Course Title: Theory and Practice: Birth to Two

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Theory and Practice: Birth to Two

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

TCHE2344

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015

TCHE2365

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021

TCHE2365

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2019

Course Coordinator: Julie Carmel

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7804

Course Coordinator Email: julie.carmel@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 220.04.16


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course focuses on the theory and development of professional practice skills for working with children between the ages of birth and two. This course involves placement in an educational setting with children from birth to two years. Particular attention will be given to analysing the potential of the learning environment. You will gain skills in observing and documenting infants and toddlers in the group care context; become familiar with the theoretical literature; and reflect on diversity, individual difference and the range of contexts families live in. The changing social image of infants and toddlers will be explored in relation to shifting expectations of children’s competency and the provision of stimulating environments.

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in an early childhood setting and where feedback from industry and/ or community is integral to your experience.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

-


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Design educational and care experiences that promote the wellbeing of infants and toddlers.
  • Critically analyse theoretical constructs that influence planning for children from birth to two years.
  • Observe, record and reflect on the ways in which teachers manage routines and processes, assessment and reporting tools.
  • Observe and interact with children and critically reflect on the role of context and relationships when working with young children.
  • Compare and contrast research that relates to the provision of early experiences. 
  • Seek and respond constructively to feedback from professional mentors and reflect on your teaching and professional experience.

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Develop and apply theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to your professional practice and development in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
  • Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice.
  • Apply initiative and judgment in planning, problem solving and decision making to enhance your practice and continuing professional development.


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities will consist of lectures, tutorials, discussions, on-line activities, audio visual material, presentations, group work and self-directed study and learning.

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A list of recommended learning resources including, books, journal articles and web resources will be provided by your lecturer. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for School of Education students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.

RMIT University Library: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/

Study and Learning Centre: http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre

International Student Support: www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/why-choose-rmit/support-for-international-students

Learning Lab: www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment in the course will be both theoretical and practical in nature. A range of formative and summative assessment types will be incorporated into the course (for example, developing a Professional Portfolio and a variety of assessments that demonstrate how the specific areas of professional experience have been addressed).

Assessment Tasks

Pre-Placement Hurdle Task (0%)

You will complete a quiz to ensure you are prepared for placement including OH&S requirements in early childhood settings.
This is a hurdle task primarily for the purpose of safety, to ensure you are appropriately prepared to work with children later in the course. It is a professional registration requirement that you are prepared before engaging with children in early childhood centres educational settings.

Task 1: Observation task (Equivalent 2000 words) 50%

Task 2: Portfolio (Equivalent 2000 words) 50%

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
Assessment in this course is directly connected to your successful participation in professional experience. The end-of-placement report from your supervising teacher(s) on your professional development and participation in professional experience is an important component of your assessment. It will provide evidence of your ability to demonstrate the relevant professional practices and course learning outcomes specifically associated with the assessment tasks in the course.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the Program Moordinator or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
The statement of student responsibilities www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/student-responsibilities summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described online at: www.rmit.edu.au/staff/our-rmit/policies/academic-research