ECE 3103 Play-based Pedagogies in Early Childhood

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' 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. 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:

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of children's thinking and communication as it is expressed through play (essay; and curriculum project)
2. demonstrate an understanding of the role of play as integrative in the curriculum (essay)
3. document and interpret children's play (essay; and curriculum project)
4. describe how children's play can be scaffolded and evaluated (curriculum project)
5. plan an integrated, play based early childhood program (curriculum project)
6. demonstrate an understanding of traditional approaches to curriculum in early childhood (essay; and curriculum project)
7. demonstrate an understanding of recent constructions of early childhood curriculum (essay)
8. describe the nature of the 'integrated curriculum', and the theoretical foundations of integrated curriculum approaches (essay; and curriculum project)
9. demonstrate an understanding of the multiple symbolic forms of representation in young children (essay; and curriculum project).

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:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility 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.
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.
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 a student must complete and submit all summative assessment items and achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
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.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.
2. Students are to use a recognised referencing system as specified by the examiner.
3. 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.