Details for EDU214 Praxis and Pedagogy of Play

It is essential for all early childhood teachers to have deep knowledge and understanding of the significance of the role of play in children’s learning and development. This unit provides a comprehensive analysis of the theories of play and play-based pedagogies and of relevant research that is indicative of the importance of play in early childhood education. Contemporary curriculum will be examined with particular emphasis on relevant approved learning frameworks and curriculum documents. Teacher Education Students (TES) will be introduced to a wide range of assessment and reporting techniques including documentation to enhance planning for learning. The aim of this unit is to build TES’ knowledge of pedagogical practices in the early years and build capacity to transfer this knowledge into practice. 

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: EDU214
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

The following courses are prerequisites:

• EDU103 Foundations of Christian Education
• 40 Credit Points

The following is a co-requisite:

• EXP214 Professional Experience 

TES undertake a professional experience EXP214 Professional Experience in an early childhood service which will enable the connection between theory and practice to be critically examined. 

 

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of the historical and contemporary understandings of childhood, learning and pedagogy. 
2. Examine the theoretical influences on early childhood pedagogies and practices in relation to play. 
3. Examine the characteristics of children’s play and identify how children learn and develop through play, the role of the teacher in supporting and encouraging children’s play and inquiry in inside and outside learning environments. 
4. Demonstrate knowledge and use of a range of assessment techniques that enhance planning for learning and foster engagement of both children and families in learning.
5.  Investigate and develop play-based experiences and environments to support children’s learning and development across a range of developmental domains, curriculum areas, contexts and age levels. 
6. Analyze characteristics of children’s learning environments such as use of space and resources and identify how these aspects influence children’s learning.

Subject Content

1. Historical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives on the image of the child and its impact on teaching and learning practices 
2. Definitions of play and the different types of play; the complexities of play, including cultural influences and global perspectives; equity and inclusion in play; categories of play. 
3. Theories underpinning contemporary learning and teaching practices in relation to play; an overview of the exploration of major theorists and theories (Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner, Piaget, Parten). 
4. The significance of indoor and outdoor play experiences in Early Childhood and Primary settings and links to curriculum Early Years Learning framework (EYLF), My Time, Our Place (MYOP) and integration with the Australian Curriculum. 
5. Assessment, documentation, and reporting practices of play-based pedagogies that facilitate engagement and collaboration with children, families, colleagues and other professionals. 
6. Play and the role of intentional teaching in encompassing a range of perspectives including Indigenous perspectives, culture, and gender into the curriculum. 
7. Engaging children in play: selection of resources, teaching strategies, physical environment, human factors, teaching approaches, the environment as the third teacher. 

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face (intensive)
• E-learning (asynchronous)
• E-learning (synchronous)

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

Assessment Methods

1. Major Essay (30%)
2. Major Project (20%)
3. Individual Case Study (50%) 

Prescribed Text