Course Title: Linking Theories to Practice in Early Childhood Education

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Linking Theories to Practice in Early Childhood Education

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

TCHE2517

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022

Course Coordinator: Dr Aleksandra Acker

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7830

Course Coordinator Email: aleksandra.acker@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 220.02.41

Course Coordinator Availability: Available for an appoitment via email.


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course will focus on theoretical perspectives influencing early childhood curriculum and linking these with practice for working with children between the ages of two and eight years. In particular, this course will examine curriculum approaches, relevant theorists and philosophies, program planning, quality environments and play based learning. This course includes a professional experience placement which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in an early childhood settings.

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/ or community is integral to your experience.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

 Your learning in this course is focused on development of the following program level capabilities.

  • Develop and apply theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to your professional practice and development in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
  • Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice.
  • Apply initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making to enhance your practice and continuing professional development.


At the conclusion of this course you will be assessed on the following learning outcomes:

  • Analyse and critically reflect upon the role of play in young children’s learning
  • Describe and analyse how theories impact early childhood practice and policy development
  • Explain and discuss the pedagogy, principles and practices underpinning current learning and development policy frameworks in early childhood education
  • Critically evaluate key elements of quality learning environments for young children.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities both face to face and online such as lectures, tutorials, group and class discussion, readings, analysis, reflection, group activities and individual research.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities.

Assessment may include reports, projects and presentations, individually and in groups. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice.

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the Program Manager or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.   The statement of student responsibilities www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/student-responsibilities summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.   Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described online at: www.rmit.edu.au/staff/our-rmit/policies/academic-research