Students

ECHE4000 – Developing Expertise through a Special Interest Project

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Professor Fay Hadley
Contact via Dialogue
Mon-Wed
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
160cp at 1000 level or above including (ECHE1310 or ECHE131) and EDST1518
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit gives students the opportunity to develop their expertise in an area of interest through sourcing, reading, synthesising and communicating evidence from research and professional literature. This unit is designed to enable students to acquire depth of knowledge in their chosen topic area and 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 communicate with confidence and authority about their chosen topic area.

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: Justify the relevance of their special interest topic with reference to the contemporary context of early childhood education.
  • ULO2: Locate and synthesise ideas relevant to their chosen topic contained in relevant theoretical and research literature.
  • ULO3: Demonstrate a depth of understanding of their special interest topic as it applies to early childhood education.
  • ULO4: Create a professional resource which successfully translates the findings of the research literature for an early childhood professional audience.

General Assessment Information

General Submission Information

Please format assessments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing. All assessments must be submitted electronically. Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that their submitted work is in a format compatible with Turnitin software for plagiarism checking. Submissions must meet the required file type and formatting specifications outlined in the assessment guidelines. Failure to submit work in an acceptable format may result in delays in processing your submission and potential penalties for non-compliance with assessment requirements. If you are unsure about the file format or have technical difficulties, it is your responsibility to seek assistance before the submission deadline. Students should be careful to 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. 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 contact the unit convenor. 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. Word limits are strictly applied. Work above the word limit will not be marked.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Students should be aware of and apply the University policy on academic integrity (see: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3).

Unauthorised use of generative artificial intelligence

Occurs when a student uses material produced by a generative artificial intelligence in an academic exercise, without authorisation and submits it as their own work. Unauthorised use of generative artificial intelligence may include using generative artificial intelligence to:

  • produce or retrieve information and then using that information in an academic exercise;
  • paraphrase text;
  • increase or enhance the quality of an academic exercise, beyond the purposes permitted within the academic exercise;
  • produce an answer for a task or quiz; and/or produce non-text-based work and then using that non-text-based work in an academic exercise.

Any student suspected of using unauthorised AI in an assignment will be referred to the Faculty of Arts Discipline Committee. Penalties can include reduced marks for an assessment, being awarded '0' for a task, failing an entire unit, being excluded from a course of study. Please see each assessment task description/rubric for expectations about AI.

Special Consideration / Late Penalties

Applications for extensions must be made via Service Connect.

Late submission penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day to late submissions, up until the 7th calendar 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.

Important to note:

  • Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs) will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.
  • Students should not request an informal arrangement from their tutor, lecturer or Unit Convenor (or equivalent).
  • Where an application for Special Consideration is approved and the outcome is an extension to the due date of a task, submissions that are received after the new due date will be subject to late penalties that are calculated from the new due date. This only applies where the outcome is an extension to the due date – see the Special Consideration Policy for a schedule of all possible outcomes.

Marking

All assessments are marked using a rubric. Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.

University policy on grading 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading System and University Assessment Policy.

To attain a pass or higher grade in Professional Experience a student must obtain a satisfactory in both the Professional Experience component and a pass or higher grade in the academic component. For Professional Experience units the Professional Experience Evaluation Report is marked as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The Macquarie Teaching Performance Assessment (MQTPA - in final WIL/PEx units) is marked as Not met, Met or Exceeds.

Results 

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed because 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 Service Connect.

Withdrawing from this unit 

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via Service Connect before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact your course progression.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Project Proposal 0% Yes 13/08/2025
Literature search and thematic analysis 45% No 24/09/2025
Professional resource 55% No 29/10/2025

Project Proposal

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: 13/08/2025
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Students will create a project proposal which identifies their special interest, justifies this in relation to research literature and the early childhood education profession, and describes the intended communication platform for their professional resource. (1000 words)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Justify the relevance of their special interest topic with reference to the contemporary context of early childhood education.
  • Create a professional resource which successfully translates the findings of the research literature for an early childhood professional audience.

Literature search and thematic analysis

Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: 24/09/2025
Weighting: 45%

 

Students will source relevant literature (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).

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Locate and synthesise ideas relevant to their chosen topic contained in relevant theoretical and research literature.
  • Demonstrate a depth of understanding of their special interest topic as it applies to early childhood education.

Professional resource

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 60 hours
Due: 29/10/2025
Weighting: 55%

 

Students will create a professional resource that demonstrates deep understanding, an ability to relate research and professional perspectives, and an ability to communicate effectively to the early childhood sector (2000 words).

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a depth of understanding of their special interest topic as it applies to early childhood education.
  • Create a professional resource which successfully translates the findings of the research literature for an early childhood professional audience.

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

The unit content, delivered via unit readings and assignment tasks, is supported by four face-to-face or zoom tutorials (depending on the mode you have enrolled in) and regular ilearn discussion forum tools.

Tutorials are scheduled on Thursdays - see Publish for details. Attendance is expected. Between scheduled tutorials students engage in independent project work, which is supported by an additional 1.5 hour project consultation tutorial to discuss your professional resource (assessment 3), and convener consultations as required. 

The Assessment 3 project consultation tutorial details will be on iLearn and the exact time/s will depend on the size of the cohort and availability. This arrangement will be discussed and communicated to all students via iLearn.

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 all students 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.  

Individual consultations with the unit convener

The unit convener is available for individual consultations face-to-face or via 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, and are then expected to source your own literature to assist with the completion of your assessments.

The required readings are listed in the module 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.  

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.  Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk: via email onehelp@mq.edu.au or Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357. On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk.

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. 

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 connect.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 for the Macquarie School of Education apply to this unit.

Academic Progression Policy

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.

Communication

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a weekly basis. Communication may occur via:

  • Official MQ Student Email Address
  • The Dialogue function on iLearn
  • Other iLearn communication functions

Attendance and Participation

See the University timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | MQ Sydney

Attendance at all synchronous activities, completion of non-synchronous formative/diagnostic class tasks and involvement in professional forums is expected as the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is a professional qualification. Activities completed during tutorials (DAY or ONLINE DAY mode) 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 tutorials is expected and will be recorded. 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 to request a change.

Student Support

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

Academic Success

Academic Success 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 the Service Connect Portal, 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.


Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook