Course Title: Working with Diversity and Difference in Early Childhood

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Working with Diversity and Difference in Early Childhood

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

TCHE2551

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 1 2021

Course Coordinator: Allison Byth

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7480 (reception)

Course Coordinator Email: allison.byth@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Working to promote equitable participation within early childhood education, this course is informed by principles of social justice, children’s rights and equal opportunity and links to the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child and to the Victorian Charter of Rights and Responsibilities 2006. You will focus on issues of diversity and difference among young children, families and communities as represented within any given early childhood setting. You will be introduced to the work of organisations that promote the participation of children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. You will engage with concepts of difference towards understanding how teachers and learners can work together to create equitable learning spaces. You will critically reflect on the production of learning and teaching opportunities that honour diversity and difference in early childhood settings.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse social theory frameworks to examine diversity and difference
  • Reflect on aspects of disadvantage and advantage within contemporary Australian society and associated issues in early childhood education.
  • Articulate a professional position and approach that fosters diversity and difference within early childhood settings.


You will be assessed on your development of the following program learning outcomes in this course:

  • Engage with diverse learners in a range of educational contexts in order to develop skills and knowledge for flexible and adaptable participation in professional communities of practice.
  • Critically analyse, synthesize and reflect on educational policy and practice in both local and international contexts.
  • Demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and innovation when identifying and solving problems in diverse educational settings.
  • Work with other in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice.


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, 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 Student Charter www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/supporting-learning-and-teaching/student-charter/ summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT University student as well as the responsibilities of the university.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which can be found on the RMIT University website at: www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1