Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online 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.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Helen Little
Contact via via iLearn Dialogue
29 WW, Room 235
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MTeach(0-5) or GradCertEChild
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines major theories and current issues in child development and the application of developmental theory to educational practice. It provides students with an understanding of how theory and cultural assumptions influence practice and how to recognise the implications of theory and research for teaching. The initial part of the unit is concerned with theories of development and the middle to latter sections deal with domains of development and areas of specific interest in child development for the early childhood years.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Please refer to unit iLearn site for more detailed information about assessment tasks.
Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:
Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports
Please note:
Assignment extensions and late penalties
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:
Please do not request a re-mark for a Failed assessment as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.
The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade.
Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.
Quiz Assessments
Online quizzes are an individual assessment task and MUST BE COMPLETED by each student individually. Similarities in responses between students will be checked and investigated for possible collusion. Please see the Academic Integrity policy for more information.
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 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: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016
In order to ensure clear distinctions between grades, final marks of 49, 64, 74 and 84 will not be used. 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. |
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.
Withdrawing from this PG Unit
If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://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.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Learning Activity 1: “Key Understandings of Two Major Theories” | 25% | No | 21/3/2021 |
Topic quiz 1 | 15% | No | 12/4/2021 |
Learning Activity 2: Understanding Development | 45% | No | 16/5/2021 |
Topic quiz 2 | 15% | No | 3 June |
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 21/3/2021
Weighting: 25%
900 word outline of two selected theories
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 12/4/2021
Weighting: 15%
Online quiz covering topics from first half of unit
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 16/5/2021
Weighting: 45%
1800 word essay on specified child development topic
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 3 June
Weighting: 15%
Online quiz covering content from second half of semester
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Required and recommended texts
Prescribed Text:
Peterson, C. (2015). Looking forward through the lifespan. Developmental psychology: Birth to middle childhood. (Custom edition). Sydney: Pearson.
Note: It is also fine to use the 6th edition of Peterson (2014). Looking forward through the lifespan. Developmental psychology. Sydney: Pearson. Please do not buy another textbook if you already have this version.
Highly Recommended Text:
This text is particularly useful for the first module of the unit and your first assessment task but it is not essential. It is available from the university library as an e-book.
Crain, W. (2010). Theories of child development: Concepts and applications (6th ed.). London: Routledge.
Unit Structure
The unit comprises weekly lectures and a two-hour weekly seminar. All lecture content in this unit is pre-recorded and available in the relevant section for each topic within the topic 'book' sections (NB: Unlike other units, lectures are not accessed via ECHO360) .
Discussion forums are provided for students discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures, tasks and prescribed readings. Students are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. Students are required to participate in small group activities and whole class discussion, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks. Information about the weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the following pages and on the unit iLearn site.
Attendance Requirements
Attendance at all seminars is expected. There will be a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials.
Information about the unit iLearn site
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 reading template and guide to lecture note taking to assist your studies.
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.
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:
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.
The following is a summary of the i-lectures for this unit, available through the ECHE/ ECHX6020 unit web site. The lecture series follows a specific sequence and has three main areas of focus: Theories of Development, Foundations of Development and Domains of Development.
Week |
Topic |
Lecturer |
Reading |
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Module 1: Key Theories and Research Methods |
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Week 1: 22 February
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1. Research Methods |
Dr Helen Little |
Peterson Chapter 1 |
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2. Key debates in child development |
Dr Helen Little |
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Week 2: 1 March
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3. Maturation/Ethology |
Dr Helen Little |
Peterson Chapter 2 (pp. 31-48) |
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4. Psychoanalytic theory |
Dr Helen Little |
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5. Learning/ Behaviourism |
Dr Helen Little |
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Week 3: 8 March |
6. Cognitive Theories |
Dr Helen Little |
Peterson Chapter 2 (pp. 49-63) |
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7. Ecological systems theory |
Dr Helen Little |
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8. Dynamic systems |
Dr Helen Little |
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Module 2: Foundations of Development |
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Week 4: 15 March |
9. Genetic Contributions |
Dr Helen Little |
Peterson Chapter 3 |
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10. Prenatal Development |
Dr Helen Little |
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Week 5: 22 March |
11. Physical and motor development |
Dr Helen Little |
Peterson Chapter 4 (pp. 104-122) Chapter 7 (pp. 205-210) |
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Week 6: 29 March |
12. Perception |
Dr Shirley Wyver |
Peterson Chapter 4 (pp. 122-124) |
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TEACHING RECESS: 2 – 16 April |
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Module 3: Domains of Development |
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Week 7: 19 April |
13. Cognition |
Dr Shirley Wyver |
Peterson Chapter 4 (pp. 124-132) Chapter 7 (pp.211-241) |
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Week 8: 26 April
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14. Language Development |
Dr Helen Little |
Peterson Chapter 6 |
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15. Joint Attention |
Dr Belinda Davis |
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Week 9: 3 May
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16. Theory of Mind |
Dr Shirley Wyver |
Peterson Chapter 7 (pp. 228-240) |
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17. Emotional development |
Dr Rebecca Andrews |
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Week 10: 10 May |
18. Temperament |
Dr Helen Little |
Peterson Chapter 5 |
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19. Attachment |
Dr Helen Little |
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Week 11: 17 May |
20. Social Development |
Dr Helen Little |
KidsMatter |
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21. Gender |
TBC |
Peterson Chapter 8 (pp. 256-269) |
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Week 12: 24 May |
22. Parenting |
Dr Helen Little |
Grimes et al. |
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23. Peer relationships |
Dr Helen Little |
Bagwell |
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Week 13: 31 May |
STUDYWEEK And Quiz 2
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Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
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 Macquarie School of Education are applicable in this unit.
Attendance for postgraduate units
All Internal seminars begin in Week 1 of Session 1.
Activities completed during weekly seminars are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards and/or ACECQA requirements.
Unit Expectations
Note: 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.
Workload
In a 10 credit-point unit you should expect to commit nine (9) hours of your time per week to your studies.
Electronic Communication
It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis. Communication may occur via:
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
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.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
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
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.
Date | Description |
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11/03/2021 | Assignment due dates updated: Quiz 1 - date revised (to 12 April) as previous date (21 April) was a typographical error Quiz 2 - exact date (3 June) now provided (original date just indicated Week 13) |
27/01/2021 | Unit convenor contact details updated |
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook