Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor and Teacher
Loraine Fordham
Contact via 02 9850 9840
Room 270, 29 Wally's Walk
By appointment
Tutor and Marker
Iliana Skrebneva
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including (ECH218 or ECHE2180 or ECH228)
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
10cp from ECH or ECHE units at 3000 level or above
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit gives students the opportunity to pursue an area of interest through reading, writing and/or working with children. This unit is designed to enable students to acquire depth of knowledge in their chosen topic area, to consolidate their study and research skills. The unit also highlights the value of professional learning and lifelong learning. At the end of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to speak and write with confidence and authority about their chosen topic area. |
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:
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:
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.
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 viahttps://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. |
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Annotated bibliography | 25% | No | Wk 4, Friday March 18th |
Synthesised review of relevant literature | 40% | No | Wk 8, Monday April 25th |
Future directions: Implications of the literature review | 35% | No | Wk 13, Monday May 30th |
Assessment Type 1: Annotated bibliography
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Wk 4, Friday March 18th
Weighting: 25%
Students are asked to identify five peer-reviewed articles that raise key issues for their topic under investigation. They need to compile a separate annotation for each article and then draw together the main themes of the articles (1500 words).
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: Wk 8, Monday April 25th
Weighting: 40%
Students will read and refer to 15 relevant sources (peer-reviewed research articles, academic book chapters, government websites) to compose a literature review of their chosen topic. This assignment expects students to synthesise the results of their literature search and critically examine the information (2200 words).
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Wk 13, Monday May 30th
Weighting: 35%
Students will provide evidence of a deep understanding and knowledge of their selected topic and demonstrate an ability to relate literature and theoretical perspectives through the creation of a professional resource (2000 words).
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
Successful completion of this unit relies on independent study. There are no lectures, tutorials or preset readings in ECHE4000.
However there is a UNIT OUTLINE available on the iLearn site which makes clear your tasks over the course of the session.
Some students enjoy the challenge of independent study, while others find it difficult to work to their own schedule without a weekly timetable provided in a unit outline, or a structure provided by recorded lectures. In ECHE4000, you control your own learning and you should develop some personal strategies to make sure you remain focused on your study. Some strategies are listed in this section.
Set aside ‘class time’ It is often helpful to set aside some regular non-negotiable time each week, where you imagine that you are ‘going to class’. For example, you could decide that 7-10 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings would always be ECHE4000 class time. You tell family and friends that you are not available for social gatherings or anything else on those evenings because you have to go to university – even if ‘university’ is actually your study space. Of course, this is not the full nine hours study time expected for this unit and you’ll need to add additional time as it suits you, having a regular study time should help you structure your learning.
Maintain a learning journal It is a good idea to maintain a learning journal as you progress through your study for this unit. This is a personal record of your study, and entries may include responses to your readings, any quotes you would like to remember, new ideas or techniques you would like to try and questions for discussion with your tutor or other students. Weekly entries in your learning journal will help maintain a steady focus on your study.
Readings As there are no lectures, tutorials or on-campus sessions for this unit, your independent reading is a key component of your learning. The diversity of students’ interests makes it impossible to cover the range of topics in a text or recommended readings. You must spend time searching for relevant information to complete your assignments. A wide range of original and creative thinking underlies the work you will complete for ECHE4000, and a search of the literature is an important component of your study. If you feel that you are struggling to understand your reading, try one or more of the following strategies: (a) go to one or more of the references listed at the end of the reading, (b) contact another student and discuss the issues, (c) post your question on an ECHE4000 iLearn Forum, or (d) contact your convenor.
UNIT WEB PRESENCE This unit has a full web presence through iLearn. Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit. You can access the website for this unit by logging into: ilearn.mq.edu.au. This site is an essential unit resource and every student must check it at least twice a week. It has the following features, which we encourage you to make effective use of:
iLearn announcements and dialogue functions/student email: During session time, staff may contact students using iLearn announcements or dialogue facilities or their official MQ student email address. It is students’ responsibility to check both iLearn and their student email at least twice a week during session.
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:
IMPORTANT: The iLearn website is not a substitute for reading the unit outline and associated expectations, guidelines or information. It is there to support your engagement with the unit’s content and relevant communication with other students and teaching staff.
Staff will respond to emails in a timely manner. Please be aware that they have multiple teaching, research and university service commitments, and may take a couple of days to respond. It is unrealistic to expect them to respond after work hours or during weekends.
Please follow accepted modes of communication that are appropriate for an academic website and show respect towards your addressee/s. Please use standard semi-formal English in your posts and emails, focus only on topics relevant to the unit, use clear and concise subject lines, and avoid posting questions that have already been addressed elsewhere (on the iLearn website, in lectures or in the unit outline).
Consider the tone of all your messages very carefully and avoid creating unnecessary anxiety in your peers. Disrespectful, inappropriate or off-the-topic messages will be deleted or returned to sender
In the Macquarie School of Education, students are required to use the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing procedures.
The library provides a range of resources and referencing information:
There is no official reading schedule as your learning in this unit is self-directed.
But there are a few tasks that you are required to complete during the session that help you build on your learning.
Full details of these tasks are in the Unit Outline on the iLearn page.
Assessment details are provided in this unit guide and on the iLearn site.
Assessment 1: Annotated bibliography: Due Week 4: 23:59 18/03/2022
Assessment 2: Synthesised review of relevant literature: Due Week 8: 23:59 25/04/2022
Assessment 3: Future directions: Implications of the literature review: Due Week 13: 23:59 30/05/2022
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
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
In addition, the following policies and procedures of the School of Education are applicable in this unit.
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
Please 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.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Some changes have been made to the 2022 offering in terms of the requirements of the ECHE4000 assessment tasks.
The total word count expected for the three assessment tasks has been reduced, as has the number of academic sources that students are required to read and review for both Assessments 1 and 2.
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:
Resilient
Be empowered to work independently and be confident in accessing support. Be aware of the Early Childhood / Teaching profession and your role within it as well as your capacity to contribute. Develop your self-awareness.
Reflexive
Be able to acting on your reflections AND reflect on your practice. Demonstrate an understanding of teaching that is inclusive and actively embraces diversity.
Responsive
Take responsibility for your learning. Demonstrate a professional approach to study. Create a professional resource for yourself, that is also one that you could proudly share with colleagues.
Ready to learn
Be part of the Early Childhood / Teaching professional learning community. Look for (and access) relevant online resources. Collaborate and show leadership.
Research engaged
Source and intelligently use research evidence to support your work and build an argument /address a research question /topic of interest. Be able to translate research evidence to a professional and /or community audience (e.g., educators, families, community stakeholders). Understand how ‘big data’ is obtained and what it means e.g., AEDC, LSAC, LSIC.
Unit information based on version 2022.03 of the Handbook