Students

ECHE8250 – Early Childhood Professional Practice 2

2021 – Session 1, Intensive attendance, North Ryde

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.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Belinda Davis
Contact via Contact via iLearn dialogue
29 Wallys Walk Room 269
Arrange via iLearn dialogue
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MTeach (0-5) and 20cp at 8000 level and (ECED603 or ECHE6030)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
In this unit students will build on the knowledge of early childhood theory and practice that gained from your experiences in ECHE6030. Students will extend understanding of critical reflection and personal professional philosophy as a developing teacher. Central to this unit is a 20 day professional experience placement to develop awareness of the professional role and responsibilities of an early childhood teacher working with children from two to five years. This unit therefore combines theory and practice to enable students to construct practical knowledge of teaching and learning through guided reflection.

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 the link between theory, the Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009) and planning for children aged 2-5 years
  • ULO2: Systematically document and critically analyse the pedagogies and practices of teaching and learning, including ways to guide children's behaviour
  • ULO3: Demonstrate the capacity to articulate a personal philosophy of professional practice as a teacher of young children
  • ULO4: Critically examine ideas, issues and principles connected with professional decision-making as a teacher in an early childhood setting
  • ULO5: Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the reflective practitioner

General Assessment Information

Further information about each assessment task will be placed on iLearn. Please note the following general guidelines for School of Education units.

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

  • 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 (NB: for your parent booklets, you may choose a different format).
  • 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.

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

  • If available in your unit, you may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve your academic writing.
  • You are encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain the Originality Report.
  • The Originality Report provides you with a similarity index and shows you where your work overlaps with others. You should make amendments to your draft before your final submission.
  • Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date. Do not submit a draft within 24 hours of your 'real' submission.

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

  • In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure constituting serious and unavoidable disruption. Please see the University definition of serious and unavoidable disruption here: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/mystudy-program/special-consideration.
  • Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This ensures consistency among students.
  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. They cannot be directed to unit conveners.

Late Assessment Penalty

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.

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.

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

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. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.

Note:  The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher or lower grade, or an unchanged grade. Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are already double-marked as a part of the moderation process.

Withdrawing from this 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

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Newsletter 40% No 14/03/2021 11.59pm
Professional Experience documentation 60% No 06/06/2021 11.59pm

Newsletter

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 14/03/2021 11.59pm
Weighting: 40%

This assessment will enable students to articulate appropriate teaching strategies to use with children 2-5 year and determine appropriate strategies to guide the behaviour of young children. Word count: 1000 words


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Systematically document and critically analyse the pedagogies and practices of teaching and learning, including ways to guide children's behaviour

Professional Experience documentation

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 06/06/2021 11.59pm
Weighting: 60%

Professional Experience Documentation: Students submit material from their Professional Experience folder (what they did whilst on PE Placement). These are reflective tasks that are completed on PE. Word Count 4000 words


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the link between theory, the Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009) and planning for children aged 2-5 years
  • Systematically document and critically analyse the pedagogies and practices of teaching and learning, including ways to guide children's behaviour
  • Demonstrate the capacity to articulate a personal philosophy of professional practice as a teacher of young children
  • Critically examine ideas, issues and principles connected with professional decision-making as a teacher in an early childhood setting
  • 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

Textbooks and required readings

Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2018). Programming and planning in early childhood settings. (6th ed.). Victoria: Cengage Learning Australia Pty Limited.

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

Porter, L. (2016). Young children’s behaviour: Guidance approaches for early childhood educators. (4th ed.). Sydney: Allen & Unwin. 

Some weeks may have additional readings and other resources posted on iLearn which will enhance your understanding.

iLearn

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn, and weekly access is compulsory. Students will need full access to a computer and the Internet. Important assessment information will be posted to iLearn, as will unit announcements and weekly materials. Please check iLearn before emailing your convener or tutor.

Lectures  

Recorded lectures are available on the web through ECHO360.

Tutorials

Participation in tutorials is expected. Please see your enrolment information for details. 

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.

  • Attendance at the workshops is also expected.  

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.

Policies and Procedures

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.

Student Code of Conduct

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

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

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. For school placements this must be verified by DoE before your first placement. Complete and email: The practicum students declaration and a copy of relevant ID documents to the department’s probity unit at least two weeks prior to the start date of your first professional experience placement. You will also need to present photo ID on your first day of professional experience. 

  • Anaphylaxis training (practical and online training) (school placements only). Please note that Anaphylaxis training is only current for 2 years so students will need to update this, most probably at the start of their final year  

  • Read and acknowledge agreement to abide by the DoE Code of Conduct (school placements only) 

  •  Child Protection Awareness Training (CPAT) (school placements only) (once only) 

  • Mandatory Child Protection Training (school placements only) (annually) 

For more details re school placement requirements see: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/pre-service-teacher-resources/induction-for-pre-service-teachers/mandatory-pre-requisites-for-pre-service-teachers-participating-.  

This includes completing the pre-service teacher acknowledgement: https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/pre-service-teacher-resources/Document2_Pre-service_teacher_Acknowledgement_October_2020.pdf 

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 2 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 Department’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 

Twice Fail Rule for Professional Experience Units 

General Coursework Rule 10(7) stipulates that if a student fails a required unit twice in an undergraduate professional program listed on Schedule 2, they may be permanently excluded from further enrolment in that program.  

Students completing a double degree will be able to continue with their other degree program provided they meet the academic progression requirements of the Academic Progression Policy. 

Students completing a single Education degree (such as the BEd) are advised to seek academic advice. 

Professional Experience Unit Placement Expectations  

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 

  • Must meet the participation requirements for the unit  

  • Students may not be able to commence their placement until all alleged academic honesty breaches have been investigated and concluded.  

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 

  

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.


Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook