TCHR1001: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
ASSESSMENT 2: Report
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) serves as a crucial guiding document for fostering high-quality pedagogy in early childhood education and care settings across Australia (AGDE, 2022). This framework emphasizes the significance of providing young children with enriching learning environments that nurture their holistic development. By adhering to the principles and practices outlined in the EYLF, educators can establish a solid foundation for delivering exceptional early childhood education.
Respect for diversity is a paramount principle that underpins high-quality practice. Every child possesses unique identities, abilities, and backgrounds, which must be acknowledged and celebrated within the learning environment (AGDE, 2022). Educators should strive to create inclusive spaces that embrace diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for all children (Areljung & Kelly-Ware, 2017). Sustainability is another critical principle that aligns with contemporary societal needs. By incorporating sustainable practices into their pedagogy, educators can instill in children an appreciation for the environment and a commitment to responsible stewardship (Elliott & McCrence, 2015).
The principle of secure, respectful, and reciprocal relationships is pivotal in shaping high-quality practice. Developing positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues lays the foundation for effective collaboration and enables educators to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each child (AGDE, 2022). Furthermore, these relationships foster a sense of trust, security, and emotional well-being, which are essential for children’s optimal learning and development (Sigman-Grant et al., 2020).
Responsiveness to children is a practice that demands educators to be attuned to children’s interests, strengths, abilities, and learning styles. By observing and listening attentively, educators can design experiences that captivate children’s curiosity, challenge their thinking, and support their individual growth (AGDE, 2022). This practice fosters a child-centered approach, empowering children to actively participate in their learning journey.
Learning environments play a crucial role in shaping children’s experiences and development. High-quality learning environments should be carefully designed to promote exploration, creativity, and inquiry (AGDE, 2022). Educators should strive to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, engaging, and adaptable to accommodate different learning styles and interests (Jalongo, 2021). Furthermore, learning environments should extend beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom, encompassing outdoor spaces and community resources.
The practice of play-based learning and intentionality is fundamental to high-quality early childhood education. Play is a natural and powerful medium through which children learn, develop, and make sense of their world (Pyle & Danniels, 2017). Educators should intentionally plan and facilitate play experiences that offer opportunities for children to engage in meaningful exploration, problem-solving, and social interaction (AGDE, 2022). By embracing play-based learning, educators can foster children’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development in an integrated and holistic manner.
In conclusion, the EYLF serves as a comprehensive framework that guides educators in delivering high-quality pedagogy. By adhering to its principles and practices, educators can create enriching learning environments that nurture children’s holistic development, respect diversity, promote sustainability, and foster secure, respectful relationships. Through responsive practices, intentional planning, and play-based learning, educators can empower children to actively engage in their learning journey and lay a strong foundation for their future success.
References:
Areljung, S., & Kelly-Ware, J. (2017). Navigating the classroom currents: Teaching in the age of academic diversity. Sense Publishers.
Australian Government Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. https://www.education.gov.au/early-years-learning-framework-0
Elliott, S., & McCrence, M. (2015). Sustainability in the early childhood classroom. Palgrave Macmillan.
Jalongo, M. R. (2021). Designing learning environments: Creating opportunities for all children. Young Children, 76(2), 44-51.
Pyle, A., & Danniels, E. (2017). A continuum of play-based learning: The role of the teacher in play-based pedagogy and the fear of hijacking play. Early Education and Development, 28(3), 274-289.
Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A. C., Evans, W. D., Smentkowski, B. P., Byker Shanks, C., & Van Der Mars, H. (2020). Relationships in the classroom and children’s early skills gained from FOODEL curriculum. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 52(3), 258-267.
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TCHR1001: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
ASSESSMENT 2: Report
Summary
Title Assessment 2: Report
Due Date Friday 8th December (WEEK 6) at 11:59pm AEDT
Length 2000 words
Weighting 50%
Submission 1 word document submitted to Turnitin
Unit Learning Outcomes You will demonstrate the following Unit Learning Outcomes on the successful completion of this task:
• ULO 3: Develop the knowledge and skills regarding setting up learning environments for children that are flexible and sustainable both indoors and outdoors.
• ULO 4: Reflect upon, and critique the holistic approaches of principles and practices.
Task Description
This task requires students to reflect upon the Early Years Learning Framework [EYLF] (AGDE, 2022) Principles and Practices and write a report demonstrating their understanding of high-quality pedagogy.
Rationale
Early childhood educators are required to understand the importance of high-quality practice and be able to identify what high-quality practice looks like. In this assessment, students identify high-quality practice and determine the principles, theory and research that underpins such practice. This assessment aims for students to develop an understanding of how to align practice, principles, theory and research.
Task Instructions
You are required to answer each of the following:
a) Briefly outline how you think the Early Years Learning Framework will guide your early childhood education and care pedagogy (approx. 200 words).
b) Discuss how you will implement Respect for diversity, Sustainability and a principle of your choice within a high-quality early childhood education and care setting.
c) Discuss how you will implement Responsiveness to children, Learning environments and a practice of your choice within a high-quality early childhood education and care setting.
The EYLF Principles and Practices that you can choose from are listed below:
PRINCIPLES:
– Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
– Partnerships
– Respect for diversity (compulsory)
– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
– Equity, inclusion and high expectations
– Sustainability (compulsory)
– Critical reflection and ongoing professional learning
– Collaborative leadership and teamwork
PRACTICES:
– Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches
– Responsiveness to children (compulsory)
– Play-based learning and intentionality
– Learning environments (compulsory)
– Cultural responsiveness
– Continuity of learning and transitions
– Assessment and evaluation for learning, development and wellbeing
Follow the steps below to complete this task:
• Create a new Word Document and save it with your surname and initial and the assessment task’s name. E.g: MillsA_TCHR5003_assessment2_report
• Create a cover page with the following details:
o Student name
o Student ID
o Unit code
o Unit Assessor and Tutor names
o Date submitted
• Complete one reference list for the entire assessment task.
• Once complete, submit task via the Turnitin link in the Assessment and Submission section of the unit site.
• Adhere to APA7 formatting guidelines
Referencing Style
APA 7th referencing format is required in Faculty of Education assessment tasks – link to SCU Libguide here: APA 7 Referencing.
Task Submission
Assessments should be submitted using the Turnitin activity titled “Assessment 2: Report” in the Assessments Tasks & Submission section on the Blackboard site. Only Microsoft Word documents submitted via the Turnitin portal on Blackboard will be accepted.
Special Consideration
Students wishing to request special consideration to extend the due date of an assessment task must submit a Request for Special Consideration form via their MyEnrolment page as early as possible and prior to the original due date for that assessment task, along with any accompanying documents, such as medical certificates.
Late Submissions & Penalties
Except when special consideration is awarded, late submission of assessment tasks will lead automatically to the imposition of a penalty. Penalties will be incurred as soon as the deadline is reached.
• a penalty of 5% of the available marks will be deducted from the actual mark at one minute after the time listed in the due date
• a further penalty of 5% of the available mark will be deducted from the actual mark achieved on each subsequent calendar day until the mark reaches zero.”
Grades & Feedback
Assignments that have been submitted by the due date will receive an SCU grade and written feedback. Grades and feedback will be posted to “Grades & Feedback” section on the Blackboard unit site. Please allow 7 working days for marks to be posted.
Academic Integrity
At Southern Cross University academic integrity means behaving with the values of honesty, fairness, trustworthiness, courage, responsibility and respect in relation to academic work. The Southern Cross University Academic Integrity Framework aims to develop a holistic, systematic and consistent approach to addressing academic integrity across the entire University. For more information see the SCU Academic Integrity Framework
GenAI May Not be Used
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, may not be used for this Assessment Task. You are required to demonstrate if you have developed the unit’s skills and knowledge without the support of GenAI. If you use GenAI tools in your assessment task, it may result in an academic integrity breach against you as described in the Student Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct Rules, Section 3.
Assessment Rubric
Marking Criteria and % allocation High Distinction + (100%) High Distinction (85–99%) Distinction
(75–84%) Credit (65¬–74%) Pass (50–64%) Marginal Fail
(35-49%) Fail
(1-34%) Not Addressed
(0%)
Explanation of how the EYLF guides early childhood education and care pedagogy.
10 marks Achieves all the criteria for a high distinction to an exemplary standard, without any errors. Outstanding explanation of how the EYLF guides early childhood education and care pedagogy.
Very good explanation of how the EYLF guides early childhood education and care pedagogy.
Good explanation of how the EYLF guides early childhood education and care pedagogy.
Satisfactory explanation of how the EYLF guides early childhood education and care pedagogy.
Poor explanation of how the EYLF guides early childhood education and care pedagogy.
No explanation of how the EYLF guides early childhood education and care pedagogy.
Identification, examples and analysis of high-quality ECEC Principles
15 marks Achieves all the criteria for a high distinction to an exemplary standard, without any errors. Outstanding detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality principles. Very good detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality principles.
Good detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality principles.
Satisfactory detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality principles.
Inadequate detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality principles.
No detail, examples or analysis regarding the identification of high-quality principles.
Identification, examples and analysis of high-quality ECEC Practices
15 marks Achieves all the criteria for a high distinction to an exemplary standard, without any errors. Outstanding detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality practices.
Very good detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality practices.
Good detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality practices.
Satisfactory detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality practices. Inadequate detail, examples and analysis regarding the identification of high-quality practices. No detail, examples or analysis regarding the identification of high-quality practices.
Use of unit materials and relevant early childhood literature.
5 marks Achieves all the criteria for a high distinction to an exemplary standard, without any errors. Outstanding reference to relevant unit materials and early childhood literature. Very good reference to relevant unit materials and early childhood literature. Good reference to relevant unit materials and early childhood literature. Satisfactory reference to relevant unit materials and early childhood literature. Inadequate reference to relevant unit materials and early childhood literature. No reference to relevant unit materials and early childhood literature.
Academic Literacy
5 marks Achieves all the criteria for a high distinction to an exemplary standard, without any errors. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and application of correct writing conventions, including accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The reference list contains all the required information in the correct APA 7 format. Demonstrates a thorough understanding and application of correct writing conventions by correctly using spelling, grammar, and punctuation throughout with very minor inaccuracies.
The reference list contains all the required information in the correct APA 7 format, with very minor errors. Demonstrates a good understanding and application of correct writing conventions by correctly using spelling, grammar, and punctuation, with minor inaccuracies.
The reference list contains all the required information, but some items may be in an incorrect format or have more than five minor errors.
Demonstrates a satisfactory understanding and application of correct writing conventions by mostly using correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, with some inaccuracies.
The reference list provides most of the required information, but there are some errors. Poor understanding and application of correct writing conventions, including accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation that impact readability. The reference list is incorrectly formatted or there are an inadequate number of references. Poor understanding and application of correct writing conventions, including accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation, that significantly impact readability. The reference list is incomplete or missing.
Description of SCU Grades
High Distinction:
The student’s performance, in addition to satisfying all of the basic learning requirements, demonstrates distinctive insight and ability in researching, analysing and applying relevant skills and concepts, and shows exceptional ability to synthesise, integrate and evaluate knowledge. The student’s performance could be described as outstanding in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Distinction:
The student’s performance, in addition to satisfying all of the basic learning requirements, demonstrates distinctive insight and ability in researching, analysing and applying relevant skills and concepts, and shows a well-developed ability to synthesise, integrate and evaluate knowledge. The student’s performance could be described as distinguished in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Credit:
The student’s performance, in addition to satisfying all of the basic learning requirements specified, demonstrates insight and ability in researching, analysing and applying relevant skills and concepts. The student’s performance could be described as competent in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Pass:
The student’s performance satisfies all of the basic learning requirements specified and provides a sound basis for proceeding to higher-level studies in the subject area. The student’s performance could be described as satisfactory in relation to the learning requirements specified.
Fail:
The student’s performance fails to satisfy the learning requirements specified.
