Course Title: Early Childhood Teacher as Researcher

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Early Childhood Teacher as Researcher

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

TCHE2541

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021

Course Coordinator: Julie Carmel

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7804

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

Course Coordinator Location: 220.03

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/ or community is integral to your experience. The concept of teacher–as-researcher is important in education and is particularly relevant in early childhood. The early childhood tradition of planning programs based on observation, documentation and evaluation, through child study, means most practitioners are already working with principles that promote research. The research notion has the potential to enrich and extend practices. It makes visible the process by which practitioners can increase their own understanding of their teaching approaches, knowledge of children’s learning, improve curriculum and analyse their practice through co-construction of meaning. Early childhood teachers have been conceptualised in a number of ways including ‘teacher-as-researcher’ which is a view that has been inspired by the programs of Reggio Emilia. The Reggio Emilia view of the teacher as researcher emphasises notions of subjectivity, dialogue and listening. In this course you will engage with theories of documentation and explore the possibilities of participation and the building of meaning through observation, recording and collaborative action.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

  • Identify knowledge and skills needed to enrich and extend your practices in early childhood educational settings
  • Assess and apply knowledge to develop skills in researching practices and children’s learning through documentation, reflection and analysis
  • Evaluate pedagogical approaches that will optimise teaching and learning for diverse groups of children


You will be assessed on your development of the following program learning outcomes in this course:

  • Engage with diverse learners in a range of educational contexts in order to develop skills and knowledge for flexible and adaptable participation in professional communities of practice.
  • Demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and innovation when identifying and solving problems in diverse educational settings.
  • Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities both face to face and online such as lectures, tutorials, group and class discussion, group activities and individual research.


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 will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities.

Assessment may include reports, projects and presentations, individually and in groups. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice.

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

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 coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment