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Unit of study_

EDMT5685: Development in the Early Years

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides students with a conceptual foundation on which to build their understanding of children's complex and dynamic development from three to eight years of age. This unit focuses on children's physical, cognitive, emotional, social and moral developmental domains. The unit introduces students to classical and contemporary understandings of child development. Students will be encouraged to critically consider their pedagogical approaches by exploring perspectives on teaching and learning, and consider the important role which teachers, families, communities and culture plays in supporting children’s overall development.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDMT5685
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Wendy Lee, wendysaeme.lee@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Wendy Lee, wendysaeme.lee@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Physical and cognitive development
Assignment
30% Mid-semester break
Due date: 07 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Emotional and social development
Assignment
30% Week 10
Due date: 05 May 2024 at 23:59
1250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Assignment hurdle task Essay
Assignment
40% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Physical and cognitive development: A case study scenario of a young child will be used for students to respond to a series of questions about the child’s physical and cognitive development. Questions will cover definitions and explanation of key concepts, analysis of relevant aspects of the child’s development, and discussion of implications and strategies for supporting the child’s ongoing physical and cognitive development.
  • Emotional and social development: A case study scenario of a young child will be used for students to respond to a series of questions about the child’s emotional and social development. Questions will cover definitions and explanation of key concepts, analysis of relevant aspects of the child’s development, and discussion of implications and strategies for supporting the child’s ongoing emotional and social development.
  • Essay: The essay will require you to respond to a question about the importance of early childhood teachers being knowledgeable about child development, and about their role working in partnerships with families to support children’s development.

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.

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.

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 child development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Physical development 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 03 Physical development 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 04 Cognitive development 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 05 Cognitive development 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 06 Holistic and critical reflection on physical and cognitive development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 07 Emotional development 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 08 Emotional development 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 09 Social development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 10 Moral development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 11 Holistic and critical reflection on emotional, social and moral development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Understanding parenting and partnering with families to support children’s development Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4

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 (including the required textbook) can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

The required textbook for this unit of study is:

Garvis, S., Phillipson, S., Clarke, S., Harrison, L., McCormack, J., & Pendergast. D. (2018). Child development and learning. Docklands, VIC: Oxford University Press.

A softcopy of this book can be accessed via the University library or a hardcopy of this book can be purchased online via www.booktopia.com.au or www.gleebooks.com.au 

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. know and critically apply contemporary research and theories of child development, as they relate to the development of children from three to eight years of age
  • LO2. demonstrate an awareness of the influences of biology, environment, relationships and socio-cultural contexts on children’s development
  • LO3. appreciate the role of families and communities on early child development
  • LO4. recognise and show respect for the influence of diverse socio-cultural contexts on the development of children from three to eight years of age
  • LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the role early childhood teachers can play in supporting young children’s development across the domains.

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. Psychology and child development such as:
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.2. Language development
1.3. Social and emotional development
1.4. Child health, well-being and safety
1.5. Early intervention
1.6. Diversity, difference and inclusivity.
1.7. Learners with special needs
1.8. Transitions and continuity of learning (including transition to school).
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2. Teaching pedagogies, such as:
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
2.5. Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
2.6. Working with children who speak languages other than, or in addition to, English.
2.7. Contemporary society and pedagogy
LO3
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
3. Design: Conceptual Design
3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose.
3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options.
3.3. Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues.
3.4. Design response incorporates assessment of relevant legislation, codes and industry standards.
3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content.
3.6. Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options.
3.7. Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief.
3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships.
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
4. Family and community contexts, such as:
4.1. Developing family and community partnerships
4.2. Multicultural education
4.3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
4.4. Socially inclusive practice
4.5. Culture, diversity and inclusion
LO5
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
6.3. Professional identity and development
6.5. Research
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T P A Learning, development and care
1.3 T P A Social and emotional development
1.4 T P A Child health, well-being and safety
1.6 T P A Diversity, difference and inclusivity.
2.1 T P A Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2 T P A Play based pedagogies
2.3 T P A Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4 T P A Teaching methods and strategies
2.5 T P A Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
2.7 T P A Contemporary society and pedagogy
3.1 T P A Early Years Learning Framework
3.2 T P A The Australian curriculum
3.8 T P A Physical and health education
3.9 T P A Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
4.5 T P A Culture, diversity and inclusion

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

Changes have been made to the unit, since the unit was last offered.

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

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.