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Unit outline_

EDEC1008: History and Philosophy of ECE

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The unit provides a foundational overview of the theoretical perspectives that have contributed to the history and philosophy of early childhood education. It examines philosophies, theories and theorists over time that have helped shape views about children and children's learning, curriculum development and the role of the teacher. The unit will enable students to recognise the importance of philosophy in early childhood education as they read research and engage with philosophical ideas. Students will also begin to develop a broad knowledge of curriculum approaches, including Froebel, Montessori, Steiner and Reggio Emilia that are implemented across Australia in contemporary early childhood settings.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
EDEC1005 and EDEC1006 and EDGU1006
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Wendy Lee, wendysaeme.lee@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Anne Monique Belgar, anne.belgar@sydney.edu.au
Amanda Niland, amanda.niland@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Quiz
#earlyfeedbacktask quiz
10% Week 02
Due date: 08 Aug 2024 at 08:00
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment History and philosophy essay
Essay
45% Week 08
Due date: 22 Sep 2024 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Tutorial quiz Theoretical perspectives in practice
Written assessment
45% Week 12
Due date: 24 Oct 2024 at 08:00
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • History and philosophy essay: Students are required to choose one theorist from a list of theorists that will be provided by the lecturer, and read widely, including work written by their chosen theorist. They are to write an essay that addresses the following questions: (1) How did (their chosen theorist) contribute to the field of early childhood education during her/his lifetime? (2) What lasting influences has her/his work had on early childhood education today?
  • Quiz: Students are required to undertake a quiz based on the weekly readings, lecture, and tutorial notes on the key theorists' philosophies and approaches to early childhood education. 
  • Theoretical perspectives in practice: This in-class assessment will be based on material covered in lectures, tutorials, textbook, and required readings. It will consist of 3 questions. Students will be assessed on their ability to apply different historical and philosophical material to questions to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of unit content. Students will be able to bring hard copies of notes, readings, and textbooks to class. No digital devices can be used.

Students must complete/submit all assignments to be eligible for a passing grade in this unit.  Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties will apply according to the Faculty's guidelines.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to the unit of study: The origins of early childhood education and overview of key theorists and philosophers; 2. Romanticism and the innocence of childhood: Rousseau and Pestalozzi Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 The introduction of Kindergarten: Froebel Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 The child as an active learner: Dewey Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Child-centred environments: Montessori Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Natural materials and real life experiences: Steiner Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Aesthetics, space, documentation and image of the child: Malaguzzi and EC education in Reggio Emilia Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Relationship-based pedagogy: Pikler Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Developmentalism and constructivism: Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Social and emotional development: Freud, Erikson, and Bowlby Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Post-modern, post-structural and contemporary approaches: Foucault, Bourdieu, and Cannella Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Reflection and revision 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO5
Week 12 In-class assessment task Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The set text and readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of childhood: An introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky (2nd ed.). Saint Paul, Minnesota: Redleaf Press.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. articulate the historical basis of early childhood education
  • LO2. identify the theoretical influences underpinning contemporary early childhood pedagogies and practices
  • LO3. demonstrate active engagement in critical thinking about different philosophical views of curriculum
  • LO4. explore the changing image of the child through history
  • LO5. reflect on the role of the teacher using different approaches to curriculum.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
5. History and philosophy of early childhood, such as:
5.1. Historical and comparative perspectives
5.2. Contemporary theories and practice
5.3. Ethics and professional practice
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
5.1. Historical and comparative perspectives
5.2. Contemporary theories and practice
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
3. Education and curriculum studies, such as:
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.2. The Australian curriculum
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.4. Language and literacy
3.5. English as an additional language
3.6. Social and environmental education
3.7. Creative arts and music
3.8. Physical and health education
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.6. Diversity, difference and inclusivity.
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
LO5
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
5.1. Historical and comparative perspectives
5.2. Contemporary theories and practice
5.3. Ethics and professional practice
6.3. Professional identity and development
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
2.1 T P A Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2 T P A Play based pedagogies
2.4 T P A Teaching methods and strategies
2.7 T P A Contemporary society and pedagogy
3.1 T P A Early Years Learning Framework
5 T History and philosophy of early childhood, such as:
5.1 T P A Historical and comparative perspectives
5.2 T P A Contemporary theories and practice

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to assessment due dates have been made to the unit in response to student feedback.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

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