EDF4501 - Early childhood mathematics, science and technology

Leader(s): Dr J Robbins (Peninsula); Dr J Robbins (Singapore)

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2009 (Day)
Peninsula Term 2 2009 (Off-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

Internationally, early childhood education has moved from framing teaching and learning from a developmental perspective to utilising sociocultural theory. In line with this recent theoretical shift, this unit examines how learning in science, technology and mathematics can be introduced to children following a socio-cultural approach

Objectives

The broad aims of this unit are for you to demonstrate evidence of:

• developing knowledge and understanding of how young children develop mathematical, scientific and technological understandings, abilities and attitudes;
• analysing the construction and reproduction of knowledge in mathematics, science and technology and make judgments on the implications of this for young children's learning in these areas;
• implementing a socio-cultural framework to observe, assess, and document maths, science and technology experiences in an early childhood setting, and
• confidently be able to assess, plan, prepare and implement appropriate experiences in these areas across a range of early childhood settings following a socio-cultural perspective.

Assessment

Research paper: 50% (2000 words)
Socio-cultural analysis of early childhood science, technology and mathematics: 50% (equivalent to 2000 words)

Contact hours

Equivalent of 3 hours