Play Pedagogies in Early Childhood

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
EDUC 5253
Course ID icon
Course ID
208328
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Campus
Magill
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Education
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Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to investigate the importance of play in early childhood through content that focused on theoretical perspectives and the co-construction of learning through constructivist pedagogies

  • The History of Play and What is Play?
  • A Play-Based Curriculum, Pedagogies & Theoretical Perspectives
  • The Educators’ Role in a Play-Based Curriculum
  • Making Learning Through Play Visible
  • Environment and Resources
  • Risky Play
  • Anti-Bias Curriculum & Play
  • Environment and Resources
  • [Placeholder]
  • The Importance of Reviewing & Reflecting & Assessment Two Preparation

Course learning outcomes

  • Critically examine multiple perspectives of play and its value and benefits.
  • Critically analyse adults’ roles in children’s play, considering Australian and international perspectives about play in the curriculum and the relationship between play, development, learning and wellbeing.
  • Apply practical knowledge and theoretical understanding of play-based pedagogy to plan diverse and balanced programs for children birth to 8 years.
  • Use observation, listening and documentation pedagogies in planning and assessing play-based pedagogy that acknowledges children’s competence and voice in co-constructed meaning in play.
  • Critically examine what it means to be a ‘novice’ learner in comparison to an ‘expert’. (Knowledge of and skill in the related implications for practice).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the most efficient an effective process of knowledge acquisition in the brain, including the function of memory and the concept of cognitive overload.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the process that occurs in a novice brain during progression towards mastery. (Knowledge of and skill in the need to adjust practice in response).
  • Critically examine neuromyths and brain development and explain how these influence learning.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Degree list
The following degrees include this course