Students

ECHE6000 – Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy

2025 – Session 1, 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 Sheila Degotardi
sheila.degotardi@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via iLearn Dialogue
25WW B614
By appointment
Tutor (infrequent)
Natalie Brand
natalie.brand@mq.edu.au
25B WW level 6
by appointment via dialogue
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MTeach(0-5) or GradCertEChild
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces students to the philosophical and pedagogical approaches to the field of early childhood education. The unit provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of i) current philosophical and theoretical approaches to early childhood education; ii) the centrality of play, social interaction and relationships as a basis for early childhood curriculum; and iii) their own identity as early childhood educators. Overall, it aims to provide students with a crucial framework for developing professional teaching practice and for their future studies in early childhood.

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 an awareness of current approaches to, and debates about early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.
  • ULO2: observe and interpret children's play/inquiry experiences in terms of what they reveal about, and their potential for facilitating children's learning and development.
  • ULO3: analyse environments and materials that foster children’s learning through play and inquiry
  • ULO4: identify intentional teaching strategies using relevant theory and reflection
  • ULO5: actively and theoretically contribute towards your own and others’ development and learning.

General Assessment 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). 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

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day an assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends) (see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration). Applications for extensions must be made via Service Connect. 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 assessments (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. A Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.

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.

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.

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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Play Environment Analysis 50% No 24/04/2025
Understanding and Promoting Children’s Play and Inquiry 50% No 06/06/2025

Play Environment Analysis

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 24/04/2025
Weighting: 50%

 

Analyse a play environment for young children [1800 words]

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate an awareness of current approaches to, and debates about early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.
  • analyse environments and materials that foster children’s learning through play and inquiry
  • actively and theoretically contribute towards your own and others’ development and learning.

Understanding and Promoting Children’s Play and Inquiry

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 06/06/2025
Weighting: 50%

 

Part 1. Observation and Analysis of the learning potential of children’s play. Part 2: Enhancing Children’s Learning. [1800 words]

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate an awareness of current approaches to, and debates about early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.
  • observe and interpret children's play/inquiry experiences in terms of what they reveal about, and their potential for facilitating children's learning and development.
  • analyse environments and materials that foster children’s learning through play and inquiry
  • identify intentional teaching strategies using relevant theory and reflection

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 texts

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 students enrolled in INFQ or online mode are especially 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 in pdf format 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  
    • Log a request: help.mq.edu.au. 
    • On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk 

Structure 

  • The unit structure can be found in the university timetable Publish
  • The unit runs for 12 weeks framed around a specific topic. Each week comprises of a one-hour lecture (pre-recorded), required reading(s) and a two-hour weekly tutorial for internal students or a two full day session for external students.
    • External students will complete the tutorial tasks at the scheduled infrequent on-campus tutorials on:
      • Friday 28th March 9:00am-4:00pm
      • Friday 9th May 9:00am-4:00pm
  • In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are required to participate in small group and whole class activities and discussion, to read the weekly materials and watch the lecture in advance (ensure you set aside enough time to complete these tasks and take notes), and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or pairs. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material.
  • There will be a supporting iLearn site for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials.  
  • The weekly program for the course is available on the following pages and accompanying readings, links and materials for preparation on the unit iLearn site. 

Unit Schedule

ECHE6000 Unit Schedule - Session 1 2025

Note that the following schedule is provided as a guide. Students are advised to consult the unit iLearn site for the full list of topics and resources for each unit week. 

Week Topic

Week 1

 Introduction to Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy

Week 2

 

The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF)

Week 3

 

 Introduction to Play and Inquiry-Based Learning

Week 4

 

 Observations, EYLF, Curriculum and Pedagogy

Week 5

 

Learning Environments and Materials

Week 6

 

 Learning Environments: Playing Outside

Week 7

 

 Pedagogy: The Practice of Teaching in Early Childhood

 

 

Mid-Session Break (12th April - 25th April)

Week 8

 

Play: Creativity and Imagination

Week 9

 

Play: Language and Literacy

 

Week 10

 

 Play: Social Development and Relationships

Week 11

 

 Play: Physical Wellbeing and Development

Week 12

 

 Curriculum Decision Making

Week 13

 

No classes

 

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 of the School of Education are applicable in 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 regular 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 | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)

Attendance at all synchronous activities, completion of non-synchronous formative/diagnostic class tasks and involvement in professional forums is  expected as the Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years) is a professional qualification. Activities completed during weekly tutorials (DAY or ONLINE DAY mode) or on campus days (INFQ 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 and/or on campus days 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.

Infrequent Attendance Students 

Information about the dates of the on-campus sessions can be found in the university timetable. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)

  • The on campus sessions are essential to student engagement and learning and attendance is expected. Failure to attend or not to have an approved Special Consideration may result in a Fail grade.
  • Prior to the on campus sessions, students should have read the prescribed readings and listened to the lectures, summarise the main points, and make notes 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 with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis.

  • Further details and any updates about times and locations will be posted on iLearn as an Announcement during first half of the semester.

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 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.

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: 

  • Throughout this unit, we will reflect on the central importance of play for children's learning in the early years. This will be a cornerstone of your learning in both this unit and throughout the remainder of your course.

Responsiveness: 

  • In this unit, we will consider the importance of seeing each child as a unique individual and the ways that play can allow us to be responsive to children's interests, ideas and unique ways of being.

Research Engaged: 

  • This unit not only provides a practical and hands-on introduction to the value of play but also introduces you to the research evidence that supports play-based learning.

Unit information based on version 2025.01R of the Handbook