EDMT5708: Semester 2, 2026

Units EDMT5708 Semester 2 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

EDMT5708: Learning and development 0-2 years

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The first three years of life are a period of rapid growth and development laying the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. This unit provides students with a thorough and critical working knowledge of current research, theory and issues in infant and toddler learning and development across the domains of cognitive, social, emotional, language, and motor development. The holistic nature of development and implications for practice in early childhood settings are explored. In this unit, infants and toddlers are viewed as capable and resourceful, predisposed to form relationships and ready to learn from birth.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	24 credit points of EDMT coded units
Corequisites ?	EDMT5707
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tina Stratigos, tina.stratigos@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Modules 1, 2 and 3 responses Three responses in total based on modules 1, 2 and 3 readings and lectures. Students must receive an SR result for 2 out of the 3 responses to receive an overall grade of SR for this assessment task.	60%	Multiple weeks	2500 words total (approx 800-850 each)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Parent newsletter article Article for parent newsletter and annotated bibliography	40%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Reponses to modules 1, 2 and 3 based on readings and lectures: Students will write an anecdotal observation based on a short video shown in class related to the module. The observation should demonstrate understanding of key concepts and issues related to module content and how to apply this to a real life practice scenario.
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.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
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 achieve an overall grade of SR for the unit.
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.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to theories of development, key concepts and debates	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to theories of development, key concepts and debates	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Module 1 The Physical Child - Physical growth, perceptual and motor development	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Module 1 The Physical Child - Physical growth, perceptual and motor development	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Module 1 The Physical Child - Brain development and the impact of experience	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Module 1 The Physical Child - Brain development and the impact of experience	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Module 1 The Physical Child - Cognitive development	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Module 1 The Physical Child - Cognitive development	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Module 2 The Social Child - Language and communication	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Module 2 The Social Child - Language and communication	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 The Social Child - Social development	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 The Social Child - Social development	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Module 2 The Social Child - Developing a theory of mind	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Module 2 The Social Child - Developing a theory of mind	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Module 3 The Emotional Child - Temperament, emotions and the sense of self	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Module 3 The Emotional Child - Temperament, emotions and the sense of self	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Module 3 The Emotional Child - Attachment and the Circle of Security	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Module 3 The Emotional Child - Attachment and the Circle of Security	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Module 3 The Emotional Child - Supporting infants and toddlers during transitions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Module 3 The Emotional Child - Supporting infants and toddlers during transitions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Infant and Toddler Curriculum and the EYLF	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Infant and Toddler Curriculum and the EYLF	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Bringing it all together - observing, assessing, and planning for learning and development on placement	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Bringing it all together - Observing, assessing, and planning for learning and development on placement	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. The Academic Coordinator of Professional Experience reserves the right to deny any student the opportunity to undertake placement if there are concerns about the student’s preparedness including poor class attendance. 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 on required readings is provided in Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Demonstrate knowledge about the learning and development of infants and toddlers including language, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development
LO2. Demonstrate skill in observing, documenting and analysing infant and toddler learning, development and wellbeing
LO3. Apply knowledge of infant and toddler learning, development and wellbeing to practice in early childhood settings
LO4. Critically consider research and theory concerning infant and toddler learning, development and wellbeing, and reflect on implications for practice in early childhood settings
LO5. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

New unit of study

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links