Full assignment instructions

This Unit Guide provides a brief description only of each required assessment piece. Full instructions are provided via an assessment and assignment guide, available on the iLearn site. An assessment rubric will be available to students for each assessment piece prior at least 2 weeks prior to submission.

Assignment expectations

In order to achieve a passing grade, it is expected that all assignments are completed, and that all assignments demonstrate a serious attempt to address the assignment task.

Presentation and submission Guidelines

Assignment 1 is submitted via the VoiceThread link on ilearn, with accompanying files submitted via the Assignment links on the ECHE8320 iLearn site. Assignments 2, 3 and 4 are submitted via the assignment link. These assignment submission links assess the documents via TURNITIN, which permits online assessment as well as the detection of material copied from other sources. Please ensure that all material is written and referenced according to standard academic conventions.

Assignments are due before midnight on the specified date.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THAT YOUR SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND TAKE ANY MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT YOUR ASSIGNMENT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE TURNITIN SITE BY THE DUE TIME AND DATE. YOU MUST ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR YOUR ONLINE SUBMISSION TO BE PROCESSED, AS LATE SUBMISSIONS DUE TO LAST MINUTE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WILL INCUR LATENESS PENALTIES.  

When preparing your assignments, it is essential that:

• Students regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission,
• Unless there are exceptional circumstances, no assessment will be accepted after the date that the assessment has been returned to other students.
• If an assessment is considered to be below passing standard, another staff member on the unit will provide a second opinion. No failed assessment may be re-submitted. 

Assignment presentation and submission

All written submissions are to be legible and professionally presented. 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. 

• Use APA 7th referencing style to acknowledge your sources and support your ideas with in-text referencing, and include a full reference list of all works that are cited within your assignment.

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. 

Word or duration limit

All sections of the assignment, apart from references and appendices, are included in the word or duration limit.  If your assignment seriously exceeds the limit, it will be marked only to the point at which the limit is reached. 

Academic integrity and plagiarism

The nature of scholarly endeavour, dependent as it is on the work of others, binds all members of the University community to abide by the principles of academic honesty.

Plagiarism is a matter of particular importance. Plagiarism is defined as using the work or ideas of another person and presenting this as your own without clear acknowledgement of the source of the work or ideas. This includes, but is not limited to, any of the following acts. Please see https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/academic-integrity for a comprehensive list of unacceptable academic activities:

• copying out part(s) of any document or audio-visual material or computer code or website content without indicating their origins;
• using or extracting another person's concepts, experimental results, or conclusions;
• summarising another person's work;
• submitting substantially the same final version of any material as another student in an assignment where there was collaborative preparatory work;
• use of others (paid or otherwise) to conceive, research or write material submitted for assessment; and
• submitting the same or substantially the same piece of work for two different tasks (self-plagiarism).

The University’s Academic Integrity Policy can be found on the Policy Central website: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/academic-integrity

TURNITIN is used to assist students with appropriate referencing and paraphrasing, and to detect plagiarism. The system also serves as a digital repository if anything should happen to your hard copy submission or personal backup. Please ensure you have stated your TURNITIN receipt number on your coversheet. A link to TURNITIN is embedded in iLearn. 

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 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 - 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 remark 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 judgments.

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

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

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. 

ECHE8320 is delivered fully online. 

The unit content, delivered via unit readings and assignment tasks, is supported by VoiceThread interactive discussion / presentation forums, Zoom online webinar meetings and regular ilearn discussion forum tools.

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 here, 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.  

Scheduled small group Zoom meetings will be arranged at the beginning of the session.

• On the 8th of  April, students will engage in one Zoom session with the unit convener before their submission of assignment 2: Project proposal.
• Assignment 3 - Progress Presentation will take place on the 20th of May. 

The precise times for these sessions will be determined early in the study session, and will depend upon the availability and time-zones of students and the unit convener. 

Individual consultations with the unit convener

The unit convener is available for individual consultations via email or Zoom. Please contact her via the ilearn dialogue for an appointment to chat.

Unit web-page

There is a website for this unit. Access to this unit is available online through iLearn (ilearn.mq.edu.au).  You will need to login using your Macquarie ID. This site is an essential unit resource. You are required to check this website at least twice per week for any announcements. In addition, it has the following features and functions:

Study and assignment resources

Assignment submission links: For you to submit your assignment work

Dialogue: for private messages to teaching staff.

Please note that teaching staff will respond to dialogue emails in a timely manner. Please be aware that they have multiple teaching, research and administrative commitments so it may take a couple of days to respond. It is unrealistic to expect teaching staff to respond after work hours or during weekend. 

Study Resources

There is no required text for this unit. Instead, you will be provided with some research-based literature for weeks 1 to 6, and are then expected to source your own literature to assist with the completion of your assignments.

The required readings are listed in the Weekly content section of this Unit Guide. These readings can all be found using multisearch function, or by accessing the specific journal via the library website. A Leganto reading list has also been established for your convenience.  

There are also many pedagogical or development books about infant and toddlers in the library. The following list contains some research-based literature that pertains specifically to infant-toddler curriculum, pedagogy and development.

Research-based books

Abbott, L., & Langston, A. (2002) Birth to three matters: A framework to support children in their earliest years. London, DfES/Surestart.

Berthelsen, D., Brownlee, J. & Johansson, E. (Eds.) (2009). Participatory learning in the early years: Research and pedagogy, Oxon, UK, Routledge.

Degotardi, S., & Pearson, E (2014). The relationship worlds of infants and toddlers: Multiple perspectives from early years research and practice. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.

Elfer, P., Goldschmied, E., & Selleck, D. (2003). Key persons in the nursery: Building relationships for quality provision. London: David Fulton Publishers.

Gandini, L. & Edwards, C. P. (2001) Bambini: The Italian approach to infant/toddler care, New York, Teachers College Press.

Goouch, K., & Powell, S. (2013). The baby room: Principles, policy and practice. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press

Gopnik, A. (2009) The philosophical baby, New York, NY, Farra, Straus and Giroux.

Johansson, E., & White, E.J (2011). Educational research with our youngest: Voices of infants and toddlers. Dordrecht: Springer

Lamb, M. E., Bornstein, M. & Teti, D. M. (2002) Development in infancy, Mahwah, N.J, Erlbaum.

Nelson, K. (2007) Young minds in social worlds: Experience, meaning, and memory Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press.

Rochat, P. (2001) The infant's world, Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press.

Harrison, L., & Sumsion, J. (2014). Lived spaces of infant-toddler education and care: Exploring diverse perspectives on theory, research and practice. Dordrecht, The Nederlands: Springer.

Wittmer, D. (2008) Focusing on peers: The importance of relationships in the early years, Washington, DC, Zero to Three.

White, E.J & Dalli, C. (Eds.). Under-three Year Olds in Policy and Practice. Singapore: Springer

Some suggested book chapters (although see above for edited books in infant-toddler ECEC):

Brooker, L. (2009) Just like having a best friend: How babies and toddlers construct relationships with their key workers in nurseries. In Papatheodorou, T. & Moyles, J. (Eds.) Learning together in the early years: Exploring relational pedagogy. Oxon, UK, Routledge.

Degotardi, S. (2015) Expressing, interpreting and exchanging perspectives during infant-toddler social interactions: The significance of acting with others in mind. In L. Harrison and J Sumsion (Eds). Lived spaces of infant-toddler education and care: exploring diverse perspectives on theory, research and practice, pp187-199.. Dordrecht, The Nederlands: Springer.

Hay, D. F., Caplan, M. & Nash, A. (2009). The beginnings of peer relations. In Rubin, K. H., Bukowski, W. M. & Laurson, B. (Eds.) Handbook of peer interactions, relationships, and groups. New York, The Guilford Press.

Mitchelmore, S., Degotardi, S., & Fleet, A. (2017). The richness of everyday moments: Bringing visibility to the qualities of care within pedagogical spaces (87-99). In White, E.J and Dalli, C. (Eds.). Under-three Year Olds in Policy and Practice. Singapore: Springer

Singer, E. & De Haan, D. (2007) Social life of young children: Co-contruction of shared meanings and togetherness, humour, and conflicts in child care centres. In Spodek, B. & Saracho, O. N. (Eds.) Contemporary perspectives on research in early childhood social learning. Charlotte, N.C., Information Age Publishers.

Journal Special Issues

Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 18(4): Special Issue: (Re)-conceptualising relationships in infant-toddler pedagogy

Early Education and Development, 27 (2): Special Issue: Infants and toddlers in group care

Early Years: An International Research Journal, 32 (2): Special issue: Professional issues in work with babies and toddlers

European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 19 (2): Special Issue – Birth to three

International Journal of Early Childhood, 10 (1): Special issue on children under 3

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. 

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 capabilities that will make your teaching career sustainable and fulfilling. In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways:

Resilience:  You will find some of the content and expectations in this unit challenging. The academic staff are here to support, but you will need to demonstrate the resilience required to face these challenges and expand your knowledge and mind-sets

Reflexive: You will be provided with opportunities to reflect on the evidence base about infant-toddler research and consider how this can effectively be applied in practical contexts. You will critically reflect upon the challenge of interpreting and translating complex research information so that its key messages are accessible to a wider community audience. 

 Responsive: You will be expected to engage in respectful and responsive dialogue with your student peers and the academic staff. You will also be expected to be responsive to feedback in order to extend your learning.

Research-engaged: Across the course of this unit, you will be engaging with research evidence about the nature and effectiveness of infant-toddler pedagogies and learning. You are expected to use this research evidence in your assignments, and use research processes to identify and interpret relevant data.

Ready to learn: In all aspects of this unit, you are encouraged to maintain an open mind and be prepared to extend your learning and views about the learning and teaching of our youngest citizens. Feedback from academic staff, both in the form of on-going discussion and assignment feedback, is designed to foster your ongoing learning, so we encourage you to take advantage of this feedback.