ECE1101 The Young Child: Development and Ecology (FOEDU)

Semester 2 (ONC)Toowoomba (ONC)Fraser Cst (ONC)Springfld (EXT)Toowoomba

Units 1.0 (Teacher Education: Early Child) Band 5

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.

Synopsis

This course is an in-depth study of growth, development and learning of children from pre-birth through eight within a socio-cultural constructivist framework. The study program is a foundation course and explores child development theories in depth whilst challenging the student to reflect on the "many ways of understanding how children develop and learn, many ways to teach, and a range of curricular options" (Lubeck, 1996, p147). The course examines past and contemporary theories, recognising that theories change as a result of influences of the context in which they operate and the individual and social values "people develop as participants in cultural communities. Their (peoples) development can be understood only in the light of the cultural practices and circumstances of their communities - which also change" (Rogoff, 2003 pp3-4). The course emphasises literacy correctness in all its forms.