James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED2097 - Play Pedagogies for Early Learners

Subject Description

In this subject, pre-service teachers examine key theoretical and policy frameworks to lead enactment of play pedagogies for early learners. This subject prepares pre-service teachers to engage with and navigate accreditation policy and procedures for early learning centres, relevant to the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority, through critical reflection, decision-making and leadership. Pre-service teachers will continue exploring the full process of curriculum decision-making, intentional teaching practices and assessment. They will examine the historical and sociological roots of Early Childhood Education in Australia and reflect on their developing teacher identity and agency. Ten (10) full days of Professional Experience in a 3 to 5 age setting will offer pre-service teachers the opportunity to link theoretical learning to practice.

Learning Outcomes

• 1. critically reflect upon the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline to guide planning, professional learning and practice
• 2. interpret current research to guide theoretically informed decision-making about how children learn through play-based pedagogy in emerging and teacher- initiated experiences
• 5. critically reflect on their developing personal educator philosophy and appropriate sources of professional learning as future educators
• 3. analyse pedagogical documentation to design a range of effective play-based learning experiences in response to diverse children's needs and challenging behaviours
• 4. apply knowledge of the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority centre accreditation requirements, to comply with legislated organisational processes and practice

Subject Assessment

• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Digital Story - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Educational resource - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Complete 10 day staggered Placement, submit Satisfactory grading - Minimum Developing Adequately in all descriptors on the Professional Experience Report is required to pass the subject. Attendance at Professional Experience Workshops meets placement requirement procedures of the Work Integrated Learning Program. If repeating the subject, the reattempt at all subject assessments including the Placement is a requirement.

Availabilities