Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of both the historical and philosophical underpinnings

Assessment 2

Assessment Overview

Examples of mindmaps…

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this assessment task is to: 

• LO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of both the historical and philosophical underpinnings of early childhood education.
• LO2: Articulate the sources of social, political, intellectual, and historical change.
• LO3: Contextualise a range of key historical philosophical problems and perspectives.

 Assessment Structure

This assessment comprises two parts designed to help you critically reflect on your personal identity, history, and values while linking them to the historical and philosophical underpinnings of early childhood education.

Through this task, you will demonstrate your ability to contextualise key historical and philosophical perspectives and articulate the social, political, and intellectual influences that shape early childhood education.

You will use five personal objects as starting points to connect your personal values with the unit concepts/materials (you could think of these objects as if they are metaphors that represent your Identity, Wellbeing, Connection with Community etc. – similar to the Outcomes in the EYLF).

Instructions 

To get started on your assessment task, please follow the below instructions:

1. Watch the following Tedx Talks as a catalyst for thinking about this assessment:
3. Engage with readings and unit materials from the first two weeks.
4. Consider how your personal values and perspectives are influenced by your experiences and how this shapes your philosophy in early childhood education.

Part A: Annotated Mind-Map 

Task: Create a mind-map that visually links the key concepts covered in the unit materials to your personal values and philosophy as an early childhood educator. Use your five personal objects as starting points or anchors to connect your personal values with the unit concepts.

1. Objects as Catalysts: Select and photograph five objects that represent aspects of your personal identity, history, or values. These objects should serve as catalysts for reflection and connection to the unit’s concepts.
   1. Example: A cultural artifact may link to inclusivity in education
2. Using PowerPoint, start with by writing your name in the middle of the mind map. Place the images of your chosen objects in the PowerPoint. Note: This assessment cannot be hand written.
3. WARNING: Do NOT use the VU MindMup online tool
4. Connect with Core Concepts: Use your objects to connect with at least five key concepts from the unit materials.
   1. For example these include: Historical influences, Philosophical/theoretical perspectives, Social, political, and cultural factors shaping early childhood education
5. Reflect on your personal history and childhood and how this impacts your values
6. Annotate and connect ideas with supporting theoretical underpinnings/concepts
   1. Annotations: Provide brief explanations (approximately 350 words in total) for your mind-map, summarising the connections between the concepts, objects, and your values.
7. We are particularly looking for:  concepts explored in the unit materials (not just developmental theories/theorists)!
8. Visual Presentation: Ensure your mind-map is well-organized, visually engaging, and clearly illustrates the relationships between the objects, concepts, and your values.

Part B: Personal Reflection

Task: Using Microsoft Word, write a 350 word personal reflection about your history, identity and values and link it with concepts explored in the unit. Use your selected objects as reference points in your reflection.

1.  Using the same 5 objects used for the Mind-Map, use these as a catalyst for your personal philosophy discussion
2. Consider the following questions as prompts for your written reflection –
3. Reflection on Personal History and Identity:
   1.  Reflect on how your personal history, cultural background, and life experiences have shaped your values as an early childhood educator.
   1. Use your selected objects to illustrate or anchor key aspects of your identity
4. Connection to Unit Concepts:
   1. Link your personal values and objects to the key historical and philosophical concepts discussed in the unit. *Note: we do not want you to do extra research – only reference the unit materials to demonstrate you are engaging with the content. Link with the Unit Text & Frameworks.
   1. Highlight how these connections inform your educational philosophy.
5. Implications for Practice:
   1. Discuss how your values, anchored in your objects, and understanding of historical and philosophical perspectives shape your teaching practices and impact children’s learning experiences.
   1. Reflect on how integrating multiple perspectives enhances your educational approach.
6. Think about how you can incorporate multiple perspectives and lenses into your educational viewpoints and practices.