Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102674

Coordinator Denise Fraser Opens in new window

Description This subject supports a developing understanding of the principles and practices of early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. A range of approaches to curriculum and pedagogy will also be examined. Students will learn about approaches to observing and documenting children’s learning in ways that celebrate children’s competencies and build connections between children, families and educators while also identifying any areas where children’s experiences may be extended. Students will develop strategies for planning and connecting curriculum to children’s social worlds which facilitate children’s in-depth investigations and critical thinking in ways that cater for diverse interests.

School Education

Discipline Teacher Education: Early Childhood

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 1879 Bachelor of Education (Birth – 5 Years) and have completed 80cp in that program.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the theoretical bases of learning, development and play.
2. Critically analyse a range of curriculum approaches and pedagogies. 
3. Discuss the influence of different contexts on curriculum and pedagogies. 
4. Observe, document and assess children’s interests, funds of knowledge, learning, development and play. 
5. Create learning experiences that engage children and support investigation, critical thinking and problem solving. 
6. Critique strategies for engaging children from diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, as competent and capable learners.

Subject Content

1. Theoretical underpinnings of early childhood curriculum - theories of learning, development, and motivation, play based pedagogy 
2. Approaches to Curriculum: Child centred curriculum - Inquiry Based Learning, Emergent Curriculum, Project approach, Reggio approach
3. Observation, documentation, assessment and planning 
4. Strategies to engage diverse learners; investigating, inquiry learning, questioning, facilitating, sustained shared thinking, deep thinking, sensory play with children aged 0-2 
5. Using questioning to facilitate thinking across the curriculum (mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, cooperative thinking)  
6. Reflective thinking on engaging children