Course overview
The aim of this course is to enable students to synthesise current information in science and technology to provide an appropriate program for children aged birth to five years. Students will investigate contemporary pedagogy that enables deep learning in science in early childhood, exploring the Early Years Learning Framework, and core texts to develop pedagogical content knowledge in science. Students will examine the design of contexts that engage young children's disposition to engage in science-based inquiry, including identifying elements of the environment, intentional use of materials, and the role of the educator to enable deep, ongoing learning. Students will critique contemporary approaches such as play-based discovery learning, inquiry-based, instructional, and project learning to identify elements of effective pedagogy that support learning in science and technology. Students will investigate assessment strategies to build competency in using documentation to notice, interpret and respond to children's understandings in science, to inform the ongoing design of learning. Students will also examine the role of technology and technologies, particularly digital technology in early childhood education.
- Image Of The Child
- Science & Technology
- Big Ideas & Pedagogy
- Digital Technology
Course learning outcomes
- Discuss and critique contemporary approaches to the design of science and technology learning pertinent to early childhood
- Demonstrate an understanding of science pedagogical content knowledge specific to early childhood education
- Demonstrate syntheses of knowledge of the processes of working scientifically and plan opportunities for related thinking skill development
- Use a variety of observational assessment practices to identify and respond to children's thinking and conceptual understanding