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Unit of study_

EDEC3007: Infant-Toddler Learning and Development

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The first three years of life are a period of rapid growth and development that lay the foundation for future learning and wellbeing. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a thorough and critical working knowledge of current research, theory and issues in infant and toddler learning and development. The domains of cognitive, social, emotional, language, motor and physical development are explored. Infants and toddlers are viewed as capable and resourceful, predisposed to form relationships and ready to learn from birth.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDEC3007
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
84 credit points including EDEC2010 and EDEC2008
Corequisites
? 
EDEC3008
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) Erin Harper, erin.harper@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Module 1 response
Response based on module 1 readings and lectures
10% Week 04
Due date: 19 Mar 2023 at 23:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Module 2 response
Response based on module 2 readings and lectures
10% Week 07
Due date: 09 Apr 2023 at 23:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Parent newsletter article
Article for parent newsletter and annotated bibliography
40% Week 09
Due date: 30 Apr 2023 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Assignment Module 3 response
Response based on module 3 readings and lectures
10% Week 10
Due date: 07 May 2023 at 23:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorial quiz Quiz
Short response and multiple choice quiz covering all unit content
30% Week 12
Due date: 18 May 2023 at 10:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Reponses to module based on readings and lectures:  Students will write a short response to a provided focus question for each of the three modules.  The response should demonstrate understanding of key concepts and issues and critical thinking about the readings and lectures.
  • Parent newsletter and annotated bibliography:  Students will write a newsletter article for a parent audience on a developmental topic of their choice which is covered in this unit.  The newsletter article will be research based and accompanied by an annotated bibliography including current, relevant research.
  • Quiz:  Students will answer multiple choice and short questions covering all unit content.
  • 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

Unit assessment tasks and learning outcomes demonstrated to an exceptional standard.  Demonstrates exceptional understanding of infant and toddler learning and development across all domains; exceptional critical reflection on relevant issues, research and theories; exceptional ability to identify implications for early childhood practice; exceptional writing skills

Distinction

75 - 84

Unit assessment tasks and learning outcomes demonstrated to a very high standard.  Very high understanding of infant and toddler learning and development across all domains; very high critical reflection on relevant issues, research and theories; very high ability to identify implications for early childhood practice; very high writing skills

Credit

65 - 74

Unit assessment tasks and learning outcomes demonstrated to a good standard.  Demonstrates a good understanding of infant and toddler learning and development across all domains; good critical reflection on relevant issues, research and theories; good ability to identify implications for early childhood practice; good writing skills

Pass

50 - 64

Unit assessment tasks and learning outcomes demonstrated to an acceptable standard.  Demonstrates acceptable understanding of infant and toddler learning and development across all domains; acceptable critical reflection on relevant issues, research and theories; acceptable ability to identify implications for early childhood practice; acceptable writing skills

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.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to theories of development, key concepts and debates Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 02 Module 1 The Physical Child - Physical growth, perceptual and motor development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 03 Module 1 The Physical Child - Brain development and the impact of experience Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 04 Module 1 The Physical Child - Cognitive development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 05 Module 2 The Social Child - Language and communication Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 06 Module 2 The Social Child - Social development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 07 Module 2 The Social Child - Developing a theory of mind Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 08 Module 3 The Emotional Child - Temperament, emotions and the sense of self Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 09 Module 3 The Emotional Child - Attachment and the Circle of Security Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 10 Module 3 The Emotional Child - Supporting infants and toddlers during transitions Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Infant and Toddler Curriculum and the EYLF Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Quiz assessment task Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

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

Information relating to readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas

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. demonstrate understandings about the learning and development of infants and toddlers including language, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development
  • LO2. apply knowledge of infant and toddler learning and development to practice in early childhood settings
  • LO3. critically consider research and theory concerning infant and toddler development and reflect on implications for practice in early childhood settings
  • LO4. demonstrate an awareness of the whole child by appreciating the links between different areas of learning and development
  • LO5. recognise the many and varying influences important to the learning and development of infants and toddlers
  • LO6. demonstrate the ability to provide accurate and professional information and resources to families to collaboratively support the learning and development of infants and toddlers.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
1.8. Transitions and continuity of learning (including transition to school).
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
5.2. Contemporary theories and practice
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
LO5
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
LO6
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
4.1. Developing family and community partnerships
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Learning, development and care
1.2 A Language development
1.3 A Social and emotional development
1.4 A Child health, well-being and safety
1.8 A Transitions and continuity of learning (including transition to school).
2.4 A Teaching methods and strategies
4.1 A Developing family and community partnerships
5.2 A Contemporary theories and practice

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

Additional information has been provided to support completion of the parent newsletter article. Quiz will be completed in class rather than online, allowing for more time to complete and reducing student stress.

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.