Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Sheila Degotardi
Contact via via ilearn dialogue
29 WW 277
by appointment
Tutor
Viviana Botero-Lopez
Contact via via ilearn dialogue
by appointment
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including (EDST3020 or EDST302) and (ECHE118 or ECHE1180 or ABEC113)
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit focuses attention on curriculum and pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning with children from birth to two years. The unit introduces students to research relating to how infants and toddlers learn and the role of intentional teaching in promoting learning and development. Students will engage in a critical analysis of curriculum approaches, relationship-based teaching and learning, and environmental contexts that are recommended for infants and toddlers. The unit will culminate in the planning and documentation of an effective learning environment for children in this age group.
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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:
Full instructions for each assignment, including the assessment criteria can be found in the assignment guide attached to the ECHE3110 iLearn site.
ASSIGNMENT PRESENTATION AND SUBMISSION
All written submissions are to be legible and professionally presented. Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:
Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports
Academic honesty and integrity
Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic honesty (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3)
Word limit
All sections of the assignment, apart from references and appendices, are included in the word limit. If your assignment seriously exceeds the word limit (more than 10% over), it will be marked only to the point at which the word limit is reached.
Submission, late submission and extensions
All assessments are submitted electronically. Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments.
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.
Unless a Special Consideration (see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration) request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 5 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day (5%) for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. 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.
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.
Marking and moderation
All assessments are marked using a rubric.
Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.
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. For Professional Experience units the PE Report is marked as satisfactory or unsatisfactory and the Teaching Performance Assessment (in final PE units) is marked as not meets, meets or exceeds. 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.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Research Synthesis | 40% | No | 23-55 on Sunday 17-3-24 |
Evidence based intentional teaching | 60% | No | 23:55 on Sunday 28-4-24 |
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23-55 on Sunday 17-3-24
Weighting: 40%
Students source and synthesise from findings from research articles on a specified topic related to high-quality pedagogies. Students use this synthesis to identify implications for their pedagogical practice. (Approximately 1100 words)
Assessment Type 1: Learning plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 60 hours
Due: 23:55 on Sunday 28-4-24
Weighting: 60%
Drawing on the content of weeks 4 to 7, students develop, visually present and analyse the learning potential of a material resource for birth to 2 year old children. Students will i) design and present their resource, ii) design a learning area in which they would present their resource to the children, iii) explain and justify the resource and learning-space design in terms of its learning / development potential and iv) draw on an infant-toddler research evidence base to identify and discuss pedagogies that will effectively support the learning / development identified in iii). (Visual representation of learning resource, plus up to 1800 words explanation and analysis)
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
TUTORIAL CLASSES AND LECTURES
Content delivery commences in week 1 of the session.
Tutorial Expectations:
Structure
The unit comprises a weekly online lecture and a 2-hour tutorial. In the tutorial you will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures, the prescribed readings and the reflective journal tasks specified in the lecture and on ilearn. You are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. The ilearn site will provide links to required and additional readings, as well as other required and useful resources and videos. Lectures will also be available through Echo in iLearn. You 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. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the following pages or on the unit iLearn site.
UNIT WEBSITE AND STAFF CONTACT
This unit has a full web presence through iLearn. You will need regular access to a computer and a reliable internet connection to complete this unit.
Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component.
Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included and all students are expected to use this web component. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.
Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. In addition to links to the online lectures and readings, important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials that will assist your studies.
Access and technical assistance
This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills:
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.
Required text (available via Booktopia):
Maguire-Fong, M.J (2020). Teaching and learning with infants and toddlers: Where meaning making begins (2nd edition). San Francisco: WestEd.
Other required readings
Each week, students are required to read three allocated readings, comprising practitioner focused readings (e.g., text chapter / practitioner article) and one research article. These readings will form the basis of our tutorial discussions, and students are required to bring them to their class / on-campus session.
The readings are located via the Leganto link on the ECHE3110 ilearn site.
Students are required to will demonstrate continued engagement with these reading materials in their tutorials and assignment work.
Useful books:
The following books on infant-toddler learning and teaching can also be located via the Multisearch function:
Bergen, D. (2001). Educating and caring for very young children : The infant/toddler curriculum. New York: Teachers College Press.
Curtis, D. & Carter, M. (2003). Designs for living and learning: Transforming early childhood environments. Minnesota: Redleaf Press.
Curtis, D. & Carter, M. (2008). Learning together with young children: A curriculum framework for reflective teachers. Minnesota: Redleaf Press.
Gandini, L., Pope, C., & Edwards. (2001). Bambini : The Italian approach to infant/toddler care . London: Teachers College Press
Gonzalez-Mena, J., & Widmeyer Eyer, D. (2007). Infants, Toddlers and Caregivers: A curriculum of respectful, responsive care and education. Boston: McGraw Hill
Greenman, J.T., Stonehouse, A., & Schweikert, G., (2008). Prime times: a handbook for excellence in infant and toddler programs. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press,
Greenman, J. (2005). Places for childhood in the 21st century: A conceptual framework. Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web, May 2005, http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200505/
Harris, P. (2009). Language learning in the baby and toddler years. Terrigal, NSW: David Barlow Publishing
Lally, R., Mangione, P., & Greenwald, D. (2006). Concepts for care: 20 essays on infant/toddler development and learning. San Francisco, CA : WestEd
Makin, L., & Spedding, S. (2012). Learning literacies, birth to three: Positive approaches for early childhood educators. Castle Hill, N.S.W. : Pademelon Press, 2012.
Peterson, S. H. (2009). Endless opportunities for infant and toddler curriculum : A relationship-based approach. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Merrill
Wittmer, D.S. (2008). Focusing on peers: The importance of relationships in the early years. Washington, DC : Zero to Three
Wittmer, D.S., & Petersen, S.H. (2006). Infant and toddler development and responsive program development: A relationship-based approach. New Jersey: Pearson.
Useful journals for this unit
Australasian Journal of Early Childhood (AJEC)
Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web
Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood (online www.triangle.co.uk/ciec)
Early Childhood Research and Practice (online http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/index.html)
Early Childhood Research Quarterly
Early Years; International Journal of Research and Development
International Journal of Early Childhood
International Journal of Early Years Education
The First Years: New Zealand Journal of Infant and Toddler Education
Young Children
Zero to Three
The content of ECHE3110 is organised in three distinct modules. It is essential that you complete covered the readings, lectures and reflection tasks before your tutorial time. Also note that the unit is delivered from weeks 1 - 8 inclusive, and face-to-face tutorials occur on each of these weeks.
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MODULE 1: HIGH QUALITY INFANT-TODDLER PEDAGOGIES |
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Content week |
Topic |
Teaching mode and Required Readings |
1. 19th Feb |
The infant-toddler specialist teacher |
Readings: Text Chapter 14: Who cares for babies? pp. 160-167 Practitioner article: Powell, H. (2018) More than just nappy changes and sleep times. Educating Young Children, 24(1), 29-30. Research: Davis, B. & Dunn, R. (2019). Professional identity in the infant room. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, Doi: 10.1177/1836939119855222 |
2. 26th Feb |
Conceptualising quality in birth to two settings 1: Perspectives on learning and curriculum |
Mode: Face-to-Face tutorial Readings Text: Chapter 1: Infants as active meaning makers. pp. 3-6 Text: Chapter 12. Care routines. Context for joy and learning. pp. 138-147 Research: La Paro, K. & Gloeckler, L. (2016). The context of child care for toddlers: The “experience expectable environment”. Early Childhood Education Journal, 44, 147-153. doi: 10.1007/s10643-015-0699-0 |
3. 4th March |
Conceptualising quality in birth to two settings 2: Evidence-based pedagogies |
Readings Text Chapter 2: Relationships shape the developing brain. pp.7-17. Practitioner article: Degotardi, S (2021). Quality programs for birth to threes. First Five Years. https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/early-learning/quality-programs-for-birth-to-threes Research: Degotardi, S. (2010). High quality interactions with infants: Relationships with early childhood practitioners’ interpretations and qualification levels in play and routine experiences. International Journal of Early Years Education, 18(1), 27-41. |
MODULE 2: TEACHING TO PROMOTE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT |
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4. 11th March
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Teaching to promote social and emotional development |
Readings Text: Chapter 6. First Feelings: Emotional development. pp.48-57. Text: Chapter 7. Sense of Self and Other: Social development. pp.58-71 Research: Chapter: Relationships with peers: Togetherness, cooperation, friendship and belonging, in S. Degotardi and E. Pearson (2014) The Relationships Worlds of Infants and Toddlers (pp.88-106). Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press. |
5. 18th March |
Teaching to promote language and thinking |
Readings Text. Chapter 10: Communicating. Language development, pp. 105-116 (stop at Conversation and story as context for comprehension) Practitioner article: Hirsch-Pasek, K. & Golinkoff, R.M. (2018). ‘Languagizing’ their world. Zero to Three, 38(3), 12-18. Research: Degotardi, S. (2017). Joint attention in infant-toddler early childhood programs: its dynamics and potential for collaborative learning. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 18(4), 409-421. |
6. 25th March |
Infant-toddler play and exploration 1: Motor and exploratory learning experiences |
Readings Text. Chapter 8: Taking Action: Motor Development. pp.72-88 Text: Chapter 3: Knowledge from the infants’ point of view. pp.18-25 Text: Chapter 9: Thinking: Cognitive development. pp. 89-104 Research: Cheeseman, S. (2017). Narratives of infants’ encounters with curriculum: Beyond the curriculum of care. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 18(1), 55-66. |
7. 1st April |
Infant-toddler play and exploration 2: Symbolic and language learning experiences |
Readings Text. Chapter 9: Communicating. Language development, pp. 116-118 (from Conversation and story as context for comprehension). Practitioner article: Degotardi, S. (2021, March 25). Supporting toddlers’ pretend play. First Five Years. https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/early-learning/supporting-toddlers-pretend-play Research: Fragkiadaki, G., Fleer, M., & Rai, P. (2021). The social and cultural genesis of collective imagnination during infancy. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lcsi.2021.100518 |
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MODULE 3: CREATING EFFECTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS |
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8. 8th April |
Creating effective learning environments |
Readings: Text: Chapter 11: Play Spaces: Contexts for wonder and learning, pp.121 - 137 Practitioner: Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2013). What works? Assessing infant and toddler play environments. Young Children, September 2013, pp.22-25. Research: Shohet, C., & Klein, P.S. (2010). Effects of variations in toy presentation on social behaviour of infants and toddlers in childcare. Early Child Development and Care, 180(6) 823-824, doi: 10.1080/03004430802460997 |
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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.
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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.
Attendance for undergraduate units
Electronic Communication
It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis. Communication may occur via:
Fail Rule
This unit is a part of a professional course listed on Schedules 2 and 3 of the Academic Progression Policy. This course has additional requirements that are applicable for the full duration of the course, including course-specific inherent requirements, Fitness to Practice requirements and other compulsory course requirements. It also has rigorous academic progression standards. Inability to meet these requirements may result in a withdrawal of offer of admission and/or permanent exclusion from the course in accordance with the General Coursework Rules.
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Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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To accommodate demands related to student professional experience the unit is now delivered from weeks 1-8 inclusive, with the final assignment due prior to professional placements which start for some students in week 9. In response to student feedback,tutorials have also increased to 2-hour duration.
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 learning and teaching, and consider how this can effectively be applied in practical contexts. You will critically reflect upon the role of the infant-toddler educator, and consider how this role can be successfully incorporated into your developing identity as an early childhood teacher.
Responsive: You will be expected to engage in respectful and responsive dialogue with your student peers and the academic staff. You will also have the opportunity 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.
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.
Unit information based on version 2024.03 of the Handbook