ECE3003 Teacher as Action Researcher

ECE	3003	78998	2, 2008	ONC	Teacher as Action Researcher	1.00	Fraser Coast
Subject	Cat-nbr	Class	Term	Mode	Description	Units	Campus

Academic group:	FOEDU
Academic org:	FOE004
Student contribution band:	National Priority Teaching
ASCED code:	070101

Staffing
Other requisites
Rationale
Synopsis
Objectives
Topics
Texts
Reference materials
Student workload
Assessment details
Important assessment information
Assessment notes
Other requirements
Production date
PDF version

STAFFING

Moderator: Joan Conway

OTHER REQUISITES

Pre-requisite: Students must be working in or have access to an approved early childhood education setting. State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland are required to possess a current suitability card (Blue Card). (See "Other Requirements" for further information.) Also see: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html

RATIONALE

It is recognised that many students need the opportunity to explore or investigate a topic of their own choosing in order to more closely link their professional interests or needs to their course of studies. This early childhood independent studies course is designed to provide such an opportunity within a guiding framework.

SYNOPSIS

Students will pursue an in-depth study of a topic relevant to the field of early education, and in particular to the student's own context. This context may be an international context. The study may be a case study or action research project and should include a substantial investigating component leading to the submission of a written report. Topics will be selected from a variety of areas including: child and family services in transnational domains for children birth - 12 years; ethical dilemmas in early childhood education; professionalism and leadership in early childhood education; antibias education in early childhood.

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 will be able to:

1.: demonstrate the ability to plan, conduct, and report on an investigation focused on an issue or topic of significance in the field of early education (Assignment 1)
2.: demonstrate awareness of professional and ethical issues related to research in education (Assignment 1)
3.: demonstrate ability to critically analyse information from a variety of sources (Assignment 1)
4.: demonstrate understanding of the social, environmental and cultural context of the chosen topic of research (Assignment 1 and 2)
5.: undertake independent learning (Assignment 1 and 2)
6.: demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate technology (Assignment 1 and 2)
7.: demonstrate competence in written language and scholarly writing including correct spelling, grammar, and bibliographic referencing. (Assignment 1 and 2)

TOPICS

	Description	Weighting (%)
1.	Anti-bias education in early childhood	10.00
2.	Child and Family Services (birth-12 years)	10.00
3.	Ethical dilemmas in early childhood education	10.00
4.	Professionalism and leadership in early childhood education	10.00
5.	Research methods and proposal writing	30.00
6.	Data collection and report writing	30.00

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).

Mills, GE 2003, Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher, 3rd edn, Merrill Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

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.

Whether you are on, or off campus, the USQ Library is an excellent source of information http://www.usq.edu.au/library/ . The gateway to education resources is here... http://www.usq.edu.au/library/faculties/education/default.htm

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY	HOURS
Assessments	50.00
Directed Study	24.00
Private Study	90.00

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description		Marks out of	Wtg(%)	Due date
1. LIT REVIEW & PROJECT PROPSL		50.00	50.00	05 Sep 2008
2. FINAL REPORT		50.00	50.00	03 Nov 2008

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

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. 80% attendance at and participation in scheduled classes is expected in order to meet the objectives of this course and to achieve the weekly workshop requirements.
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.
Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
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 total weighted marks available for the course.
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.
Examination information:
There is no examination in this course.
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
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.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

1.	The examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
2.	In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

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.

This version produced 28 Aug 2009.