Course Title: Linking Theory and Practice: Theory Three to Eight Years

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Linking Theory and Practice: Theory Three to Eight Years

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

TCHE2156

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2009

TCHE2190

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007

Course Coordinator: Sue Elliott

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7804

Course Coordinator Email:susan.elliott@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 220.4.16


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This is an elective course for pre service teachers wishing to gain a qualification in Early Childhood along with their Bachelor of Education Primary qualification. It is also a compulsory course for pre service teachers undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) and Graduate Diploma Early Childhood Teaching.
This course will link theory and practice for working with children between the ages of three and eight years. It will also provide an overview of the range of approaches used to plan curriculum for young children.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Capabilities

Through tutorial discussion, group work and situated learning experiences, pre service teachers will be able to link theories and practice and develop their own personal/professional philosophy for working with children from three to eight years. Pre service teachers will have the opportunity to meet the capabilities identified for this course.


Pre service teachers will develop an understanding of observation, planning and curriculum approaches which will build on and support existing knowledge and capabilities of working with children between the ages of three and eight years.
Pre service teachers will challenge their own professional knowledge and capabilities and continually develop their philosophy and use this to improve their practices.
Pre service teachers will be able to demonstrate: 

  • Understanding of children between the ages of three and eight years 
  • Understanding of the role of play in learning 
  • Understand theorists and how their work impacts on practices of working with young children 
  • A critical evaluation of the range of observation, planning, and curriculum approaches suitable for children between the ages of three and eight years 
  • Competencies in providing educational experiences which promote learning, use a strength focus, and extend the interests of children between the ages of three and eight years. 
  • The linking of theory and practice by developing a personal/professional philosophy and showing how this philosophy will manifest itself in practice


Overview of Learning Activities

This course will contribute to the integration of knowledge and practice by providing a range of theories and theoretical approaches that inform teaching and learning experiences for children between three and eight years old. A research lead pedagogical approach will be taken in studying theories and developing a philosophy. The course will provide research on how to provide quality environments for young children between three and eight years. This course content will link with professional practice experiences where students will implement their knowledge and understandings in situated learning experiences.
Pre service teachers will participate in tutorials, discuss related readings, and develop their own philosophy. They will evaluate links between theory and practice.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will use diverse text and web based resources to support your learning during this course.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will reflect your thinking and learning about the issues associated with this course.