Students

ECHE2200 – Early Years Curriculum and Pedagogy in the Australian Context

2021 – Session 1, 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 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
Emma Sutherland
emma.sutherland@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above including (ECH113 or ECHE1130)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the theoretical and philosophical trends underpinning early childhood pedagogy. Students explore the historical origins of early childhood curriculum and examine the principles and practices that influence contemporary approaches to teaching and learning with young children. Students will be introduced to philosophical principles including equity, diversity, ethics and critical thinking. In addition they will examine issues of professional judgment and curriculum decision making.

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: Understand the historical context and theoretical perspectives that influence contemporary early childhood education and care.
  • ULO2: Identify key characteristics of early childhood teachers and contexts.
  • ULO3: Understand and appreciate self as an early childhood professional, and as a learner.
  • ULO4: Describe contemporary issues surrounding the pedagogy of professional practice.
  • ULO5: Articulate an understanding of curriculum decision making and change.
  • ULO6: Demonstrate increased skills of investigation and the ability to synthesise ideas.
  • ULO7: Use library resources and information technology to enhance learning.

General Assessment Information

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 

 

  • 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.  

 

  • 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 convenors 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: 

  • 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.  

 

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 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
Explaining the EYLF 30% No 21/3/21
Analysing Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy 40% No 2/5/21
Documentation and Planning 30% No 6/6/21

Explaining the EYLF

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: 21/3/21
Weighting: 30%

Part A: In groups give a presentation explaining one aspect of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to a parent audience. Part B: Each group member will individually write a brief parent newsletter explaining the same aspect of the EYLF in a written format. (Presentation 10 minutes) (Newsletter 1000 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify key characteristics of early childhood teachers and contexts.
  • Understand and appreciate self as an early childhood professional, and as a learner.
  • Describe contemporary issues surrounding the pedagogy of professional practice.
  • Articulate an understanding of curriculum decision making and change.

Analysing Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: 2/5/21
Weighting: 40%

Write an essay exploring aspects of early childhood curriculum and pedagogy (1800 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the historical context and theoretical perspectives that influence contemporary early childhood education and care.
  • Identify key characteristics of early childhood teachers and contexts.
  • Understand and appreciate self as an early childhood professional, and as a learner.
  • Describe contemporary issues surrounding the pedagogy of professional practice.
  • Articulate an understanding of curriculum decision making and change.
  • Demonstrate increased skills of investigation and the ability to synthesise ideas.
  • Use library resources and information technology to enhance learning.

Documentation and Planning

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 6/6/21
Weighting: 30%

Write a report examining the use of digital documentation platforms in early childhood settings and providing recommendations for their use (1200 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe contemporary issues surrounding the pedagogy of professional practice.
  • Articulate an understanding of curriculum decision making and change.
  • Demonstrate increased skills of investigation and the ability to synthesise ideas.
  • Use library resources and information technology to enhance learning.

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

Required and recommended texts 

There is no set textbook for this unit this session. 

A reading list is provided on iLearn and readings for each week are available either via iLearn or on the library website.

Information about the unit iLearn site   

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.  For Session 1, 2021 all lectures for this unit will be pre-recorded and avialable via 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 here, 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.  

Along with the lecture a copy of the PowerPoint slides for each lecture will be posted on iLearn each week. 

Access and technical assistance  

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php. 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. 

 

Other useful information about how the teaching is structured. Suggested wording below. Please amend for your unit. 

 

Structure 

The unit runs for 10 weeks. Each week comprises a one hour lecture and a two hour tutorial (for internal students). In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. 

External students will complete the tutorial tasks at the scheduled on-campus sessions:

  • Monday 12th April 9am - 3pm
  • Tuesday 13th April 9am - 3pm 

It is expected that students will attend tutorials or on-campus sessions. During tutorials and on-campus sessions students are required to participate in small group activities, whole class discussion, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or in pairs. Failure to attend or participate in tutorials or on-campus sessions may result in a fail grade for the unit. The schedule for the course is available below, while a more detailed reading list for each week is available on the unit iLearn site. 

Unit Schedule

ECHE 2200 Unit Schedule - S1 2021

Week

Topic

Week 1 (22/2/21)

Introduction to ECHE2200

Week 2 (1/3/21)

The EYLF: The Big Ideas

Week 3 (8/3/21)

The EYLF: Principles and Practices

Week 4 (15/3/21)

The EYLF: Learning Outcomes

Assignment 1 due: Midnight  Sunday 21/3/21

Week 5 (22/3/21)

Early Childhood Curriculum

Week 6 (29/3/21)

Early Childhood Pedagogy

Mid-Semester Break (2-18/4/21)

On Campus Days

Monday 12th April and Tuesday 13th April

(9am – 3pm)

Week 7 (19/4/21)

Putting it all together

Week 8 (26/4/21)

Documenting Children’s Learning

Assignment 2 due: Midnight Sunday 2/5/21 

Week 9 (3/5/21)

Digital Documentation

Weeks 10, 11 & 12

No Classes

Week 13 (31/5/21)

Wrapping Up

Assignment 3 due: Midnight Sunday 6/6/21

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

School of Education Procedures 

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

Attendance for undergraduate units 

All Internal tutorials begin in Week 1 of Session.  

Activities completed during weekly tutorials (internal) or on campus days (external) 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]. Attendance at all tutorials or on campus days is expected and the roll will be taken. 

Students are required to attend the tutorial in which they are enrolled. Any changes to tutorial enrolments must be completed officially through e-student. Please do not contact the unit convenor requesting a change. 

Unit Expectations 

  • Students are expected to read weekly readings before completing tasks and attending tutorials 

  • Students are expected to listen/attend weekly lectures before completing tasks and attending tutorials 

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. 

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 

External Students ​

  1. The on-campus sessions on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th April are essential to student engagement and learning and attendance on all days is expected. Failure to attend or to have an approved Special Consideration, may result in a Fail grade for the unit. Please see attendance requirements in this unit guide.   

  2. Prior to the on-campus sessions, you should have read the prescribed readings and listened to the lectures. Summarise the main points and make a note of the key terms and definitions. Prepare any discussion questions of your own that you wish to share. 

  3. Please make effective use of the online component of the unit and access iLearnregularly. Keep up to date with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis. 

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.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
03/02/2021 update to tutorial attendance requirement

Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook