EDCURRIC 118 : Young Children and Early Learning Environments

Education and Social Work

2022 Semester Two (1225) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Explores links between social, material, and natural learning environments and curriculum provision in early childhood education. Introduces principles and theoretical perspectives of early childhood assessment aimed at empowering children as competent and confident. Considers pedagogical implications of assessment for children’s curriculum experiences within early learning environments.

Course Overview

This course explores the provision of play-based learning environments typical of licensed early childhood education centres and kindergartens in Aotearoa New Zealand. There is also consideration of other types of early learning settings, such as home-based childcare services, and family homes themselves, and community-based settings. Adult decision making, particularly teachers' pedagogical decisions related to their views of children and the value of informal learning, formative assessment and planning, and teaching practices in the context of early childhood education, are highlighted. The increasing use of digital technology is critically examined. The importance of reciprocal and responsive relationships with people, places, and things, highlighted in the New Zealand early childhood curriculum document, Te Whāriki, forms a thread that connects the course content.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Develop an understanding of the links between teaching and learning environments, children’s curriculum experiences, and assessment. (Capability 1.2 and 4.2)
  2. Articulate an understanding of relevant theoretical perspectives and principles of early childhood assessment. (Capability 1.1, 2.2 and 4.1)
  3. Examine the role of pedagogical decision-making and practices in relation to children’s curriculum experiences. (Capability 1.1, 2.2 and 4.2)
  4. Develop knowledge of how current digital literacies/technologies can support decision-making within early learning environments. (Capability 4.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignment 50% Individual Coursework
Assignment 50% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Assignment
Assignment

To achieve an overall pass on this course, students must complete all components of the Assessment Tasks, and achieve at least 50% for the course.

Please note that the second assignment will include a contribution to a presentation as well as a written component. The first assignment is an essay.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15-point course that requires approximately 150 hours of study. The course consists of 36 hours (over 9 weeks) consisting of a weekly two-hour lecture, followed by a two-hour tutorial. 

The additional 100-120 hours will be spent on non-classroom-based learning such as preparing for class, accessing learning and study resources, reading , note-taking, face-to-face and/or online discussion, writing, engaging in collaborative group work,  undertaking practical tasks, reflecting on learning, and assignment completion.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable. Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including lectures and tutorials to complete components of the course.

Lectures may be available as audio recordings. Other learning activities will not be available as recordings.
The course will not include live online events. 

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Ministry of Education. (2017). Te Whāriki. He whāriki matauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early Childhood Curriculum. New Zealand Government. https://www.education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Early-Childhood/Te-Whariki-Early-Childhood-Curriculum-ENG-Web.pdf 

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Students were positive about the course content and teaching in 2020. Some minor adjustments to assessments and course readings were made for 2021. 

The 2021 cohort undertook the course primarily online due to lockdown in Auckland. Their feedback indicated that the shift to online learning smoothly, they found the resources and readings valuable, and the lecturers approachable and responsive. If we find ourselves in this situation in the future, we will provide some mini-lectures of content in the materials rather than just rely on a resource and a tutorial, and incorporate some collaborative group activities. We also plan to review the wording of the first assignment.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 05/05/2022 05:13 p.m.