Course code: 0710
The course
The Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) is an approved qualification for appointment as a preschool teacher in Victoria. Graduates of this course may also gain employment within child care services and programs for children with special needs.
Objectives of the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)
In keeping with the stated Mission Statement of Monash University, the general aim of the course is to provide a program of studies which should provide its graduates with:
* the knowledge, competence, skills and attitudes that will enable them to operate in their chosen field at a level at least equal to the best of their peers in Australia or overseas;
* a broad and critical understanding of knowledge in order to encourage and enable a continuing professional approach to work, community responsibilities and personal development;
* intellectual and cultural curiosity as a preparation for life long learning;
* other skills and attributes, for example computing skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills.
The course is structured, therefore, to enable students to:
* gain a knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education, especially those relevant to early childhood teaching;
* develop competence in general care and teaching skills to various areas of the early childhood curriculum;
* gain knowledge and develop skills and attitudes which will foster learning that contributes to continued personal and professional growth.
The overall aim of the course, therefore, is to produce a caring and competent teacher who is a well-educated person with a knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education and the necessary professional skills. Such a person should see the need for retraining and upgrading of qualifications to ensure continued professional growth during his or her career.
By the completion of this course, the student is expected to:
* have gained an understanding of the knowledge of the theories and research related to human programming;
* have gained an understanding of the basic curriculum areas applicable to early childhood programming;
* understand the theory and research related to contemporary Australian families;
* understand the issues relating to exceptional children in the community;
* understand the role of early childhood educators within the community including working with other professional, committees of management and sponsoring bodies;
* have gained knowledge of administration and management skills necessary in early childhood settings;
* understand the historical and philosophical origins of early childhood education and care and gain knowledge of contemporary professional issues and trends.
By completion of the course, students should be able to apply the following skills:
* apply the theory and research related to human development in the implementation of programs for young children and their families in a range of early childhood settings;
* apply knowledge of curriculum areas to an integrated program;
* utilise appropriate strategies and guidance skills when working with children in individual, small groups and whole group learning situations;
* demonstrate the ability to work effectively with families in the care and education of young children;
* develop educational programs and teaching strategies appropriate to meeting the needs of exceptional children in early childhood settings;
* develop sensitivity to interrelate effectively with community and professional groups;
* demonstrate the ability to administer and manage early childhood centres;
* demonstrate in practicum placements the progressive application of knowledge, skills and attitudes developed through the academic course components;
* demonstrate the ability to be flexible in the transfer of knowledge and skills to a range of early childhood and professional settings;
* create an environment which enhances appropriate learning through play.
Over the three years of the course students are encouraged to develop responsible attitudes towards the teaching profession which should enable them to:
* value the importance of play in the lives of young children;
* value the diversity and importance of families as prime nurturers/educators of their children;
* develop sensitivity to the needs of exceptional children and their families within the community;
* value the importance of personal growth and development through general studies designed to increase cultural and recreational pursuits.
Selection
Applicants must satisfactorily complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and English must be included in the `best four' subjects. Applicants will also be required to have taken any two units of mathematics in Years 11 and 12.
Course outline
A summary of subjects to be taken in each year of the course is given below. A description of the syllabus of each subject is set out later in this chapter. In addition to the compulsory core subjects, students take one general studies subject in a sequence throughout the course and an additional general studies sequence in the first year only.
Compulsory core subjects
First year
* EDN1115 Studies in teaching 1 (early childhood)
* EDN1155 Child development 1
* EDN1905 Mathematics education (early childhood)
* EDN1975 Expressive arts 1
* EDN1125 Studies in teaching 2 (early childhood)
* EDN1165 Child development 2
* EDN1795 Language education 1
* EDN1995 Environmental and social science 1
Second year
* EDN2115 Studies in teaching 3 (early childhood)
* EDN2155 Child development 3
* EDN2795 Language education 2
* EDN2315 Art education 1
* EDN2845 Music education (early childhood)
* EDN2475 Science education 1
* EDN2835 Social science (early childhood)
* EDN2125 Studies in teaching 4 (early childhood)
* EDN2145 Foundations of early childhood education
* EDN2235 Primary mathematics education 1
* EDN2365 Computers in education 1
* EDN1455 Physical education and health 1
Third year
* EDN3115 Studies in teaching 5 (early childhood)
* EDN3715 Exceptional children
* EDN3415 Child health and safety
* EDN3855 Child care studies
* EDN3515 The professional in the community
* EDN3125 Studies in teaching 6 (early childhood)
* EDN3705 Expressive arts 2
* EDN3315 Early childhood environmental science, technology and social science
* EDN3865 Family studies
* EDN3615 Administration and issues in early childhood services
General studies
Students choose two of the following general studies sequences, one of which they take throughout the course, (one subject per semester), and the other in the first year only. Not all of the following sequences will necessarily be offered to every intake of students. There are quotas for subjects marked with an asterisk.
* EDN1665/1675/2665/2675/3665/3675 The arts in Australia and Asia 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6
* EDN1335/1535
* EDN1775/1785/2775/2785/3805/3825 Environmental science 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8
* EDN1265/1275/2265/2275/3265/3275 Computer studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
* EDN1555/1565/2555/2565/3555/3565 Language studies (German) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
* EDN1285/1295/2285/2295/3285/3295 Music studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
* EDN1495/1505/2495/2505/3495/3505 Sports studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
* EDN3195/3205 Studio arts A: sculpture/textiles 5, 6
* EDN3645*/3655* Studio arts B: painting/printmaking 5, 6
* EDN1525*/1545*/2525*/2545*/3525*/3545* Studio arts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
* MAT1501/1502/2501/2502/3501/3502 Studies in mathematics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (taught by the Department of Mathematics)
* EDN1345/1355/2345/2355/3345 Human biology 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Practical experience
Periods of teaching practice in child care centres, preschools and primary schools are arranged throughout the course.