Details for EDU227 Early Childhood and Childhood Development

This subject introduces human development with a specific focus on the period from on early childhood through to preadolescence. Students will study the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of early childhood through to pre-adolescent development and consider these through a Christian Worldview lens. They will analyse factors that influence development and implications for educational practice. They will also examine optimal wellbeing and some of the primary challenges that children experience in relation to wellbeing and what teachers and schools are doing to support this. 

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: EDU227
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

This unit has no prerequisites.

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Analyse and discuss early childhood and childhood biological, psychological, social, spiritual development and well-being theory and articulate a biblical worldview perspective to understanding and applying these.  
2. Design learning programs that integrate a comprehensive understanding of child biological, psychological, social, spiritual development and evidence-based learning theory. 
3. Articulate how developmental and evidence-based learning theory may be used to plan for and deliver effective and differentiated teaching, learning and assessment. 
4. Analyse the key developmental and well-being challenges encountered by children in contemporary society and propose approaches to respond constructively to these with reference to classroom management, whole school/centre, policy and community context.  

Subject Content

1. Worldview and human development 
2. An introduction to child development theory 
3. Psychological and Social Development  
4. Cognitive development  
5. Biological Development  
6. Development of identity and self-concept
7. Integrating developmental and evidence-based learning theory in learning program and lesson planning
8. Integrating developmental and evidence-based learning theory in program/lesson planning  
9. Responding to key challenges in child development  
10. Positive psychology and wellbeing 
11. Strategies for working with parents and community  
12. Reflection and presentations

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face (intensive)
• Face to face (extensive)
• Online e-learning (synchronous)
• Online e-learning (asynchronous)

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Critical Reflection: Forum Posts (20%)
2. Lesson Plan & Critical Analysis (40%)
3. Integrated Project: Written Proposal (30%)
4. Presentation and Session Attendance (10%)

Prescribed Text

• Swaner, L. & Wolfe, A. (2021). Fourishing together. A Christian vision for students, educators & schools. Wm.B.Eerdmans Publishing.
• Middleton, R. (2014). A new heaven and a new earth. Reclaiming biblical eschatology. Baker Academic. (pp.38-52)
• New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)