Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)
This unit builds on fore-going early childhood teaching studies units, and will provide students with the opportunity to examine best practice teaching and learning at an advanced level. Students will be required to undertake an approved 15 day (supervised) negotiated preferential practicum placement. This negotiated practicum will have a focus on quality, and the nature of teaching or practical experience that students conduct is expected to be commensurate with a professional 'almost qualified' to take her or his place alongside other professionals within the particular chosen setting.
As a result of studying this unit students are expected to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding either of working in a particular early childhood or primary school setting beyond those already experienced as part of the BECEd or BECS, or of working in a related service or agency that supports early childhood or primary school settings and programs; negotiate with the unit coordinator and the work place supervisor, the role she or he will have within the setting in meeting a designated need - i.e., in developing, implementing and evaluating a program or process that substantially contributes to, improves or extends existing work place practices, while at the same time further developing the student's own knowledge, understandings, and skills, work in a collaborative manner with work place providers; examine the nature of 'best practice' conventions within their chosen setting and focus task, conduct and report on a small applied or action study project related to the practicum setting or focus of the practicum; determine relevant personal and work place goals; develop and apply strategies for successful implementation of practicum tasks; determine appropriate indicators to evaluate the quality of outcomes set for practicum; demonstrate professional, confidential behaviour at all times.
Pass grade only (PGO) - Journal and Placement diary, Research paper and Seminar presentation
Hurdle requirement: satisfactory completion of practicum and all tutorial tasks.
3 hours per week