James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

ED5833:04

Issues in the Educare of Young Children

Townsville

Flexible delivery nationally and internationally. First and second semester.

Available to Postgraduate Certificate, BEd (Professional Development) and Master of Education students.

Staff: Assoc. Professor N Alloway.

The content of this subject focuses on contemporary trends and developments in early childhood education and the professional knowledge and skills needed by educators in the early childhood field. The subject incorporates a supervised advanced practicum of up to 20 days depending on the candidate’s experience in early childhood settings.

Topics include: dominant discourses that inform the field (e.g. developmentally appropriate practice); challenges to the foundations of early childhood education and a ‘futures’ orientation to early childhood pedagogy and curriculum development.

Learning Objectives:

  1. critically evaluate contemporary trends and developments in the field of early childhood education;
  2. explore the possibilities of adopting a futures orientation to early childhood pedagogy and curriculum development;
  3. critically reflect on the ways that contemporary trends and a futures orientation can impact on professional practice.

Assessment by assignment 1: essay (60%); assignment 2: essay (40%). A practicum is provided for those making a transition to early childhood and who need a placement to satisfy employing agency requirements.