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Unit of study_

EDPE5002: Dynamics of Child/Adolescent Development

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

This core unit critically examines the complexities of cognitive, emotional, social, moral and language development in light of contemporary theories and research, drawing especially on Dynamic Systems Theory and the neurobiology of brain development. This exciting unit will equip students with the basic critical skills and understandings necessary to design and conduct developmental research across a range of educational contexts.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDPE5002
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 Minkang Kim, minkang.kim@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Seminar presentation
n/a
30% Multiple weeks 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Individual essay
n/a
30% Week 06
Due date: 08 Sep 2022 at 23:00
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Research project proposal
n/a
40% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2022 at 23:00
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Individual essay: Within the broad theoretical framework of Dynamic Systems Theory (DST) and with particular reference to seminars 1, 2, 3 and 4, critically discuss two important ways in which our understanding of the dynamics of the human brain might advance teachers’ and parents understanding of children and adolescents and their development.
  • Seminar presentation: Working collaboratively in groups of three, students will prepare a presentation and lead an interactive seminar. Presentations will occur in weeks 8-11.
  • Resarch project proposal: For this assignment, each student is required to develop a research proposal, which outlines a small-scale developmental research project that could realistically be undertaken if the student were so inclined. 

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

Impressive and original depth of understanding of the content and discipline is displayed. Scholarly critique of a diverse array of literature. Generates, develops, uses and justifies own ideas or original concepts based on a wide range of relevant sources.

Distinction

75 - 84

Thorough and comprehensive understanding of the content. Considered use of evidence and consistently demonstrates application of critical analysis. Justifies relevant conclusions and their implications. 

Credit

65 - 74

Considers topics and issues in the broader disciplinary context. Credible argument making relevant use of evidence, analysis and understanding. Able to apply concepts and draw and justify conclusions.

Pass

50 - 64

Clear understanding of topic. Demonstrates understanding of materials presented in core texts and readings. Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions.

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 Welcome and introduction: the dynamics of human development Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 The complexities of human development: Rethinking what develops and how Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Brain development and emerging cognitive abilities I Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 Brain development and emerging cognitive abilities II Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 The role of emotion in development and learning Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Hand in of first assignment (by midnight Thursday 8 September, 2022) Independent study (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Employing multi-level research methods for the study of human development Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Development in early years Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Empathy & moral development Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Emotion & social development Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Language & Literacy Development Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Workshop on writing research proposal, Research pitch mini conference Workshop (2 hr) LO1 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. 

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

  1. Required textbook

Kim, M., & Sankey, D. (2022). The Science of Learning and Development in Education: A Research-based Approach to Educational Practice. Cambridge University Press.

  1. Other required readings

Other required readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on 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 knowledge of key concepts and theories of human development, particularly Dynamic Systems Theory (DST), related to neurobiological, cognitive, language, moral, social, and emotional development
  • LO2. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the neurobiology of learning and memory and some neurobiological reasons for individual differences in development and learning
  • LO3. apply critical analysis in your interpretation and synthesis of developmental research and theory
  • LO4. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human development in context by writing an academic paper that provides a critique of selected literature related to a relevant topic, together with your own carefully considered perspectives.

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         

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
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.1. Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
1.1.2. (Proficient) Use teaching strategies based on knowledge of students’ physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics to improve student learning.
1.1.3. (Highly Accomplished) Select from a flexible and effective repertoire of teaching strategies to suit the physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
NESA Priority Area Elaborations - NESA
5-SWD.01. Understanding of child and adolescent development and milestones
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.1. Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
1.1.2. (Proficient) Use teaching strategies based on knowledge of students’ physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics to improve student learning.
1.1.3. (Highly Accomplished) Select from a flexible and effective repertoire of teaching strategies to suit the physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
3.6. Social and environmental education
4.5. Culture, diversity and inclusion
6.5. Research
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
6.2. Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.2.2. (Proficient) Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.
6.2.3. (Highly Accomplished) Plan for professional learning by accessing and critiquing relevant research, engage in high quality targeted opportunities to improve practice and offer quality placements for pre-service teachers where applicable
6.2.4. (Lead) Initiate collaborative relationships to expand professional learning opportunities, engage in research, and provide quality opportunities and placements for pre-service teachers.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) - AITSL
1.1.4. (Lead) Lead colleagues to select and develop teaching strategies to improve student learning using knowledge of the physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
6.3.4. (Lead) Implement professional dialogue within the school or professional learning network(s) that is informed by feedback, analysis of current research and practice to improve the educational outcomes of students.
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
6.5 A Research
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Professional Level – PG and Professional Learning) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1.2 A (Proficient) Use teaching strategies based on knowledge of students’ physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics to improve student learning.
1.1.3 A (Highly Accomplished) Select from a flexible and effective repertoire of teaching strategies to suit the physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.
1.1.4 A (Lead) Lead colleagues to select and develop teaching strategies to improve student learning using knowledge of the physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students.

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

We welcome feedback on this Unit of Study. Please take the time to offer constructive written feedback at the end of the semester. The teaching team is committed to the participation of learners in the process of planning and evaluation of courses.

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.