Students

ECHE8240 – Early Childhood Development Research and Practice

2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance

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 Senior Lecturer
Shirley Wyver
Contact via Contact through iLearn
232 29WW
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
[Admission to (MTeach(0-5) or GradCertEChild) and (ECED602 or ECHE6020)] or [admission to MEChild or MEd or MEdLead or MIndigenousEd or MSpecEd or GradCertEdS]
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit is designed to extend students' knowledge of child development with a particular emphasis on approaches to understanding and measuring child development, considerations for quality in childcare, and evaluation of children's environments. Recent research studies of child development, especially in relation to prior-to-school settings, will be used as a major resource for examining contemporary theory and research in child development. Students will analyse research to develop their skills in using evidence-based approaches in teaching, to inform policy, and to evaluate programs within prior-to-school settings.

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: Demonstrate critical analytical and integrative thinking in applying developmental theory and research in early childhood
  • ULO2: Have a good understanding of child development theory to enable the critical assessment of children’s learning environments
  • ULO3: Use sound analytical skills and evidence from child development research to address everyday problems concerned with children’s early development
  • ULO4: Utilise child development knowledge in actively contributing to policy discussions concerning early childhood practice
  • ULO5: Communicate child development research effectively to other professionals and parents

General Assessment Information

This section provides students with general information about assessment tasks and how to submit them. More detailed information about each assignment, including the rubrics used for marking are provided in the Readings and Assessment Guide downloadable from the ECHE8340 iLearn site.

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. Available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/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 https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained. 
  •   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.
  • No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. 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. 

Important: 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. 

 

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 this requirement is not met you will be awarded an FA grade with a maximum mark of 45.

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the assessment policy. Available from:

https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment

 

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

Grade:

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.

 

Grade:

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.

 

Grade:

C (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.

Grade: 

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.

 

Grade:

 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.

 

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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.  

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Topic Quiz 20% No 14 September 4pm-10pm
Essay 50% No 23 October midnight
Parent information sheet/inforgraphic 30% No 6 November midnight

Topic Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 14 September 4pm-10pm
Weighting: 20%

Short answer and multiple choice questions on content from lectures and readings for topics 1 - 4, including Introductory Lecture on unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate critical analytical and integrative thinking in applying developmental theory and research in early childhood
  • Have a good understanding of child development theory to enable the critical assessment of children’s learning environments

Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 23 October midnight
Weighting: 50%

2000wds critical review of 5 research articles


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate critical analytical and integrative thinking in applying developmental theory and research in early childhood
  • Have a good understanding of child development theory to enable the critical assessment of children’s learning environments
  • Use sound analytical skills and evidence from child development research to address everyday problems concerned with children’s early development
  • Utilise child development knowledge in actively contributing to policy discussions concerning early childhood practice

Parent information sheet/inforgraphic

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 6 November midnight
Weighting: 30%

750wd online information resource for parents on selected child development topic


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate critical analytical and integrative thinking in applying developmental theory and research in early childhood
  • Use sound analytical skills and evidence from child development research to address everyday problems concerned with children’s early development
  • Communicate child development research effectively to other professionals and parents

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. 

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted there, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, including a readings associated with each module.

 

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.

Note: 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.

The information in this Unit Guide must be read in conjunction with the Readings and Assessments Guide available for downloading from iLearn.

Withdrawing from this PG Unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, before you proceed, please seek academic advice by writing to ask.mq.edu.au because this may impact on your progression in this course.

Unit Schedule

The schedule is structured with the initial weeks involve learning about relevant studies and research tools.  The first part of the section has a focus on knowledge acquistion.  The second section has a focus on knowledge application.  Full details of the schedule will be published in iLearn. 

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

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.

Longitudinal Studies

This offering has a focus on influential longitudinal studies.

Research Tools

This offering highlights use of free tools available to support application of child development research in specific early childhood education contexts.