Units
Early Childhood Foundations 1: Historical and Comparative Perspectives of EC Education
Unit code: EAB001
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit examines the historical development of early childhood services in Australia, and explores a range of comparative perspectives on the care and education of young children in different socio-cultural contexts in Australia and in other cultures. To come to understand early childhood education, it is important to consider the evolution of key ideas that have influenced the development of the field over the past 150 years in western societies (Britain, Europe, the United States and Australia). The unit encourages students to reflect critically on the changing beliefs and practices in relation to young children and families in Australia over the twentieth century and to begin to formulate a personal philosophy of early childhood care and education.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Early childhood educators work in a context of unprecedented social, political, economic and technological change. These changes call for flexible and informed approaches to the present and future demands of early education and care. Contemporary early childhood educators need to develop the capacity to respond effectively to increasingly diverse needs and contexts of children, their families and communities. Developing the capacity to respond effectively requires a foundation knowledge and understanding of historical and international perspectives of childhood and early childhood services provision.
Aims
The aim of this unit is for you to develop an understanding of the macro/micro features of early childhood education and care through the historical, comparative and contemporary investigation of educational structures and practices.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of the history of early childhood care and education services in Australia as a basis for analysing current practices and service provisions [QCT Standard Four]
2. describe and critically reflect on a range of comparative perspectives on and approaches to early childhood care and education in different contexts [QCT Standard Four]
3. apply a range of frameworks and methods of analysis for the review for early childhood literature and research [QCT Standard Three]
4. provide evidence of attaining acceptable standards of academic, professional and personal spoken and written English language literacies relating to this unit and demonstrate professional responsibility. [QCT Standard Two, QCT Standard Nine]
Content
This unit will cover the following topics: historical and social contexts of childhood, early education and care in western society; historical and social constructions of childhood; comparative studies in education as a method for understanding the underlying forces shaping teaching and learning in different settings; and contemporary issues in early childhood education and care practices and services.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit is delivered through reading, guided and independent learning activities and prescribed assessment tasks. Lectures and tutorials are supported by the on-line teaching site for the unit. First year experience principles will be applied as appropriate.
Assessment
Formative assessment is provided through feedback in tutorial sessions and/or e-mail discussions and through written comments on the assignment. There are two items of assessment in this unit.
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
Analytic research essay
Length: 2000 words
Relates to objectives:
1 - 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid semester
Assessment name:
Examination
Description:
2 hours
Relates to objectives:
1 - 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Examination period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Set Text
Follari, L.M. (2011). Foundations and best practice in early childhood education: History, theories and approaches to learning New Jersey: Pearson
Recommended Text
Ailwood, J. (2007). (Ed.). Early childhood education and care in Australia: Historical and comparative contexts. Frenchs Forest: Pearson.
References
Brennan, D. (1994). The politics of Australian childcare: From philanthropy to feminism. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
Chan, L. K. S., & Mellor, E. J. (Eds). (2002). International developments in early childhood services. New York: Peter Lang.
Gahan, D. (2002). Debutantes to the ball: Chiselhurst preschool and kindergarten - 60 years of history and recollections. Sydney: Pearson Education.
May, H. (2001). Politics in the playground: The world of early childhood in postwar New Zealand. Wellington: Bridget Williams Books.
OECD (2006). Starting strong II: Early education and care. Paris: OECD.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 29-Oct-2012
