Students

EDST8800 – Understanding Play Based Approaches for Learning, Development and Wellbeing

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-infrequent, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Senior Lecturer
Shirley Wyver
shirley.wyver@mq.edu.au
Contact via via iLearn
Room 621, 29WW
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MTeach(0-5)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit examines the role of play in children's lives, their learning, development, and wellbeing from historical and contemporary perspectives. Students develop theoretical understandings of the characteristics of children's play. Students will critically examine how environments, resources, and teaching techniques can be structured to facilitate children's active and meaningful engagement in the learning process. Students will draw on research-informed understandings to analyse the developmental and educational potential of children's play and play experiences across a range of diverse contexts.

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 research-informed understanding of the characteristics of children's play across a range of diverse contexts.
  • ULO2: Interpret and apply relevant historical and current theoretical knowledge about children’s play.
  • ULO3: Apply knowledge of evidence-based practices to interpret children’s play with reference to key curricular frameworks.
  • ULO4: Critically analyse features, environments, and materials that foster children’s learning, development, and wellbeing through play.
  • ULO5: Develop and construct research-informed ideas about planning and implementing play experiences that will enhance children’s learning, development, and wellbeing in a range of diverse contexts.

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 may 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.

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

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 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.
  • A Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.

Applications must be made via Service Connect.

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 Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
Case study 50% No 24 April 2026, 11.59pm Individual No Open AI
Play Portfolio 50% No 30 May 2026, 11.59pm Individual No Open AI

Case study

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 24 April 2026, 11.59pm
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

Students will respond to a play scenario with young children. They will draw on key concepts to analyse and interpret the learning, development and/or wellbeing potential and curricular outcomes of the play scenario. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate research-informed understanding of the characteristics of children's play across a range of diverse contexts.
  • Interpret and apply relevant historical and current theoretical knowledge about children’s play.
  • Apply knowledge of evidence-based practices to interpret children’s play with reference to key curricular frameworks.
  • Develop and construct research-informed ideas about planning and implementing play experiences that will enhance children’s learning, development, and wellbeing in a range of diverse contexts.

Play Portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 30 May 2026, 11.59pm
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

Students submit selected reflections and tasks from a portfolio that will commence in Week 1. The documentation will include an examination of play materials, environments, pedagogies and considerations of diversity, difference and inclusivity.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate research-informed understanding of the characteristics of children's play across a range of diverse contexts.
  • Interpret and apply relevant historical and current theoretical knowledge about children’s play.
  • Critically analyse features, environments, and materials that foster children’s learning, development, and wellbeing through play.

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.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Weekly Readings

Weekly readings can be accessed via Leganto - see https://libguides.mq.edu.au/leganto.  There is no textbook for ECHE1130.

Information about the unit iLearn site 

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn. 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: via email onehelp@mq.edu.au or Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357. On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk.

Unit Schedule

The full outline will be provided in iLearn.  Typical topics for this unit include:

Understanding Play - What is Play?

Play Theories and Contexts

Contemporary Play Theories and Diverse Contexts 

Indoor Play, Materials and Environments

Outdoor Play, Materials and Environments

Physical Wellbeing and Emotional Development

Creativity and Imagination

Play-Based Pedagogies, Curriculum and the Role of the Adult 

Language and Literacy

Social Development and Relationships

Inquiry-based learning and Play-based learning

Looking Forward - Contemporary Play Theories

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 | 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 Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) are professional qualifications. 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. 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.
  • 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/

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 2026.03 of the Handbook