Course Title: Learning Across the Early Childhood Curriculum

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Learning Across the Early Childhood Curriculum

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

TCHE2560

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 1 2022

TCHE2560

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020

Course Coordinator: Julie Carmel

Course Coordinator Phone: by email

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

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora

Course Coordinator Availability: please email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course focuses on the use of interactive approaches to facilitate children’s investigation of science, mathematics, technology and the environment in everyday experiences. To achieve the learning goals for children, a holistic approach to curriculum design and development will be used and to translate pedagogy into practice. Educators need to understand how science, nature and global environmental issues can impact on our health and the world we live in. Teaching strategies to promote meaningful learning experiences for young children will be examined. This is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course and involves professional experience in an early childhood setting in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed. Feedback from industry and/or community will be integral to your experience.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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 practice
  • 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 knowledge of local and international perspectives and issues about contemporary early childhood practice


Course Learning Outcomes:

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

  • Compare and contrast different models of integrated learning across curriculum for birth to 8 years and apply pedagogical strategies for teaching and learning of science, mathematics, technology and environmental sustainability
  • Explain ways in which the environment, science, technology, mathematics and nature can influence our lives and link to early childhood education contexts
  • Plan, design and implement curriculum activities across the children’s learning on science, ecological and sustainability of environments
  • Observe, record and reflect on children’s interest and learning on science, mathematics, technology and environment in which this knowledge is applied in the design of an integrated curriculum
  • Synthesise relevant theories and gain knowledge to link theory into practice for children’s learning
  • Plan and implement curriculum for children’s learning in science, mathematics, technology and environmental sustainability drawing from a variety of pedagogical strategies


Overview of Learning Activities

This course will be delivered in two learning modes, fully online and face-to-face. You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as online/ face-to-face lectures, group discussion, group activities, readings, critical analysis, reflection, and individual research. For students enrolled in the face- to-face learning mode, there will be face-to face lectures, tutorial and class discussions. A component of this course is linked to professional 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: http://www.rmit.edu.au/ISIS

Learning Lab: www.dlseb.rmit.edu.au/lsu


Overview of Assessment

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

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 including development of a professional experience portfolio that demonstrates how the specific areas of professional experience have been addressed.

There will be two formal 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.

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