Students

ECHE4350 – Management and Leadership II: Building Learning Environments

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-infrequent, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor/ Tutor
Viviana Botero Lopez
viviana.botero-lopez@mq.edu.au
Contact via Please contact via dialogue
Wednesday 10:00am - 11:00am
Fay Hadley
fay.hadley@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ECH315 or ECHE3150
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines early childhood settings through organisational evaluation and planning. A number of important concepts and debates raised in earlier units are considered in greater depth. The main focus of this unit is an examination and evaluation of theory and practice as it relates to the leadership responsibilities of early childhood educators in early childhood services and school contexts. This unit provides an orientation to high order management and leadership skills including strategic planning, negotiation and change management, advocacy, quality assurance and ethical practice, as well as marketing and business planning. Understanding the crucial role of effective communication as managers and leaders is central to this unit.

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 awareness of the theoretical underpinnings that guide the work of contemporary leaders in diverse early childhood settings including schools and early childhood settings.
  • ULO2: Examine the role of communication within organisations and develop effective.
  • ULO3: Demonstrate effective communication skills and strategies as early childhood leaders.
  • ULO4: Understand the role of strategic planning and the leader's role in planning and evaluating the organisation's operations.
  • ULO5: Understand a range of skills and strategies necessary for leading change within early childhood settings.
  • ULO6: Reflect on planning for continuing professional learning for themselves and their team as lifelong learners.
  • ULO7: Engage families and other community stakeholders in decision making and planning that promotes children's rights.
  • ULO8: Demonstrate their understanding and application of professional standards in relation to quality assurance and ethical practice.

General Assessment Information

 

  • Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic honesty (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3)
  • Unless a Special Consideration (see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration) request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of‚ 0 (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue.
  • This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
  • Please format assessments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assessments are submitted electronically. Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments.
  • Students can use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
  • Students should carefully check that they submit the correct file for an assessment as no re-submissions will be accepted after the due date and time, including instances where students upload an incorrect file in error.
  • Word limits are strictly applied. Work above the word limit will not be marked.
  • All assessments are marked using a rubric.
  • Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.
  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ (https://ask.mq.edu.au/).
  • It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assessments.  If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor.

 

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.

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 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
Educational Leadership Essay 30% No 23:55 13/03/2023
Business Communication 35% No 23:55 03/04/2023
Optional Exam or Leadership Profile 35% No 23:55 02/06/2023

Educational Leadership Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 23:55 13/03/2023
Weighting: 30%

 

In this essay you will be required to demonstrate your understanding of the concept of educational (or pedagogical) leadership. You will have a choice of questions which will allow you to focus on either early childhood or school settings. (2000 words)

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate awareness of the theoretical underpinnings that guide the work of contemporary leaders in diverse early childhood settings including schools and early childhood settings.
  • Understand the role of strategic planning and the leader's role in planning and evaluating the organisation's operations.
  • Understand a range of skills and strategies necessary for leading change within early childhood settings.
  • Reflect on planning for continuing professional learning for themselves and their team as lifelong learners.
  • Demonstrate their understanding and application of professional standards in relation to quality assurance and ethical practice.

Business Communication

Assessment Type 1: Professional writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 23:55 03/04/2023
Weighting: 35%

 

This assessment task requires you to develop a mock piece of work based on a professional style of communication that teachers are required to use (e.g. a website design, grant or funding submission) (1500 words)

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Examine the role of communication within organisations and develop effective.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills and strategies as early childhood leaders.
  • Engage families and other community stakeholders in decision making and planning that promotes children's rights.
  • Demonstrate their understanding and application of professional standards in relation to quality assurance and ethical practice.

Optional Exam or Leadership Profile

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23:55 02/06/2023
Weighting: 35%

 

This assessment task is a choice between an optional exam or a leadership case study. The exam is based on a case study example and requires both short and extended answers to a series of questions. The leadership profile involves interviewing an educational leader and writing a profile of that person with a focus on their experience of educational leadership. (Exam 1.5 hours short and extended answer questions) (Leadership Profile 1200 words)

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate awareness of the theoretical underpinnings that guide the work of contemporary leaders in diverse early childhood settings including schools and early childhood settings.
  • Examine the role of communication within organisations and develop effective.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills and strategies as early childhood leaders.
  • Understand the role of strategic planning and the leader's role in planning and evaluating the organisation's operations.
  • Understand a range of skills and strategies necessary for leading change within early childhood settings.
  • Reflect on planning for continuing professional learning for themselves and their team as lifelong learners.
  • Engage families and other community stakeholders in decision making and planning that promotes children's rights.
  • Demonstrate their understanding and application of professional standards in relation to quality assurance and ethical practice.

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

Information about the unit iLearn site 

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.

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all lectures. PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn in advance of the weekly lecture and/or are available in the Active Learning Tool.

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.

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk

Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357

Email: help.mq.edu.au.

On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk

Structure

There are 2 on campus days - 12th  and 13th April. Please note that there are no internal weekly classes but students are expected to engage with the unit content on a weekly basis. In the On Campus sessions 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. There will be a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials. Lectures will also be available through Echo in iLearn from the following website link: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Students are required to participate in small group activities, whole class discussion and to read the weekly material in advance. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the unit iLearn site.

Unit Schedule

A full schedule will be available on the iLearn unit page. 

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

Academic Integrity

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.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

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. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

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

See the university timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023/

Activities completed during 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 on campus days is expected and the roll will be taken. Make up tasks may be given if attendance is missed to ensure all content is covered to meet accreditation requirements.

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.

 

The on-campus sessions on Wednesday 12 April and Thursday 13 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. 

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.

Please make effective use of the online component of the unit and access iLearn regularly. Keep up to date

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

5Rs Framework

5Rs Framework

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:

Reflexive: Assessment task one requires you to reflect on the role of planning for continuing professional learning for leaders and teams as part of a leader's role.

Responsive: Assessment task two requires you to demonstrate how communication responds to stakeholders as well as engages with them in decision-making and planning. 

Resilience: Assessment task three requires you to demonstrate your understandings of leadership in early childhood and what strategies will support ongoing resilience in these roles. 

Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook