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Unit outline_

EDEC2010: EC Professional Experience 1

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

First of four professional experience units in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) providing opportunities for students to gain teaching experience in early childhood education settings. This unit focuses on the education and care of children aged 3-5 years and includes a 20-day placement. Students will observe and engage in daily practices and routines with the support of a supervising teacher and mentor, including interacting with, documenting observations of, and planning and implementing learning experiences for young children. Students gain understandings of the world of early childhood education which form the foundation for subsequent professional experiences.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
72 credit points including EDEC2006 and EDEC2011
Corequisites
? 
EDEC2008
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tina Stratigos, tina.stratigos@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Tina Stratigos, tina.stratigos@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Lauren Bedford-Rolleston, lauren.bedford-rolleston@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Placement hurdle task Professional experience placement attendance
As outlined in PEx Handbook and UoS PEx Requirements document
0% Multiple weeks 20 days
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO8
Placement hurdle task Supervising teacher report
Achievement of placement outcomes on supervising teacher report
0% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Professional experience ePortfolio
Assessment of Week 2 and Week 4 Evidence Your Achievement pages
0% Multiple weeks 4,500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

There are three components of assessment in this unit that are associated with your placement.  Each component must be graded as Satisfactory to pass the unit.

  • Attendance at placement for 20-days placement 
  • Professional Experience Report completed by supervising teacher
    • Mid placement progress report on day 10
    • Final report on day 20 - you must achieve Satisfactory for every outcome on the final report
  • Assessment of ePortfolio by tutor
    • Preparation of ePortfolio checked prior to commencing placement
    • Mid-placement ePortfolio feedback via Week 2 Evidence Your Achievement page
    • Final ePortfolio assessment via Week 4 Evidence Your Achievement page

Assessment criteria

 

FR

Failed requirements

No mark

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.

SR

Satisfied requirements

No mark

When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.

All assessment components must be graded SR to be eligible to receive an overall grade of SR for the unit.

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.

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 Introduction to professional experience and PebblePad ePortfolios Workshop (3 hr) LO8
Week 02 Curriculum in early childhood education settings Workshop (3 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 03 Developing your philosophy, engaging in critical reflection, guiding children's behaviour Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Introduction to the planning cycle - Observing and assessing Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 05 Continuing with the planning cycle - planning, implementing, evaluating Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Exploring teaching strategies, planning for group times and transitions Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 07 Preparing for the first placement day, developing the situational analysis Workshop (3 hr) LO2
Week 08 Preparing for the second placement day, spontaneous teachable moments, summative assessment Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Preparing for the third placement day, running record observations Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Preparing for the fourth placement day, anecdotal observations Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Preparing for the fifth placement day, time sample observations Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Preparing for the placement block Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the unit Canvas site.

  • Required text: Arthur, L., Beecher, B. Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2020). Planning and programming in early childhood settings (8th ed.). Cengage.
  • Required text: MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices for theory and practice (3rd ed.). Pearson.
  • Required text: Porter, L. (2016). Young children’s behaviour: Practical approaches for caregivers and teachers (4th ed.). Elsevier Australia.

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. Build positive relationships with children by engaging in respectful, responsive and reciprocal interactions
  • LO2. Interact and communicate professionally with centre staff, families and children, according to the ECA Code of Ethics
  • LO3. Apply a range of observation methods to document and analyse the interests, learning and development of children, including synthesizing information from relevant literature, theory and the EYLF
  • LO4. Draw on knowledge gained from documented observations, theory and the EYLF to plan, implement and evaluate learning experiences
  • LO5. Begin to use respectful and positive behavior guidance strategies to support children's learning and development
  • LO6. Critically reflect on and evaluate own teaching effectiveness drawing on theoretical knowledge and the EYLF
  • LO7. Apply knowledge and strategies gained in other Units of Study to respond to children's interests and support their learning
  • LO8. Demonstrate professional organisation, presentation and a high standard of academic literacy in professional experience portfolio

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         
LO6         
LO7         
LO8         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1. Psychology and child development such as:
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
4.1. Developing family and community partnerships
5.3. Ethics and professional practice
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1. Psychology and child development such as:
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1. Psychology and child development such as:
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
LO5
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.3. Social and emotional development
2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
LO6
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
5.3. Ethics and professional practice
LO7
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
LO8
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
5.3. Ethics and professional practice
6.3. Professional identity and development

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

The placement block has been reduced to 3 weeks with the first 5 placement days being undertaken during semester to support student wellbeing and provide greater support to students as they commence the placement.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience as part of your enrollment 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 Office of Professional Experience 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 placement. 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.

Work, health and safety

Please make yourself familiar with the inherent requirements for this course:  https://sydney.edu.au/students/student-responsibilities/inherent-requirements.html

Please make yourself familiar with the professional experience handbook provided on your UOS Canvas site, including information on Working With Children Check, workplace health and safety induction, infectious diseases and immunisation, and pregnancy.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.