Full assignment instructions

This Unit Guide provides a brief description only of each required assessment piece. Full instructions, assessment criteria and detailed assessment rubrics are provided via the ECHE2310 ESSENTIALS document, which will be available on the iLearn site.

Assessment Presentation & 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 Turnitinin .doc or .pdf format

• It is the onus 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 Considerations 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.  

• Late submissions: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply - 10/100 marks of credit (10% of the total assessment weighting) will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessment - e.g. quizzes, online tests. A zero result for the assignment will be recorded after the late submission period has ended if no task has been received.

• 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.

Withdrawing from this UG 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. 

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. 

Academic Honesty Guidelines

All assignments should comply with the university's Academic Integrity Policy and Academic Integrity Values. Every assignment should cite and provide full bibliographical details of all material that you have used to inform or support your ideas. Details about how to cite and reference correctly can be found on the university's library website at https://libguides.mq.edu.au/Referencing. At the Macquarie School of Education, students are required to use the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing procedures: https://libguides.mq.edu.au/referencing/APA7thEdition

1. About this unit

This unit focuses on children's language and literacy development as they move from home to prior-to-school settings and into the first years of school, and the ways it can be fostered through children's literature. It introduces students to the theory and practice of early reading and writing, multimodal and critical literacy development, and to research on the literacy experiences of children from diverse contexts and with different abilities. Students are given opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of the role of teachers in planning and evaluating experiences that support young children's literacy development within prior-to-school and early primary school settings. 

Relation between assessment task and learning outcomes

Assessment Task	Unit Outcomes	Graduate Teaching Standards	ACECQA Standards	MQ Graduate Capabilities
Literacy Assignment 1 Planned literacy experience for birth-4-year-olds Value: 50%	1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8	1.1, 1.2, 1.3 2.1, 2.3, 2.5 3.3, 3.5 5.1, 5.4	1.1, 1.2, 1.6 2.1, 2.2, 2.4 3.1, 3.4 4.1, 4.5	1-5, 7, 8
Literacy Assignment 2 Literacy planning for the early years of primary school, 5-8 year olds Value: 45%	1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 4.2, 4.5 5.5 7.2, 7.4	1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 1.8 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.9 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5	1-9
ASSET Survey	8			5, 8, 9

ACECQA Standards

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards addressed in ECH231 are:

1. Psychology and child development

1.1 Learning, development and care

1.2. Language development

1.6. Diversity, difference and inclusivity

1.8. Transitions and continuity of learning (including

transition to school).

2. Teaching Pedagogies

2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches

2.2. Play-based pedagogies

2.4. Teaching methods and strategies

2.5. Children with diverse needs and backgrounds

2.6. Working with children who speak languages other than, or in addition to, English

2.7. Contemporary society and pedagogy

3. Education and curriculum studies

3.1. Early Years Learning Framework

3.2. The Australian Curriculum

3.4. Language and literacy

3.5. English as an additional language

3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation

4. Family and community contexts

4.1. Developing family and community partnerships

4.3. ATSI perspectives

4.4. Socially inclusive practice

4.5. Culture, diversity and inclusion

2. Student workload and requirements

Before commencing this unit, please read this document very carefully and ensure that you can meet all requirements, including workload requirements, attendance requirements, and assessment submission requirements.

Credit points indicate the approximate hours that a student is expected to spend studying in order to pass a unit. One credit point equals 15 hours; thus, students are expected to spend approximately 10 hours per week (including the two weeks of mid-session recess) studying ECHE2310 (i.e. approximately 150hr). Study includes viewing all lectures, participating in tutorials and learning activities, completing set readings and background readings, completing assignments, and using the unit’s iLearn site.

Independent study is strongly encouraged in this unit and participation in online discussions and activities on iLearn is expected.

Please ensure that you have sufficient time to dedicate to your studies before attempting this unit. We are sympathetic that students often have significant domestic and work-related responsibilities. To be fair to our staff and to other students, however, these cannot be used to justify incomplete work or extension requests.

The estimate provided in the following table is based on average student performance required to pass this unit. Students who are attempting to achieve high grades or who encounter problems in understanding the material and meeting unit requirements would need to spend more time on these tasks. See Unit Schedule below for more details on unit content.

Activity	Time allocation
Reading ECHE2310 Essentials document in week 1	1 hour
Participation in compulsory tutorials and activities	14 hours	30 hours
Attending/Listening to lectures	16 x 1 hour
Weekly reading (including engagement with children’s literature)	13 x 3 hours	39 hours
ASSET Survey		2 hours
Literacy Assignment 1		35 hours
Literacy Assignment 2		30 hours approx.
Independent learning (using online resources, improving one’s study skills; completing learning tasks available on iLearn).		12 hours approx.
TOTAL (for 15 weeks of semester)		150 hours approx.

Note: To give yourself the best chance of completing the unit successfully, please allow yourself minimum the amount of study time specified in the table above.

3.   Classes and attendance

All students are expected to:

• View all lectures in the unit.
• View lectures and complete any online tasks before or during the weeks in which these are scheduled.

• Be familiar with relevant lectures and complete the specified reading preparation before scheduled classes and online activities. 
• Actively contribute to online discussions and scheduled classes.
• Complete and submit all assignments.

Participation in all scheduled classes is expected of all students enrolled in ECHE2310. Attendance will be recorded. Activities completed during tutorials are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit and to meet ACECQA and the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards.

The timetable for classes can be found on the University website at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au

4.   Required texts

There is an expectation that you complete all the scholarly reading in this unit. It is an integral part of your study of ECHE2310.

There is one textbook which can be purchased through https://www.booktopia.com.au/books-online/text-books/textbook-finder/macquarie-university/macquarie-university-semester-2/eche2310-young-children-s-language-literature-and-literacy/cXCMAC2002ECHE2310-p1.html

Fellowes, J. & Oakley, G. (2020). Language, literacy and early childhood education (3^rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

(Note: If you already own an earlier edition of the textbook, you can use it instead.)

There are also two required curriculum documents:

1. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) (2009). Belonging, being, becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Barton, ACT: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved from: https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/belonging_being_and_becoming_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf
2. NSW Board of Studies. (2012). English K-10 Syllabus. Sydney: NSW Board of Studies. Retrieved from: https://syllabus.nesa.nsw.edu.au/english/english-k10/

NOTE: There are also other required readings that will be available through the library’s website and/or the unit’s iLearn website. All required and recommended readings are listed in the ECHE2310 ESSENTIALS document on iLearn.

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. 

 

Lecture 1: Introduction to the unit. Perspectives on language and literacy development. Literacy as social and cultural practice

Lecture 2 : Babies and toddlers: Oral language, literacy and literature in the first 3 years

Lecture 3: Threes and Fours: Oral language, literacy and literature for preschool children

Lecture 4: Emergent literacy, reading and writing prior to school

• Phonological and phonemic awareness
• Alphabetic knowledge
• Concepts of print
• Vocabulary and oral language
• Background knowledge
• Print motivation
• Drawing and mark making

Lecture 5 : Language, literacy and culture 1: Bilingualism and bidialectalism

Lecture 6: Language, literacy and culture 2: Home literacy environment, social positioning & gender

Lecture 7:  Language and literacy in the EYLF and planning literacy-rich experiences

Lecture 8: Language and literacy in the transition to school and the role of children’s literature

Lecture 9 : Seeing children as literacy learners in prior to school settings: observation and record keeping

Lecture 10: Teaching strategies: reading and writing

Lecture 11: Multimodal and critical literacy  

Lecture 12 : Children’s literature on TV and picture book apps and literacy

Lecture 13: School related curriculum documents

Lecture 14: Literacy planning and programming in the early primary school years

Lecture 15:  Inclusive literacy for diverse learners

Lecture 16:  Evaluating teaching and learning in the early primary school years

The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course. Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the following capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling:

1. Resilient

2. Reflexive in their teaching practice

3. Responsive to children, colleagues, parents, professionals and communities

4. Ready to learn, and

5. Research engaged

In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways:

Resilient

In relation to young children's language and literacy, students will consider strategies for managing competing demands, from diverse families, centre management, and curriculum requirements.

Reflexive

Videos, hands-on activities and scenarios are employed to encourage students to reflect on and develop recommendations for practice. 

Responsive

The unit has a strong focus on diversity in language and literacy learning experiences, on communicating effectively with families, and on translating research findings into recommendations for practice accessible to both early childhood educators and other stakeholders.

Ready to learn

Students engage deeply with required readings as well as find and integrate additional relevant readings in their assignments to assess and develop recommendations for fostering children's language and literacy learning and effective early childhood education practices.  

Research Engaged

The lectures introduce students to cutting-edge research on early language and literacy, with a strong focus on relevant projects at MQ School of Education. Students engage with both research and professional literature and learn about and engage in research processes such as  transcribing and analysing adult-child interactions; observing and analysing early childhood education environments; evaluating research-based environment assessment scales; and making research-based recommendations for improvement.