ED2590:03
Early Childhood Development Studies
Townsville, Cairns
26 lectures, 8 tutorials, 25 hours professional experience. First semester.
Core subject for EC students. Others can elect to enrol.
Staff: Assoc. Professor N Alloway (Townsville campus); Dr J Taylor (Cairns campus).
This subject focuses on early childhood philosophy that emphasises the development of the “whole child” in terms of physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of children from birth to eight years of age. Techniques for observing, recording and assessing development are examined. A field experience component of the program attempts to forge a link between theory and practice in early childhood settings.
Learning Objectives:
- critically evaluate discourses of early childhood education as they promote and challenge notions of developmentally appropriate practice;
- critically evaluate issues related to socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development of children from birth to eight years of age;.
- observe developmental characteristics in young children and interpret observations in light of critical reading of child development theories;
- critically analyse the educational value of a range of activities judged to be appropriate for young children.
Assessment by cumulative field experience file (60%); 2,000 word essay (40%). There are 10 half-days of professional experience associated with this subject.