Students

ECHX6030 – Early Childhood Professional Practice 1

2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Belinda Davis
belinda.davis@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via iLearn dialogue
29 Wallys Walk Room 261
Arrange via iLearn dialogue
Tutor
Catherine Jones
catherine.jones@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via iLearn dialogue
Arrange via iLearn dialogue
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(ECEX600 or ECHX600 or ECHX6000) and (ECEX601 or ECHX601 or ECHX6010) and (ECEX602 or ECHX602 or ECHX6020)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit incorporates both specialist theory and practice in early childhood education by combining university based study with practical teaching experience in an early childhood setting. The 20-day practical experience component is based on a sound understanding that students will be operating at a level reasonably expected of a postgraduate student teacher undertaking a block of professional experience as a teacher of young children for the first time. Unit content will focus on examining and reflecting on the student's role in teaching and learning with young children from birth to two years. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Successfully observe, plan and document children's learning
  • ULO2: Develop and practice a range of teaching techniques in the professional experience placement
  • ULO3: Facilitate appropriate experiences for children within the total learning environment
  • ULO4: Understand the professional environment of early childhood teaching
  • ULO5: Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner

General Assessment Information

Assessment 1

Due: 16/08/20 Weighting: 30%

Understanding Techniques for Teaching 

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate teaching practices
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner.

Assessment 2

Due: 6/09/20 Weighting: 40%

Collections with Young Children 

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Identify the factors that influence curriculum decision making processes
  • Appreciate the value of an anti-bias approach in work with children and their families
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner.

Assessment 3

Due: See iLearn Weighting: 0% This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Professional Experience (Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory)

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Understand a variety of approaches in curriculum decision making
  • Understand the professional environment of early childhood teaching
  • Identify the factors that influence curriculum decision making processes
  • Facilitate appropriate experiences for children within the total learning environment
  • Appreciate the value of an anti-bias approach in work with children and their families
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner.

Assessment 3A

Due: 08/11/20 Weighting: 10%

Evaluations of Teaching Techniques 

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate teaching practices
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner.

Assessment 3B

Due: 08/11/20 Weighting: 10%

Documenting Children’s Learning – Reflections on Collections with Young Children 

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Understand a variety of approaches in curriculum decision making
  • Identify the factors that influence curriculum decision making processes
  • Facilitate appropriate experiences for children within the total learning environment
  • Critically evaluate teaching practices
  • Appreciate the value of an anti-bias approach in work with children and their families
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner.

Assessment 3C

Due: 08/11/20 Weighting: 10%

Documenting Children’s Learning – Excerpts from Professional Experience 

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Understand a variety of approaches in curriculum decision making
  • Understand the professional environment of early childhood teaching
  • Identify the factors that influence curriculum decision making processes
  • Facilitate appropriate experiences for children within the total learning environment
  • Critically evaluate teaching practices
  • Appreciate the value of an anti-bias approach in work with children and their families
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner.

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines 

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment: 

  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments. 

  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing. 

  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format  

  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin. 

  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required. 

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports 

  • Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit. 

  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report. 

  • The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date. 

  • Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date. 

Please note: 

  • Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission

  • Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time. 

Assignment extensions and late penalties 

  • In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see:  https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration 

  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via ask.mq.edu.au. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.  

  • Late submissions: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests. Late penalties are applied by unit conveners or their delegates after tasks are assessed. 

  • If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.  

  • Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date. 

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment 

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.  

Note: Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.  

Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.  

University policy on grading 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information. 

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit 

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45. 

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016 

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades. 

Grade 

Descriptor 

HD 

(High Distinction) 

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline. 

D 

(Distinction) 

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. 

Cr 

(Credit) 

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline. 

P 

(Pass). 

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes 

F 

(Fail) 

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. 

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of  the placement. 

Withdrawing from this PG Unit 

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree. 

Results 

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convener, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Teaching techniques 30% No Week 3
Collections with young children 40% No Week 7
Documenting children's learning 30% No Week 13
Professional Experience 0% Yes Week 13

Teaching techniques

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 30%

Explain appropriate teaching techniques (1000 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop and practice a range of teaching techniques in the professional experience placement
  • Understand the professional environment of early childhood teaching

Collections with young children

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 40%

Develop and evaluate an appropriate teaching resource (1000 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Successfully observe, plan and document children's learning
  • Facilitate appropriate experiences for children within the total learning environment

Documenting children's learning

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

Professional Experience Bookwork (2000 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Successfully observe, plan and document children's learning
  • Develop and practice a range of teaching techniques in the professional experience placement
  • Facilitate appropriate experiences for children within the total learning environment
  • Understand the professional environment of early childhood teaching
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner

Professional Experience

Assessment Type 1: Field work task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 80 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

This is a hurdle and implementation of at risk procedure will take place of a second attempt (Professional Experience Evaluation Form)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Successfully observe, plan and document children's learning
  • Develop and practice a range of teaching techniques in the professional experience placement
  • Facilitate appropriate experiences for children within the total learning environment
  • Understand the professional environment of early childhood teaching
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.   

Students will need regular access to a computer and the internet to complete this unit.  

Regular access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted there, as will other relevant unit notices and materials. 

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included and external students especially are encouraged to use this web component. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.  

Lectures  

Recorded lectures are available on the web through ECHO360.

Support resources 

Macquarie University has a range of services for students. If you are struggling with any aspect of academic life or career trajectory and skills, we have great supports within the university. Please refer to the comprehensive list of support services here.  

Access and technical assistance  

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password. 

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.  

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.  

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff. 

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills: 

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks.   

  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.  

  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn. 

Required Textbook

This text can be purchased from Booktopia

MacNaughton, G. & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and practice (3rd ed.). NSW: Pearson Education.

This eTextbook can be purchased from Mia Mia Child & Family Study Centre. Please complete the order form located on ilearn 

Mia Mia Child & Family Study Centre. (2017). Play and materials for children birth to two years (2nd ed.). Sydney: Macquarie University.

Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2018). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (7th ed.). Victoria: Cengage Learning Australia Pty Limited.

Assumed texts

Crowther, I. (2016). Creating effective learning environments (4th ed.). Ontario: Thomson

Mia Mia Child & Family Study Centre. (2017). The language of three things: Lids, gumnuts and cups (2nd ed.). Sydney: Macquarie University.

Mia Mia Child & Family Study Centre. (2017). A glimpse into an early childhood learning environment: Mia Mia (2nd ed.). Sydney: Macquarie University.

These texts can be downloaded from the links:

Australian Government Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations. (2009). Belonging, being & becoming: The early years learning framework for Australia. Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved from: http://files.acecqa.gov.au/files/National-QualityFramework-ResourcesKit/belonging_being_and_becoming_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf

Australian Government Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations. (2010). Educators being, belonging & becoming: Educators’ guide to the early years learning framework of Australia. Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved from http://files.acecqa.gov.au/files/National-Quality-Framework-ResourcesKit/educators_guide_to_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf

Early Childhood Australia. (2016). Early childhood Australia code of ethics. Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ECA-COEBrochure_2016.pdf

Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations 

  • Students are required to complete 20 days of Professional Experience at an early childhood centre with children aged birth-3 years
  • To be eligible to commence the block placement component of this unit, students:
    • Must have submitted all written assessment tasks and/or associated unit component requirements prior to the commencement of the block
  • Students must be able to present evidence of completion of the following prior to semester census date in order to receive a placement for Professional Experience:
    • A Working with Children Check or State/ Territory equivalent
  • Students are expected to negotiate with the supervising teacher to complete five (5) observation days prior to the block
  • In order to meet the Professional Experience placement expectations of this unit, students must:
    • attain a ‘Satisfactory’ grade for their Professional Experience Practical Work in their Evaluation Report, AND
    • attain a ‘Satisfactory’ grade for their Professional Experience Folder in their Evaluation Report

Unit Schedule

Week Beginning

27 Jul

Welcome & Introduction                                     

03 Aug

Setting the Scene

10 Aug

Infant & Toddler Curriculum

Assessment 1 Due: Sun, 16 Aug

17 Aug

Introduction to Relationship-based Curriculum

24 Aug

Establishing Relationships

31 Aug

Play & Materials for Infants & Toddlers

Assessment 2 Due: Sun, 06 Sep

07 Sep

Introduction to Observing & Documenting Young Children

14 Sep

Study Period

21 Sep

Study Period

28 Sep

Environments for Infants & Toddlers

 05 Oct

Working with Families

12 Oct

Professional Experience Week 1

19 Oct

Professional Experience Week 2

26 Oct

Professional Experience Week 3

04 Nov

Reflection                                      

Assessment 3A, B & C Due: Sun, 10 Nov

Professional Experience Evaluation Report Due: Sun, 10 Nov

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Department Procedures 

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the School of Education are applicable in this unit. 

Unit Expectations regarding Assessments

It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assignments.  If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor. 

Electronic Communication 

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis.  Communication may occur via: 

  • Official MQ Student Email Address 

  • The Dialogue function on iLearn 

  • Other iLearn communication functions

Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations 

  • Students must be able to present evidence of completion of the following prior to session census date (or as otherwise advised) in order to receive a placement for Professional Experience: 

  • A Working with Children Check or State/ Territory equivalent 

Students are responsible for ensuring that their evidence is current.  Please be aware that you may need to update your training or credential during your program of study.  

  • A Working with Children Check or State/Territory equivalent is required by the end of Week 3 to be eligible for a placement. Students may need to withdraw from this unit if this has not been obtained in time.  

  • Students who are completing a unit offered by another department are expected to inform and negotiate with that unit convenor about their professional experience block dates and to discuss how that unit's requirements can be met. For some situations, it may mean that you are enrolled externally for that unit so that your attendance for tutorials for that unit is not impacted.  

  • Feedback from Tertiary Supervisors and/or Supervising Teachers is of a general nature. It is incumbent on the student to check the requirements of any assessments or bookwork prior to submission. 

  • If a Student is identified being in need of additional support for Professional Practice and/or Bookwork, the  School’s ‘Additional Support’ procedure will be activated and they will not be able to withdraw themselves from this Unit. 

  • The timing of placements can vary. For placements early in the Session, Fail grades may be approved by the University prior to the end of Session for students who do not meet the placement expectations of the Unit. 

Fitness to Practice Requirements: 

  • Macquarie University operates under a ‘Fitness to Practice’ model as specified in the University's Academic Progression Policy.  For this Unit, this means that, when undertaking a placement, a student is declaring that they are able to demonstrate professional competence, acceptable professional behaviour, freedom from impairment, and compliance with program specific requirements needed for a student to practice properly and safely throughout their Practical, Clinical or Professional program or unit. It is the responsibility of the student to determine whether they are fit to undertake a placement. Therefore, if a student is feeling unfit to undertake a placement, they should not do so. For more information https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/academic-progression 

Early Childhood Professional Experience Units  

To be eligible to commence the block placement component of this unit, students 

  • Must have attended and participated in the unit component requirements prior to the commencement of the block (workshops)

  • Must meet the participation requirements for the unit  

In order to meet the Professional Experience placement expectations of this unit, students must: 

  • attain a ‘Satisfactory’ grade for their Professional Experience Practical Work in their Evaluation Report, AND 

  • attain a ‘Satisfactory’ grade for their Professional Experience Folder in their Evaluation Report 

Twice Fail Rule for Professional Experience Units 

General Coursework Rules stipulate that if a student fails a required unit twice in a professional program, they may be permanently excluded from further enrolment in that program.  

 

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.