Students

ECHE8220 – Issues in Early Childhood Policy and Pedagogy

2023 – Session 2, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Tamara Cumming
tamara.cumming@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Room 217, 29 Wally's Walk
By appointment
Carolyn Palmer
carolyn.palmer@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(ECED826 or ECHE8260) or [admission to MEChild or MEdLead or MEd or GradCertIndigenousEd or MIndigenousEd or MSpecEd or GradCertEdS]
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
With ECHX8220
Unit description Unit description

This unit explores current issues and debates affecting pedagogy, practice, politics and policy in early childhood education. Students will explore a range of responses to state, national and international influences on the provision of nurturant educational services in the early childhood years. We will consider individual approaches to teaching practice as well as policy development in the delivery of various services used by young children and their families. This will include the investigation of approaches to reconceptualising early childhood pedagogy as well as the achievements of major government initiatives directed at education and care settings and the wellbeing of young children and their families.

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: Refine your professional knowledge and understanding in early childhood pedagogy and policy by applying high order analytical skills
  • ULO2: Examine current issues in policy and pedagogy in early childhood education in an integrated way to identify alternative perspectives
  • ULO3: Critically review relevant literature when appraising complex policy and pedagogical issues as an educational leader in early childhood settings
  • ULO4: Investigate complex information, concepts, and theories in order to establish a personal position regarding emerging trends in the early childhood arena

General Assessment Information

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 clear marking scheme or 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. 

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.aubefore 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
Assignment 1A: Reading Journal 30% No 23:55 23/08/2023
Assignment 1B: Reading Journal 30% No 23:55 17/10/2023
Assignment 2 40% No 23:55 8/11/2023

Assignment 1A: Reading Journal

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 23:55 23/08/2023
Weighting: 30%

 

A written critical reflection on required readings identified for each week. 1500 words.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Refine your professional knowledge and understanding in early childhood pedagogy and policy by applying high order analytical skills
  • Examine current issues in policy and pedagogy in early childhood education in an integrated way to identify alternative perspectives
  • Critically review relevant literature when appraising complex policy and pedagogical issues as an educational leader in early childhood settings

Assignment 1B: Reading Journal

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 23:55 17/10/2023
Weighting: 30%

 

A written critical reflection on required readings identified for each week. 1500 words.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Refine your professional knowledge and understanding in early childhood pedagogy and policy by applying high order analytical skills
  • Examine current issues in policy and pedagogy in early childhood education in an integrated way to identify alternative perspectives
  • Critically review relevant literature when appraising complex policy and pedagogical issues as an educational leader in early childhood settings

Assignment 2

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 23:55 8/11/2023
Weighting: 40%

 

An essay and/or presentation regarding emerging trends in the Early Childhood arena. There are TWO options: a major essay (2000 words) OR a minor essay (1000 words) plus a presentation with slides (10-15 mins).

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Investigate complex information, concepts, and theories in order to establish a personal position regarding emerging trends in the early childhood arena

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

Prescribed Textbooks These two books can be purchased from  https://www.booktopia.com.au/books-online/text-books/textbook-finder/cXC-p1.html or other online booksellers. The text by Waniganayake, Cheeseman, Fenech, Hadley and Shepherd (2017) examines policy matters of interest to those concerned with leadership in early childhood settings. The text by Fleet, Patterson and Robertson (2017) will be used for the pedagogy sections of this unit.

Waniganayake, M., Cheeseman, S., Fenech, M., Hadley, F., & Shepherd, W. (2017). Leadership: Contexts and complexities in early childhood education. (second edition) South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Fleet, A., Patterson, C., & Robertson, J. (Eds.) (2017). Pedagogical documentation in early years practice. Seeing through multiple perspectives. London: SAGE Publications

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 if you do not attend these ‘live’.

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. 

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.

 

Structure

The unit comprises lectures and tutorials. 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. 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 discussions, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or in groups. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the unit iLearn site.

 

Unit Schedule

Please refer to the Readings and Assessments Guide for ECHE/X8220 available for downloading from iLearn.

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.

School of Education Procedures

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

Attendance

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

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 ACECQA requirements]. Attendance at all tutorials or on campus days is expected.

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.

 

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 

Fail Rule  

General Coursework Rule 17 stipulates that where a student is enrolled in a practical, clinical or Professional course with fitness to practice requirements:  

  • if a student fails one practical, clinical or professional activity they may be permanently excluded from that course; or 

  • if a student fails an essential unit twice or fails the equivalent of 20 credit points they may be permanently excluded from further enrolment in that course.    

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 BTeach/MTeach) are advised to seek academic advice. 

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.

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: 

Resilient: Students will examine current issues in policy and pedagogy in early childhood education in an integrated way to identify alternative perspectives.

Reflexive: Students will critically review relevant literature when appraising complex policy and pedagogical issues as an educational leader in early childhood settings.

Responsive: Students will refine their professional knowledge and understanding in early childhood pedagogy and policy by applying high order analytical skills.

Ready to learn:  Students will prepare for an essay and/or presentation regarding emerging trends in the Early Childhood arena.

Research engaged: Students will investigate complex information, concepts, and theories in order to establish a personal position regarding emerging trends in the early childhood arena.

 

Unit information based on version 2023.01R of the Handbook